Flooding causes farmers concern

    Murphy – Cherokee County farmers may have quite a bit of clean up after flooding hit their farms, but most crops should not be affected by changing weather conditions, said Keith Wood, the county’s state Extension agent for agriculture.
    “Some of the best soil is on the flood plain,” Wood said. “It’s just something you have to live with when you farm.”
    He said the flooding causes debris left after the water goes down, erosion of the land and sometimes even damage to fences.
    “There is some work that needs to be done,” Wood said. “Hopefully nothing too bad.”
    He said there’s a chance of flooding in February and March every year, and this year’s flooding hasn’t been as bad as flooding he saw in the early- or mid-1990s.
    Wood said most farms that have anything growing has those crops safe from the changing weather in greenhouses.
    He said some farmers were concerned that their fruit trees would start budding early because of the mild weather.
    Wood was aware of one farm in Swain County that lost quite a bit of their strawberry crop because of inclement weather.
    Wood reminded farmers to test their soil, as flooding can remove nutrients from the soil. He also said they may want to replant grasses that washed away, and check on their fences.
    He said anyone who experienced major damage could check with their farm service agent to see if there is any assistance available for repairs.
    To prepare for the next the flood-producing storm, he advised farmers to remove any downed trees or branches that could damage fences or block waterways.