Thunderstorms accompanied by high winds, large hail, and tornadoes wreaked havoc in North Dakota on June 20, causing significant damage to farms and towns, particularly affecting Jim Thompson’s operation near Page. The storm led to toppled irrigation systems, destroyed grain bins, and the loss of entire crop fields.
Thompson had recently completed planting dry beans in late May but found himself facing the grim reality of replanting after hail and wind severely impacted his crop. He indicated, “The dry beans took it the worst… We’re gonna start replanting into those,” and plans to replant some soybean fields as well, utilizing an earlier maturity seed to compensate for the lost time in the growing season. Fortunately for Thompson, his corn crop and hard red spring wheat sustained less damage, illustrating some resilience amid the chaos.
The damage to infrastructure in Page includes not only Thompson’s farm but also significant destruction at the local grain elevator. Many grain bins have been rendered unusable, raising concerns among farmers about the upcoming harvest season and grain storage availability. Thompson noted, “There’s so much infrastructure damage… It’s going to be a long recovery.” The cumulative effects of the storm may challenge local farmers as they prepare for the upcoming harvest.
Despite the devastation, Thompson expressed gratitude that there were no injuries or fatalities in the Page area, contrasting with the tragic loss of three lives in nearby Enderlin due to tornadoes. He emphasized the widespread impact of the storm, stating, “It’s important for everyone to know that everyone was affected in some way… This is a very widespread event.”
Community support is evident, as the Red Cross and other organizations have mobilized to assist those affected, while residents unite to help each other recover. Thompson optimistically remarked, “This was hopefully a once-in-a-generation storm,” indicating a resilience within the community and a desire to move forward.
This spirit of cooperation and support amidst adversity is a hopeful sign that the community will rebuild stronger than before.