Will the current flood in Midwest hurt crop production this year?

Question

Will it have a significant effect on food price and fertilizer use? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

i concur with Seth C.

Answer 2

The flood will have done considerable damage to the winter wheat crop in the Midwest, but it will not affect the overall price of wheat much. It is early enough in the season not to cause much problem with the grain crops of corn or soybeans. The Midwest needed the rain, but getting so much at one time is not very beneficial.

Answer 3

As most farmers have not yet planted their crops, it could and it couldn't.  If the water stands for a long enough time to where the farmers need to postpone their planting, then worst-case scenario - we have crops that are a little bit more premature than what we're used to.

Otherwise, I wouldn't think it would.

Also, if things go how I said (which if anything does happen, I think that'll be it), food prices will not go up, because the same amount will be produced eventually.  And most farmers have not spread their fertilizer yet, so the floods haven't been able to wash any away.  So no to the prices questions.

Answer 4

No it should have little to no negative effect. About the only thing it could impact is the winter wheat crop as that is about the only crop in the fields right now in the Midwest and the wheat in water logged SW Ohio looks like it loved all the rain.

If anything this rain/flooding is recharging the aquafers which is badly needed after last years' drought.

Now if we keep getting rain into late April and the farmers cannot get into the fields than there could be issues as there is a window of opportunity when planting and if you miss it you will not get a good crop.

Answer 5

The rains received through Illinois in early February created a fast runoff as much of the ground was still frozen at the surface.  When the ground is still frozen it will not have the same effect of erosion or nutrient washout as if the ground was not frozen.  The rains in March are soaking in and replenishing the aquifers.  Areas with heavier rainfall and inturn creating high water and flooding in some areas may be affecting the wheat crops to some extent, yet if the water recedes in a timely manner the crop will survive.

Answer 6

It won't have a huge effect on the price. If the water is acidic(and I hope it's not), it could destroy some of the crops and prices go up. If it's not acidic, it could give the soil more nutrients, producing more crops and lower pricess

Answer 7

im not sure. =]