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Farmers preparing for the worst

Unprecedented winter flooding on the Mississippi River has farmers in the River Bottoms working to make sure their farms are protected as much as possible.

Bruce Brinkman farms in Monroe County, Illinois – about 30 minutes southeast of St. Louis.

Earlier this week the National Weather Service predicted the Mississippi River to crest at nearly 45 feet.  While Brinkman says he is 80 percent confident the levees will hold – he isn’t taking any chances.  “I’m sitting here with 3,200 head of hogs and we are shipping right at 1,000 head out this week,” he says.  “They are at market weight and we went a little lighter so we could get a few more animals out – just in case we would have to evacuate all of them.”

He tells Brownfield they’re also hauling grain from their on-farm storage and will continue to do so as long as the elevators will take it.  “We’re hauling a lot of grain just so the bins are lower and trying to get it emptied out,” he says.  “I’m sure we’re not going to get it all hauled out so that if we would get high water or flooding – it’s not all lost.”

Brinkman says they started making arrangements on Monday and on Tuesday started hauling grain and pigs.  He says his neighbors, friends, and family have played an integral role in preparing for what he says is the worst possible scenario.