USA - High winds cause major loss for area farmers

31.07.2018 580 views
Morgan County's agricultural industry was hit pretty hard Sunday evening, leaving several locals farms without crops to harvest or livestock to sell. The Morgan County Extension office received several calls Monday morning regarding damages from the storm that tore through the area. Marlin Eisenach from the Extension Office explained that the agricultural areas that were the most highly affected were between Brush and Snyder. "The wind was the most devastating thing for us," said Eisenach, who visited several affected farms Monday morning. "Where it hit, it really hit hard." Many crops were ruined, some even reported 100 percent loss. Unfortunately, due to the storm hitting late in the season, most affected farmers will have to wait until the next planting season to restore their crops. Eisenach confirmed that any growing crop in the area was bound to be affected. "The wind was so strong it just shredded up the crops," Eisenach said. The sugar beet and alfalfa crops were mangled by the winds, but the crop that endured the most physical damage was corn. According to Eisenach, many corn crops with completely blown over by the wind, having been snapped off at the base. In addition to the crop farms, several livestock farms were damaged as well. "Some flying debris cut up some of the livestock," said Eisenach. One of the farmers affected by the storm was Jason Holdren. He had a heifer entered in the 4-H Catch-It program at the Morgan County Fair that was hurt badly by the hail and debris in the storm. "We had her evaluated and the vet had seen she had bruising and welts," said Holdren. "They had to give her pain relievers and medicine to help with the inflammation." However, the bruised heifer was not the extent of the damages Holdren's farm saw. "All our crops were totaled. The windows in our house were broken. The windows in our vehicles were broken," he said. "But, we're completely blessed that everyone is safe and healthy." Holdren, like many other farmers in the area, is confident that he and his farm will bounce back from the storm in next year's growing season. But for now, all the farmers can do is wait. Source - http://www.fortmorgantimes.com
04.06.2026

India - Delhi raises crop damage compensation after 10 years by over 50% to Rs 75,000 per hectare

In a major relief for farmers, the Delhi government has increased compensation for crop loss caused by rain and hailstorms from Rs 20,000 per acre to Rs 75,000 per hectare.

04.06.2026

Why Tech-Driven Agro-Insurance Has Stumbled in Ethiopia

For decades, Ethiopia’s agricultural sector has remained trapped in a dangerous paradox. 

04.06.2026

UK - Rural crime cost Wales £2.2m last year despite fall in offences

Rural crime cost Wales an estimated £2.2 million last year, with organised criminals continuing to target tractors, livestock and farming equipment despite an overall fall in offences, according to a new report.

04.06.2026

Kenyan Agro-Insurance Startup, Pula Raises US$ 20 Million in Series B Round

Pula, a Kenyan startup that offers insurance to small-scale farmers, aims to serve more than 100 million farmers in Africa after raising US$ 20 million in its Series B round. 

04.06.2026

USA - USDA announces $52M to boost public access to private lands for hunting, fishing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is announcing $52 million to help state and tribal governments encourage private landowners to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). 

04.06.2026

Hope Grows in Malawi’s Grain Stores as Farmers Battle Post-Harvest Losses

Some grain rots in poorly ventilated storage. Some is eaten by pests. Some is damaged during drying or transportation before it ever reaches the market.

03.06.2026

Canada - AFSC extends several northern Alberta seeding dates for 2026

Alberta’s Agriculture Financial Services Corp. (AFSC) is extending the recommended seeding dates in the province’s northeast, northwest and Peace regions for several crops for the 2026 growing season only.

03.06.2026

India - Elephants run amok in Konaje agricultural farm, cause massive crop damage

A herd of elephants, including calves, wreaked havoc on an agricultural farm belonging to Yashodhara Gowda at Pallattadka in Konaje village of Kadaba taluk.