Midwest Farmers Strive to Overcome After Unprecedented Flooding

In Jefferson, South Dakota, the vibrant fields convey no hint of the devastation that once transformed Dave and Judy Oberg's home into an unwanted lakeside property.

"Life will never return to what it was. I've called this house home for all my years," Judy Oberg reflected as she examined the ruin back then.

Lacking flood insurance and governmental aid, the Obergs had to rely on their life savings and parted with more than a third of their land.

A year has passed, and now the Obergs reside in a newly built home located atop an elevation on the original property.

The couple managed to afford their new dwelling by participating in a local trade school program, where two homes are constructed annually. One was given to Habitat for Humanity, and the Obergs successfully bid on the other.

Despite her improved living situation, Judy Oberg admitted, "Rainstorms still haunt my sleep."

"People often say how great it must be to have a fresh start in a new house. They don’t realize the weight of the memories lost. This is where my children and I grew up, and those moments can never be recreated," she expressed.

Dave Oberg added, "The initial shock was overwhelming. Discovering the new house was only the beginning of the hurdle."

Although farmers generally welcome rainfall, the area was overwhelmed by 18 inches within two days last summer. Eric Hunt, an agricultural meteorologist from the University of Nebraska, terms this 'weather whiplash,' a consequence of climate change.

Hunt explained, "In two months, we experienced rainfall meant for a whole year. By October, a harsh drought set in as the rain halted for nearly three months."

"In agriculture, timing is critical; poorly-timed rain can lead to severe setbacks in production," he warned.

Kenny Chicoine, a nephew to the Obergs, saw the deluge obliterate 3,000 acres of his family's crops, mainly corn and soy. He replanted when the ground dried sufficiently, recovering a third of the usual yield, but it was costly.

"Rebuilding irrigation systems, drains, and field infrastructure fell entirely to us without external assistance," Chicoine explained.

This year's summer has so far been more favorable, promising a return to normal yield for many farmers, a blessing the Obergs will forever cherish.

"Focusing on tomorrow is key. Dwelling on the past weighs you down; moving forward is life's true essence," remarked Judy Oberg.

Insights into America's Heartland

Jonah Kaplan, a distinguished journalist, is well-regarded for his fair reporting, insightful dialogues, and meticulously crafted coverage on impactful community matters. His stories feature across WCCO's broadcasts and frequently appear on CBS News platforms, including CBS Evening News, CBS Mornings, and CBS 24/7.