Farmer's 25-Year Fight Against Floods Ends in Victory: Rice Paddies Rise from Southern Illinois Soil

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 the floods that threatened his soybeans and corn. The harvest comes after Gerard switched to planting rice, a crop that thrives in water, in an effort to adapt to the changing climate. Timeline of Events 2024: Blake Gerard's soybeans and corn were threatened by floods for the third time. September 2024: Gerard harvested his 25th rice crop, marking a successful transition from traditional crops. July 2025: Gerard continues to harvest his rice crop, demonstrating its resilience in water. Immediate Impact The success of Gerard's rice crop has significant implications for the Corn Belt region. As climate change continues to bring unpredictable weather patterns, farmers like Gerard are forced to adapt their practices. The shift towards rice production may provide a viable solution for those struggling with flooding. Background Context The Corn Belt is traditionally dominated by soybean and corn production. However, federal farm policy has remained focused on these crops, making it difficult for alternative crops like rice to gain traction. Gerard's decision to switch to rice was driven by necessity, but his success may pave the way for others to follow. What Happens Next As Gerard continues to harvest his rice crop, attention is turning to the potential for widespread adoption of this water-resistant crop in the Corn Belt region. With climate change projected to bring more frequent and severe flooding events, farmers like Gerard are leading the charge towards a more resilient agricultural system. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*