Farmers in the Utica, Beaver Crossing and Waco areas are feeling the hard-hitting effects of a hail storm that rolled through Seward County. A meeting was held Aug. 13 in Utica, where area farmers heard a damage presentation by Jenny Rees, the crops and water Extension educator for Seward and York counties. Rees said Aug. 20 that farmers have a few options, but should know what questions to ask their insurance companies. Their options will depend on what crop insurance decisions they made for each individual farm. “We recommend asking the insurance agent how he or she wishes to handle grain quality at harvest,” Rees said. “We’re seeing mold occurring on damaged ears right now, so crop insurance agents may have a specific way each one wishes to handle samples at harvest.” She said farmers should ask if their insurance agent will accept the co-op sample report or if they wish to take their own samples. Also, they should find out if a farmer is allowed to put any grain in the bin before a sample is taken. Rees suggested that farmers check their fields to determine which areas were most affected by stalk rot and kernal damage. “Those areas should be harvested first if they’re being taken for grain, and we’re recommending to fill any contracts with grain from those areas first. Silage is an option if the farmer has a market for it,” she said. Extension is working on a project related to analyzing silage from hail-damaged corn. Those interested in participating may contact Rees for details. Rees said she did not have estimates on the extent of the damage relative to cost or a total number of acres affected. Source - https://www.sewardindependent.com