How Flooding Affects Southern Missouri's Crop Production

By Rachel Schnelle

Data from the U.S Drought Mitigation Center reveals most Missouri is out of a drought but how does the excess water impact planting and harvesting this summer?

Southern Missouri is drought-free for the first time in eight months, according to the newest U.S Drought Monitor Map of the state. The region received more than 20 inches of rain from March 1 to the end of May.

While this is an improvement from February's moderate drought, the heavy rainfall had damaging effects on the infrastructure and future crop yields.

In April, a severe storm with high winds caused most of Springfield to be without power for several days. In the West Plains area, a round of storms caused flooding in some areas and claimed the life of one person who tried to drive through a flooded area.

Lindsay Johnson with the National Drought Mitigation Center says this precipitation is well above normal.

"If we look back at that same three-month period of March to May, much of southern Missouri was in the top third wettest in 131 years," she explained.

Johnson said the heavy rainfall allows soil moisture and groundwater to be 'above where it needs to be.'

Summer is a busy season for many farmers because certain crops are either harvested or planted during the months of May and June.

Farmers harvest winter wheat in May and June. They harvest fescue for hay during those months. Farmers typically plant corn in April, and they harvest it in the fall.

The heavy rainfall and flooding in this region impact farmers and growers. Micah Doubledee, agronomist with the Missouri Extension, said the excessive rainfall delayed the wheat harvest and disrupted corn and soybean planting.