Excerpt from Crop Production: August 10, 1951

Several million acres of crops were destroyed by floods in a large central area in Although accurate estimates of individual 'crop acreage losses are not ava e, allowance has been made in the production estimates, as of August 1, for such losses as appear to have occurred, The heaviest flood losses and damage occ urred in the eastern two-thirds of Kansas, along the Missouri River and its trib utaries in Missouri, and along river systems in central and southern Illinois. Southeastern Nebraska suffered minor losses as did small areas of northeastern Okla homa where flood waters from Kansas rivers overflowed streams. The heavy rainfall during the first half of July resulted in the heaviest floods of record in Kansas am: along the Missouri River in Missouri. Wheat, being the principal cr0p in the general flood areas, suffered the heaviest loss both to mature grain and also to that nearing maturity at the time of the flood, Corn acreage losses were probably second with oats third. Sorghums, soybeans, barley, flaxseed, and hay crops. Particularly alfalfa, also suffered considerable losses. Crops growing in bottom lands of the rivers, small' streams, and creeks in the flood areas were virtually a complete loss. In Kansas and northwestern Missouri, heavy rains, high winds, and hail storms also caused considerable damage outside the area covered by floods. Livestock losses in the flood areas were relatively light as farmers were warned of the impending floods and moved most of their livestock to higher ground. Most mobile'farm equipment was saved but losses of other farm machinery'were heavy in the worst flood areas. Some farm stored grains were lost, Outside the severe flood areas, the rainfall bene fited crepe and was particularly favorable to pastures and other vegetative growth. Generally good weather prevailed in this area in late July.

Corn prospects were nearly maintained at the July 1 level, with the estimate at 3, 207 million bushels. Much of the decline of 88 million bushels is due to flood losses. Growing conditions were fairly favorable in the Corn Belt, as rapid progres in the latter part of July did much to overcome lateness in planting and previous development, However, some corn which was planted or replanted late will need at least the usual fall growing season to reach maturity, In parts of the South, corn yields were reduced by dry, hot weather. Corn was tasselling as far north as southern North Dakota, In Iowa, the crop had made about the same pregress as in 1950, but was later than in 1948 and 1949, Wet fields in some sections had pre vented cultivation to the desired extent; but the ample soil moisture in most corn growing areas was a factor favoring current and future development.

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