Governor Mike Pence Visits Northern Indiana Farms, Surveys Floods

Press Release

Governor Mike Pence is visiting farms in northern Indiana today to survey damage caused by recent heavy rains. He met with farmers at Culp Farm in Jasper County earlier today and will meet with Hoosier farmers in Plank Farm in Cass County to see how the heavy rains are causing significant crop damage and to gauge the potential economic impact to farmers across Indiana.

"Our farmers and agriculture industry are a major part of Indiana's economy, and we are closely monitoring how the industry may be impacted by the heavy rains that have occurred across much of the state," said Governor Pence. "Hoosier farmers can be assured that the state of Indiana will continue to work with the Farm Service Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture to provide the appropriate assistance to those farmers experiencing great losses."

The Governor was joined by Congressman Todd Rokita, as well as Don Villwock of Indiana Farm Bureau and Patrick Pfingsten of the Indiana Soybean Alliance. Photos from today's Jasper County farm visit can be found attached.

"In trying times like these, I have no doubt we will see the kindness and generosity of Hoosiers in communities across the state. While the flood damage I saw today is a temporary setback, I know our farmers will bounce back thanks to their strong work ethic and resiliency," said Congressman Todd Rokita. "My office is trained for this type of situation and we are prepared to act in Washington and in the District should the damages require federal intervention."

Farmers can submit crop damage reports to their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices as soon as possible to help measure the extent of damage to this year's crop production. Federal programs that are available include:

Disaster Designation

Low interest emergency loans will be made available to all producers in counties where 30% or more of a single crop has been damaged according to the FSA.

Federal Crop Insurance

Failed crop areas of greater than 20 acres or 20% of the insured acreage are eligible for crop insurance claims.

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