Hill said farmers may have to wait until mid-July before planting can begin on flooded fields. Many low-land farmers were optimistic with April's low river levels that flooding would not be a problem this year. The crop will just jump out of the ground and grow off fast. Soybeans are the only crop farmers can plant under these conditions with any hope of some level of yield. Crop acreage impacted by the flood includes mostly soybean land, but a large percentage of cotton was planted this year following good spring conditions.
Additional crops affected are corn and some peanuts.
John Coccaro, area specialized agent in Sharkey County, said the Corps of Engineers helped many growers anticipate the flood six weeks before the river's peak. Those who listened to predictions were able to stop further financial investments in crop land near the river. Terry Rector, Warren County agent, said despite warnings, the late season flood makes this year's loss more costly. But many growers already had spent money this year on weed and insect control and nitrogen. Rector said the growers aren't the only ones losing money on the river when floods hit.