Because of the potential for spring flooding, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) encourages agricultural retailers and producers to take some basic precautions in storing fertilizers, pesticides, seed, and feed products.

Bulk Liquid Fertilizer and Pesticides:

· Accelerate or postpone shipments

· Lock and protect valves

· Close and lock site gauge valves on bulk fertilizer storage tanks

· Secure empty storage tanks to prevent movement or damage by flood waters

· Prominently display firm manager’s name and telephone number on all tanks

Bulk Dry Fertilizer:

· Construct barriers at flood water entrances to prevent water from entering bins

· Delay shipments or temporarily move product to higher ground

Feed:

· Delay shipments or receipt of drugs and feeds

· Move manufactured feed out of flood-prone areas

· Store drugs for animal feed off the ground and out of flood-prone areas

Seed:

· Dike or sandbag bins

· Store seed off the ground and out of flood-prone areas

· Consider keeping a copy of the labeling and an unopened seed container for each lot; which may preserve evidence in case of performance problems with the seed

Small Packaged Pesticide Containers:

· Postpone incoming shipments

· Move products to an area protected from flood waters and away from drains

· Keep containers off the floor and secured

· Move grain fumigants out of flood-prone areas

Anhydrous Ammonia:

· Have a plan to move product out and ship to terminal or other storage facility

· Move nurse tanks and other ammonia equipment out of flood-prone areas

· Secure storage tanks to prevent movement or damage by flood waters

· Drain lines and remove pumps and other system components

· Lock and protect tank valves

· Turn off power to ammonia system when unattended

· Prominently display firm manager’s name and telephone number on all tanks

SDDA also reminds retailers and agricultural producers that spring road restrictions could limit the pace at which products can be moved.