Flood Warning: Mississippi River

Jul 04, 2014

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning in areas along the Mississippi River. The warning comes after heavy rains throughout much of June has plagued the upper Midwest, Corn Belt region. The river is estimated to be at five to eight feet over the flood state (in certain areas along the river). Areas in question include: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and northern Missouri.

Most of the rain that has fell was concentrated on certain days – June 22, June 30, June 26 and June 27. According to Harry Hillaker, state climatologist for the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship, the statewide average precipitation for June 2014 in Illinois was 6.78 inches of rain, making it the eighth wettest June on record.

Given the precipitation levels, the Corn Belt was wetter than average with the average rainfall levels in the range of six to ten inches. Thankfully, the majority, 80 per cent of grain exports occur between September and February so the rising Mississippi water levels shouldn’t have a huge impact on the U.S. grain industry.

Communities and those celebrating Independence Day throughout the weekend are advised to use extreme caution as river conditions and water levels could quickly change depending on the weather.

The rising water levels has prompted the closure of several locks and dams along the Mississippi. It could be about two weeks before dams are locks and dams are reopened. Hydrologists at the National Weather Service predicts that water levels won’t drop below flood stage until early July.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.