Flooding Covers Nebraska While Louisiana Struggles to Contain the Mighty Mississippi

Massive rainfall combined with the melting of an above-normal winter snowfall has put farms and ranches under water in many areas of Nebraska. All of that water will eventually make its way down the Mississippi River to Louisiana, where it is already above flood stage in some areas.

“In those areas adjacent to the river we’re watching for seepage,” said Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Dr. Mike Strain. “We’re watching for sand boils, where the water comes under the levee and starts coming out on the other side.”

Strain said there are several areas where the water is reaching the top of the levee, but so far he doesn’t know of any water that has come over the top.

The Bonne Carre Spillway was opened recently to prevent the river from flooding New Orleans, but that causes a detrimental effect on oyster beds in Lake Ponchartrain by changing the salinity of the water.

There is still the possibility of having to open the Morganza Spillway to protect Baton Rouge, and that would flood thousands of acres of Louisiana farm land.

“There’s more than 24,000 acres of very fertile farmland that would be affected by that,” said Strain. “Those farmers are having to make a decision on whether or not to risk putting seed in the ground.”

Meanwhile in the Midwest, the Nebraska Farm Bureau has set up a relief fund for those farmers and ranchers affected by the flooding.

“The monies that come into that fund will be used exclusively for farmers and ranchers and 100 percent of that money will be used to help people in need,” said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson. “We appreciate everyone’s concern and their willingness to help.”

Donations can be made to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Relief Fund on their website at www.nefb.org.