MARTINSVILLE — Martinsville received more rain than any other central Indiana town during last week's severe storms. The White River through town has flooded, which also washed out nearby cornfields.
According to the National Weather Service, 8 inches of rain fell on Martinsville between March 30 and April 6. The White River level was in moderate flood stage throughout the weekend and is forecasted to remain in the minor flood zone through Thursday night.
Since many farmers plant crops near the White River due to Morgan County's terrain, the flood will likely push back planting season.
"Most of the time, you can't build in the floodplains. What can you do? You can farm," said Michele Jones of the Purdue Extension Morgan County office. "Around this time, farmers were knifing in with hydrous and fertilizer, doing all of the pre-work the week before last."
All of that work must be re-done if a field is flooded.
"Once the fields dry out, you can't necessarily hop out and just start planting," Jones said. "You're going to have to assess your fields for sticks, logs, trashcans. Whatever may have been deposited."
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Morgan County has 130,000 acres of farmland. The agriculture economy brings in an estimated $47 million of profit every year.
The severe rain and floods mean farmers will have to wait to make their money.
"We needed rain, but we didn't need that much at the same time," Jones said.
-
Martin University to pause operations at end of current semester
Martin University announced Tuesday that it will pause operations at the end of the current semester, citing financial and enrollment challenges.
I-65 reopens after semi carrying explosives catches fire in Bartholomew County
I-65 has been completely shut down in both directions following a semi-truck fire involving explosive materials, according to Bartholomew County officials.
Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis expansion set to open Spring 2026
Big changes are coming to the near south side of Indianapolis in the new year. The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) expansion is set to open May 1, 2026.
State lawmakers consider bill proposing death by firing squad
Republican Senator Mike Young of Indianapolis authored the bill, which would be an alternative to the use of lethal injection, a method that resumed last year in Indiana.
