Grain bins were damaged by the derecho storm on Aug. 10, 2020. (Screen shot from Iowa PBS livestream)
Monday’s derecho storm brought winds of up to 100 miles per hour in the Midwest, robbing grain processing plants of power, toppling grain bins and damaging farm equipment, Reuters reported.
It was another setback for agriculture, already fighting low crop prices due to the trade war with China, a strong growing season, and slumping demand for ethanol.
Heartland Co-op reported damage at 21 of its grain storage facilities, and warned farmers that they have to find different storage for this year’s harvest.
Landus Cooperative reported damage to conveyor equipment at Bondurant. Cargill’s Cedar Rapids plant lost power Monday. Archer Daniels Midland shut down its corn processing plant in Cedar Rapids and was checking for damage, Reuters reported.
The winds demolished grain bins at Agriland FS Inc. in Winterset, spilling corn, Reuters reported.
“Many farmers and agribusinesses experienced damage to crops, grain bins and buildings as severe storms tracked across the state,” Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said in a statement Monday.
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