In response to the severe flooding that devastated parts of Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota at the end of June, three of the nation’s prominent agricultural cooperatives—CHS, CoBank, and Land O’Lakes—have partnered to donate $100,000 to the American Red Cross to aid relief efforts in the affected regions.
The unprecedented flooding has caused widespread destruction. Overflowing rivers have obliterated homes, inundated farm fields, and swept away bridges, severely impacting the Midwestern states.
- In Rock Valley, Iowa, residents were evacuated by boat and helicopter after a levee collapse rendered road evacuation impossible.
- Nearly half of Minnesota has faced flooding, raising water levels on the Minnesota, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers to their highest in a decade.
- A railroad bridge connecting North Sioux City, S.D., with Sioux City, Iowa, collapsed into the Big Sioux River.
The economic impact on rural communities, particularly due to the loss of crops, livestock, and equipment, is yet to be fully assessed. The Red Cross, alongside its partners, has mobilized almost 250 trained disaster workers to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support, relief supplies, and health services such as eyeglass and medication replacements. To date, the organization has delivered more than 28,800 meals and snacks, distributed over 6,600 relief supplies, and managed or supported over 2,700 overnight stays in shelters.
Gino Greco, CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, stated, “The American Red Cross is helping across the Midwest, providing support and comfort to those affected by the flooding. The Red Cross is working with local officials and community partners to ensure people receive the help they need. This work could not be done without the generous support of donors like CHS, CoBank, and Land O’Lakes.”
Leslie Hagele, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at CoBank, emphasized the long-term nature of recovery, stating, “Our hearts go out to those whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by the recent flooding. While we know that full recovery from this disaster is a long-term proposition, CoBank and our partners at CHS and Land O’Lakes hope that our joint contribution will help to ease the most immediate suffering.”
Megan Wolle, Senior Director of CHS Stewardship, highlighted the cooperative spirit, saying, “As cooperatives, we understand the value of joining together to promote the greater good and we’re proud to support the Red Cross as they help these impacted communities to recover and rebuild.”
Morgan Kinross-Wright, Vice President of Community Relations for Land O’Lakes, added, “Land O’Lakes is committed to supporting the communities where our employees, members, and customers live and work. We are proud to work together with great organizations like the American Red Cross, CoBank, and CHS to maximize our impact in helping those affected by the flooding.”
As the Midwest continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, the collaborative efforts of CHS, CoBank, and Land O’Lakes, alongside the American Red Cross, play a crucial role in providing immediate relief and paving the way for long-term recovery.
