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.
-
Showing up and showing out on the biggest stage in basketball
At every home game, the Pacers Entertainment Teams show their support for the Pacers. Their intricate routines keep the crowd engaged and fired up.
Learning life lessons from the Pacers
One young fan is applying the lessons he's learned from the Pacers in everyday life. That mindset of never being out of the game and never giving up.
The voices of the Pacers create an unforgettable moment in the NBA Finals
Media worlds collided during Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Pacers radio announcer Mark Boyle teamed up with TV play-by-play caller Chris Denari during the NBA Finals.
Pacers still call Indiana home thanks to Herb and Mel Simon
The Simon brothers bought the Pacers for $11 million in 1983. Herb Simon is now the longest-tenured owner in the NBA and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame just before this season.
