Ag Commish Says Farms To Be Impacted By Flooding

The impending opening of the Morganza holds dire consequences for farmers in the path to the water.  Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says Louisiana can expect to have between 50,000 to 100,000 farming acres impacted by the flood.  Some of the crop damage will come directly from the release of water into the spillway.  Some areas will see backwater flooding as the rising river blocks tributaries.  Strain says crop damage will also come from an unlikely source, animals that will flee the flooded areas.  Strain says they are taking early steps to secure assistance for farmers through a number of state and federal programs.