Farmers face crop devastation due to severe flooding in Minnesota
- Heavy rain in Minnesota has led to flood risks for crops, particularly in southern and eastern regions.
- Farmers are experiencing significant crop damage due to standing water, with some areas receiving 5.5 inches of rain.
- The situation raises concerns about future farming viability, highlighting the unpredictable nature of weather and farming.
In southern Minnesota, recent heavy rainfall has led to flooded fields threatening farmers' crops, creating significant concern within the agricultural community. On June 26, 2025, the area experienced another round of heavy rain, specifically impacting southern and eastern Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin. Rainfall estimates ranged from 1 to 3 inches, particularly affecting regions that already received substantial rainfall on the previous day. This has resulted in overall flooding, although Thursday's flood threat is reported to be lower than the previous day, with no active alerts. Despite the volume of rainfall being welcomed during the growing season, excessive moisture has begun to harm the crops. Ryan Mackenthun, a local farmer and vice president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, stated that areas like Canby received 5.5 inches of rain by the evening previous to June 26, 2025. While Minnesota farmers generally appreciate rain during this critical seasonal period, Mackenthun highlighted the devastating impact that too much rain can have on yields, as crops suffer when submerged for longer than 48 hours. In addition to flooding fields, the excess water has started to affect roadways, with videos showing flooded fields spilling onto highways near Echo, Minnesota. Mackenthun has observed significant damage within the farming community and expressed concern, acknowledging that even with drainage systems in use, these efforts can sometimes fall short. The current crop's viability is at risk, as farmers face potential losses that can severely affect their margins. Last season, Mackenthun faced a significant loss of 12% of his crops due to flooding, and he warns that the situation could worsen if the rain does not abate. Moreover, this year's flooding is concerning for cherry growers and other agricultural sectors which previously suffered from equally extreme weather patterns. Mackenthun referred to last summer's severe flooding that turned farmland into lakes, with regions receiving up to 14 inches in a week. He remarked on the tricky nature of weather-related challenges faced by farmers, pointing out the risk of drought following excessive moisture, which adds a layer of complexity to managing agricultural businesses. Farmers are thus caught in a precarious situation where hopes for rain can quickly turn into fears of crop loss, illustrating the unpredictability of farming driven by natural weather patterns.