OPELOUSAS, LA – Earlier this week, a group of central Louisiana farmers met with state officials to discuss the recent flooding caused by Tropical Storm Arthur, which set a new record for 24 hours of rainfall in the state with just over 29 inches. The impacts of the storm are still being felt as water slowly recedes downstream, causing issues for low lying areas of cropland south of central Louisiana.
Louisiana Ag Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain reminded the group they had been here before, with similar issues from hurricanes in years past, although experience doesn’t make the process any easier or less impactful, especially in a year like this for Louisiana farmers.
"Document everything you can, including notes, receipts for any recovery expenses, and be sure to get everything in writing before moving forward with next steps," Strain recommended. "You may know the crop is a total loss, but don’t take steps such as plowing it under or otherwise without having the documentation you need to meet any insurance or program requirements.”
State Commissioner of Insurance Tim Temple and State Senator Stewart Cathey said they were following the situation and would be working from a state perspective to support all those affected.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Craig McCain reiterated that USDA has multiple programs that offer disaster assistance. “Commissioner Strain, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, and Governor Jeff Landry are reaching out for the disaster declaration request, and once that process is completed, it will offer multiple assistance programs for both crop and livestock producers. If you're unsure of what all you qualify for, reach out to your local FSA office and sit down with them to go over what will work best for you.”
Damage assessment is still ongoing to determine the scope of loss across the region. Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot said his organization was also involved in the assistance effort, including sending a team to the region last week from their annual convention to help in the immediate aftermath of the destructive weather system.
Several growers reported on issues the region faces with drainage and water backing up during heavy rain events causing rice in various stages of maturity, along with other crops, to spend extended time underwater. The full extent of damage is still undetermined, and time will tell if the region’s growers will be able to salvage any portion of the flooded rice crop.