Colorado floodwaters menace state's $41 billion agriculture sector

In the summer of 2013, the towns of Lyons and Longmont, Colorado were hit hard by severe flooding, causing at least 8 deaths and $2 billion in damages. While many people are worried about rebuilding homes and community buildings, it is often forgotten how much the state depends on it's agricultural industry. The main cash crop in Colorado is corn, which is mostly put towards feeding cattle. After the flooding, the fields of corn, which bring in a total of $41 billion a year, are covered in mud and debris.

This may not affect us here in Virginia, but as a Coloradan at heart, this really hits home. The economy around the country is strained enough as it is without covering for natural disasters. New Orleans wasn't rebuilt in a day after Katrina. It may take years to restore Colorado's agriculture industry. The state is a top producer of corn, and a decline in product could affect the rest of the country. 

This issue raises the question of whether or not farmers should invest in cleaning up their fields or replanting altogether. Colorado isn't known for its high levels of precipitation; having only 15- 22 in of precipitation on average, the majority of that being snow. This flooding brought 9 inches, just on the first day, which is unheard of. Could this water have been beneficial to the soil? After giving the soil time to adjust to the rain, it may help the next year's corn production. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/20/us-usa-colorado-flooding-farms-idUSBRE98J09I20130920