JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, is today (7-20) reminding farmers — and others — who have been affected by the heavy rains in northeast Missouri of the places they can turn for help.

“We all know that weather patterns tend to repeat themselves every few years. It’s how badly that remains the constant,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Every two to four years, we tend to see some level of flooding in our area, and this year has been a little worse than it was in some of the recent flood years. Fortunately, there is some help out there for people.”

Senator Munzlinger is urging local producers to contact the following offices and see what assistance may be available to them:

• The local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office can provide help with fencing, terrace repairs, debris removal, sand and gravel deposits. This is done through the Emergency Conservation Program.
  (http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/emergency-conservation/index);
• Levee damage can be handled through the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office through Emergency Watershed Protection. Local producers may be requested to find a sponsor to assist with their request, such as the county commission, a levy or drainage district, all of which are public entities. (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ewp/)

“Both of these federal offices should be able to navigate producers through the process,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Most of us have been through these times before. It never gets any easier. It’s certainly never any fun, but together, we can get through this and hopefully be able to salvage whatever crops we can and do it all again next year.”