Farmer Overcomes Decades of Floods by Turning Illinois Fields into Thriving Rice Paddies

Breaking News: Illinois Farmer's Decades-Long Fight to Convert Fields into Rice Paddies On a late July morning, Blake Gerard harvested his 25th rice crop on his Southern Illinois farm, marking a significant milestone in his decades-long battle against frequent floods. The 2024 harvest was particularly crucial, as the floods threatened his soybeans and corn crops. Timeline of Events: 1995: Blake Gerard begins planting rice on his Illinois farm. 2000s: Frequent floods force Gerard to replant multiple times, leading him to consider alternative crops. 2014: Gerard switches to growing rice full-time due to its water-resistant properties. 2024: The 25th consecutive rice harvest is completed. Immediate Impact and Response: Gerard's decision to grow rice has not only saved his farm from financial ruin but also demonstrated the potential for crop diversification in the Corn Belt. However, this shift comes at a time when federal farm policy remains focused on soybeans and corn, making it unlikely that other farmers will follow suit. Background Context: The Corn Belt is one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world, with Illinois being a leading producer of corn and soybeans. However, frequent floods have become increasingly common due to climate change, threatening crop yields and farmer livelihoods. Gerard's experience highlights the need for more resilient crops and innovative farming practices. What Happens Next: As Gerard prepares for his next harvest, he is advocating for policy changes that would support crop diversification in the Corn Belt. His story serves as a call to action for policymakers, farmers, and researchers to work together towards creating more sustainable and adaptable agricultural systems. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*