Farmers across Indiana are navigating the recovery process three weeks after heavy rains flooded parts of the state.

At the Jones family farm in Milton, Pamela Jones spent time in August inspecting her flower fields. The recent storms flooded much of her acreage, including a backfield currently prepared for strawberry planting.

“I just think it's fascinating; like, dead, but alive,” Jones said while looking over the damage.

The flooding affected her vegetable and flower areas after the water table rose so high that water pushed up through the ground. The standing water remained for nearly two weeks, killing flowers, cucumbers, and zucchini.

Despite the losses, Jones remains resilient.

“We've seen heartbreak before,” Jones said. “It was just one of those months that you could say you couldn't really complain because someone has it way worse.”

Faced with potential crop damage, the Jones family contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture for assistance. Steve Brown, a USDA executive director, urged all farmers, regardless of the size of their operation, to report losses immediately.

“If you've got a significant loss, whether you're a large farmer or a specialty crop farmer... they need to come into our office and report the damage,” Brown said. “That's the main thing right now, to make sure we're aware of that loss that happens.”

Brown noted that 21 Indiana counties were included in an initial major disaster declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While the declaration provides a path for relief, Brown warned that the process takes time.

Federal officials expect to process livestock and honeybee losses through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program faster than other claims. Other forms of relief will likely roll out over a longer period.

Back at the Jones farm, the family was assessing its pumpkin crop. While the pumpkins are not yet “in the clear,” early signs have given the family reason to be optimistic about the harvest.

“I think if you're farming, you're probably just used to this mess,” Jones said. “You're used to weather events. This is not new to you, not foreign to you.”

Source - https://www.wrtv.com