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Lower Mississippi River level allows shipping, but flood effects remain

Missouri Ag Department officials tell Brownfield the Mississippi River at St. Louis has fallen enough to allow commercial navigation to resume. They say grain elevators are re-opening to accept grain after being shut for two weeks.

Even so, spring flooding will likely affect Missouri farmers through the entire growing season. Missouri Ag Director Chris Chinn says planting prospects for many are not encouraging.

“It’s depressing, to be quite honest,” said Chinn, referring to planting delays.

Chinn tells Brownfield farmers without levee protection may not even plant at all, and those near over-topped levees will be drying out for a long time.

“But in areas along Mid-Missouri here or up in the northern or southern parts of the state, they’re all very wet, so planting is delayed,” Chinn told Brownfield Ag News. “So it’s going to be a late planting which is going to result, most likely, in a late harvest again.”

With what’s gone on, Chinn says there is also the risk of discouragement and depression for which, she says, there’s help.

“We really want people to reach out for help,” she said. “Even if you think, ‘it’s not important, I’ll get over this.’ Don’t do that. Reach out for help.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There’s also a crisis text line, according to Chinn. Text HOME to 741-741 for 24/7 crisis support.

AUDIO: Chris Chinn on flooding

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