Corn Growers Disappointed With Corps’ Decision

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–This evening, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) notified the public of plans to blow the front line levee at Birds Point, in turn flooding large portions of Mississippi and New Madrid counties in southeast Missouri. Inflicting long-term destruction on prime farmland, Missouri Corn Growers Association CEO Gary Marshall issued the following statement.

“The hearts and prayers of Missouri corn growers go out to the families affected by the intentional breach of Birds Point levee. We understand the blast was intended for the greater good of surrounding residents, however, the agricultural and economic losses in Mississippi and New Madrid counties are devastating and a long recovery process looms ahead.

“Over the past two weeks, Missouri Corn has been working behind the scenes with elected officials, trying to protect hundreds of thousands of acres of cropland and the livelihoods of farmers. While we are disappointed with the Corps’ decision, we are grateful to Gov. Jay Nixon, Sens. Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt, Rep. Jo Ann Emerson and Attorney General Chris Koster for exhausting all possible resources in an attempt to prevent this intentional breach of the levee.

“This levee blast will not only decimate this year’s crop, but the sand and silt left behind will impede farmers for years to come. Our efforts will now focus on finding ways to identify federal and state support for growers in the spillway area.

“As water levels recede, Missouri Corn will continue working with growers in southeast Missouri to help rebuild and recover from this year’s devastating floods.”