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Resources for Farms Impacted by Flooding

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June 1, 2020 - Erica Rogers, Elizabeth Ferry<franzeli@msu.edu>, Monica Jean<atkinmon@msu.edu>, Florencia Colella<colellaf@msu.edu>, Corey Clark<clarkcr@msu.edu>, Thomas Guthrie<guthri19@msu.edu>, Benjamin Philips, Sarah Fronczak<froncza3@msu.edu>, Kable Thurlow<thurlowk@msu.edu> and Paul Gross, Michigan State University Extension

Information on the Current Situation

Financial Management

Farmers, homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes encounter  financial impacts when they experience a flooding disaster. Below are resources to help those impacted work through some of the financial implications of a flood including; real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, inventory and business assets and cropping decisions.

Farm Stress 

Disaster situations, such as floods, are unprecedented and stressful. The health and safety of those impacted is very important. Below are resources that focus on mental health and well-being. 

Emergency Relief for Livestock

When livestock farms are impacted by flooding, there are many variables to consider. Understanding the issues that surround adequate feed supplies, managing wet feed and grain, accessing quality pastures, animal health impacts and others is important when responding to a disaster situation. Below are resources that will help farmers with livestock make management decisions. 

Feed

Health 

Housing/Fencing/Other

Crop Production

Crop production acres will be impacted by flooding and will likely require field renovation, replanting and additional application of nutrients. To determine the impact and best solutions, below are resources that will help farmers through the decision making process. 

Farm Safety and Infrastructure Management 

Spills

If a spill or release of pesticides, fertilizers, manure, or fuel occurs call the MDARD agriculture spill 24-hour hotline 1-800-405-0101 or EGLE's Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at 800-292-4706. Staff provides direction to the responsible party to contain the spill. Once any immediate environmental concerns are abated, the responsible party is provided with advice on how to clean-up the spilled material. 

Pesticides and Herbicides

These chemicals and their storage areas may be contaminated after flooding. Look out for signs of illness after handling pesticides or pesticide wastes. Symptoms could include headache, nausea, diarrhea, vision problems, excessive salivation or sweating, difficulty in breathing, weakness, tremors, or convulsions. See a doctor immediately or your local poison control center if symptoms appear.

Any water pumped from these agrichemical handling facilities must be captured, land applied, and treated as rinsate.

Fertilizer

Any water pumped from these agrichemical handling facilities must be captured, land applied, and treated as rinsate.

Manure and Manure Storage

Check berms along the edges of in-ground manure storages for washouts. Add backfill and recompact to retain the integrity of the structure. Stockpiles should be moved to higher ground when it is safe to do so or applied to fields/pastures that can handle the nutrients and have dried considerably. Make sure manure application coincides with the best management practices recommended in the Michigan Right to Farm Manure Management and Utilization GAAMPs. If you are a permitted farm through EGLE, follow your Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan for appropriate nutrient application of manure. 

Fuel Storage

Drains and Waterways

The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service has an Emergency Watershed Program (EWP). The program is a recovery effort aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by natural disasters. Work with local sponsors such as a city or county, to provide technical and financial assistance. Farmers and other individuals can get assistance but they must work through a local sponsor. 

Contamination Considerations with Potential Human Health Impacts

After flooding occurs, water and food for direct consumption can be contaminated. Resources to address these concerns can be found below. 

Rodent Control

Flooded areas may see an influx of rodents and vermin. Implementing a comprehensive rodent control program is key to mitigating the issues brought on by infestation. When addressing rodent infestation, care should be taken to follow guidelines for food safety and programs that your farm participates in.  

Public Relations

If you need help telling your farm story please reach out to your local county Farm Bureau, commodity group or organization representative.

Governmental Agency Information 

Learn about federal and state assistance programs. 

Other Helpful Resources

Questions?

Erica Rogers - Environmental Management Educator: roger392@msu.edu  814-441-1356

Beth Ferry - Swine Educator: franzeli@msu.edu  269-876-2745

Monica Jean - Field Crops Educator: atkinmon@msu.edu  616-443-8782

Tom Guthrie - Equine Educator: guthri19@msu.edu

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