Fifth-generation farm in Verdigre decimated by flooding, Farm Bureau working to provide relief

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that over 300 of the Rucicka’s cattle were lost in the flooding. That is not true. We regret the error. 

Farmers and ranchers across the state are still feeling the affects of the record flooding.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau has been reaching out to some of them, trying to help however they can.

One of the families contacted by the farm bureau, the Ruzicka family, is dealing with a difficult situation up in Verdigre.

Last week, the Spencer Dam along the Niobrara River broke, releasing an 11-foot-wall of water, causing sever flooding near the town of Verdigre in northern Nebraska.

The Ruzicka family has farmed the land there since the 19th century.

Today, the farm house looks like it’s been hit by a glacier.

“Hell on earth, hell on earth. That’s what I think. If there is such a thing as hell, then this can’t be far from it. We’re decimated. A five-generation family farm that was established in the 1800’s by the Homestead act, possibly, it’s going to be gone forever,” said Anthony Ruzicka.

Anthony Ruzicka and his family had to flee during the night.

He says since the home was built in 1906, not a single drop of flood water had penetrated their farm house, until now.

“Right now, I don’t know if anything is alive, I haven’t had a chance to go out and try to find them. I’m hoping they are alive, but right now they are in mother nature’s hands,” said Ruzicka.

The Ruzicka’s now find themselves homeless. 

They are currently staying at a neighbor’s house. 

Anthony says he may have to go into town to find a job. 

He says it’s looking like this is the end for his family’s farm.

“Our place is completely demolished. This is my life. I have no children. The cows and the calves were my life and now I’m probably going to wind up selling them,” said Ruzicka.

Over the weekend, the Nebraska Farm Bureau was keeping in close contact with farming families like the Ruzicka’s who are in need of food, water and other supplies.

“We’ve heard a lot of stories about animals being stranded on a hill, or something like that, surrounded by water. The farmer is having a difficult time getting feed to those animals,” said Steve Nelson, President of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Nelson believes that all of the livestock losses, ruined land and building infrastructure is going to cost farmers.

“We’re looking probably at about 800 million to a billion dollars in agricultural losses across the state, both with livestock and then the subsequent damage to land,” said Nelson.

Nelson says he wouldn’t be surprised if the total loss doesn’t grow to above one billion dollars when it’s all said and done.

UPDATE: 

The Farm Bureau has set up a way to help rural farmers in need. 

If you’re interested in learning more about it head to www.nefb.org and click on the Disaster Relief Assistance tab.