"More than 10 million acres, or 43 percent, of the state’s crops were affected."

"Monday’s derecho across the Corn Belt and Midwest laid siege to more than 10 million acres of Iowa’s corn and soybean crop, devastating farmers and capping off what has already been a difficult few years of farming for many.

Up to 43 percent of the state’s corn and soybean crop has suffered damage from the storms that brought winds exceeding 100 miles per hour at times, a severe blow to a $10 billion industry that’s central to the Hawkeye State’s economy. The magnitude of the battered vegetation was even visible on the same weather satellites used to track Monday’s violent thunderstorms.

State officials continued to survey the damage Wednesday in hopes that some of the crop may be salvageable. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) issued a disaster proclamation for 20 Iowa counties, freeing up state funding for disaster response and recovery. The state is also making grants available to low-income families who find themselves faced with food, repair, or temporary housing expenses in the wake of the disaster."

Matthew Cappucci reports for the Washington Post August 12, 2020. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Survey of Iowa and Illinois Derecho Damage" (Successful Farming) [3]

"Powerful Storm Leaves 2 Dead, Heavy Crop Damage in Midwest" (AP) [4]