WLFI - Pence, Rokita Tour Crop Damage in Jasper & Cass Counties

News Article

by Kelly Roberts

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita saw crop damage up close in one of the hardest hit areas -- Jasper County.

"We're going to walk back to an area where it's about 80 acres and most of that 80 acres has died because it's just been flooded out with water," farmer Kendell Culp said.

Culp is a Jasper County commissioner; and as of Wednesday, the county still had nearly 20 roads closed because of flooding. Culp has also seen personal loss on his farm.

"The losses here are personal, but they're also financially very significant," Pence said.

Pence said he was told Wednesday crop damage is reaching more than $700 million.

Culp said he's lost 50 percent of his crop, which means he's lost 50 percent of his profit.

"If a typical yield would be 200 bushels, you're only going to get 100 bushels," Culp said. "Right now, [with] today's prices, that's about $400 an acre when it would've been $800 an acre."

Pence and Rokita said if the damage is great enough, they can ask for federal money.

"We're evaluating an option for us to make a disaster and emergency request for funding from Washington, D.C.," Pence said. "If the damage reaches a certain level, then we're able to pursue that with some confidence."

Rokita agreed, "My office is very proactive in these kinds of instances. We've already precalled FEMA in case we reach those legal thresholds. My D.C. and district offices are ready and this will be the top priority."

Julia Wickard with the U.S. Department of Agriculture said at least 30 percent of a county's crop must be dead or damaged to file a disaster declaration. Rokita said the total amount of damage could be known in two weeks, that is if it doesn't rain like is has been.

Until then, Culp is staying optimistic.

"We'll hope next year will be better," Culp said.

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