St. Charles County River Bottoms

We worked today from West Alton to Orchard Farm.  South of US 67 was flooded as well as land that was riverward of the levee and some land that is unprotected.  There was about 2 feet of water in the hangers at Smart Field.  Crops not affected by wetness were looking OK.  Wheat is starting to turn.  We sampled some corn that was chest high in the best parts of the field.  Yes we walk that.  We also did some nitrogen sampling.  Soybean planting is still in progress.  Everyone we talked to had a positive and optimistic attitude.  Most in that area are giving up on corn and moving toward planting soybeans.  Some of the wet areas will be prevented planting for crop insurance.  All the low areas have water in them at this point.  It would be a great place to watch shorebirds right now. Seep water will go out as river levels go down.