Research economist highlights economic impact of flooding on rural communities

BURLINGTON, Iowa — Bob Maltsbarger, a senior research economist with the University of Missouri’s Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute and the Missouri Water Center, addressed the 29th annual Upper Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers Association annual meeting last week.

Maltsbarger discussed the significant economic impact that flooding has on agricultural crops and rural communities.

"What we've been trying to do is better estimate the losses associated with flooding for agricultural crops in rural areas," Maltsbarger said. "This is the first step. We've estimated ag losses kind of as baseline and compared it against if levees were improved, so basically we improve river mitigation. So that would avoid ag losses and basically be a benefit to our rural communities."

The research, conducted in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Natural Resources, highlights the effects and frequency of river flooding and its substantial impact on rural Missouri communities.

Maltsbarger explained that the timing of flooding is crucial, as spring flooding can delay planting, potentially qualifying as prevented planting if crops are insured.

Flooding during the growing season and harvest can reduce yields or cause crop failure, both of which have economic repercussions for farmers.

Maltsbarger spoke with us about the role of the partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers.

"They're basically evaluating the cost-benefit analysis of putting in river mitigation strategies, such as increasing the height of the levee, or adding a flood wall in front of a small town," Maltsbarger said, referring to the partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers.

The study is currently undergoing peer review and is expected to be published in the future.