Across much of our four-state territory, major snowstorms and historic flooding have taken lives, ruined machinery and equipment, destroyed critical infrastructure and damaged homes and livelihoods. Unfortunately, there is risk of more flooding in the days and weeks ahead as significant snowmelt continues and we experience spring moisture. Our hearts go out to all our customers whose families and communities are impacted by the recent devastating weather.
It likely will take months to fully assess the damage, but the need for assistance is immediate. In keeping with our mission to serve agriculture and rural communities in both good and bad times, we are mobilizing the financial strength and committed, expert staff of your financial cooperative to help producers and their communities.
We have donated to the American Red Cross in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota to support emergency services for people whose homes and livelihoods have been disrupted by flooding. We are also working with Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association to provide aid to farmers and ranchers as they begin the task of clearing fields, replacing livestock and infrastructure, and moving forward with their operations. The needs of producers and rural communities continue to emerge and we are prepared to respond accordingly.
This disaster occurs during an already challenging time for agriculture. Our financial and crop insurance officers are reaching out to customers in impacted areas to help them with individualized plans and assistance to manage their losses. At the same time, we remain focused on helping all our customers navigate today’s economic cycle.
Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the flooding.
Mark Jensen
President and CEO