The stage is set for more spring flooding in Missouri.
University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan says a lot will depend on the weather patterns that set up over the region in the next few weeks.
Missouri farmers, still reeling from 2019 weather woes, face a greater-than-50-percent chance of moderate flooding on mainstream rivers and their tributaries again, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts for the Midwest and Missouri River basin.
A moderate flood risk extends along the Missouri River and its tributaries from Rulo, Nebraska, to its mouth at St. Louis.
Extremely wet soil conditions this past winter laid the groundwork for another troubled growing season in the agricultural world, Guinan said. This was the third consecutive wet winter in Missouri. It also ranked as the 19th-wettest winter in the National Weather Service’s 125 years of records.
Wet conditions continued into the new year, delaying timely nitrogen applications to wheat in some areas. However, short dry spells have allowed some wheat to be fertilized, and repair of some fields occurred.
Tracie Moore, MU Extension county engagement specialist in agriculture and environment in Chariton County, said current rains have not helped much.
Brunswick was one of the areas in Missouri hardest hit by flooding in 2019. Debris and high water washed out the Norfolk Southern Railroad bridge, suspending rail service between Moberly and Kansas City. The agribusiness community suffered another blow when floodwaters hit the Brunswick River Terminal, one of state’s largest grain terminals. Moore said some levees along the Grand River received repairs. Others have not.
MU Extension agricultural engineering specialist Kent Shannon said many farmers are still evaluating fields and prioritizing where they can work with the least amount of effort.