The deadly floods that swept through Texas, killing over 120 people and leaving 160 missing, also unleashed destruction on farms and ranches. From Bend to Georgetown, submerged lands, overturned trees, and dead livestock tell the story of nature's impact on rural livelihoods.

In Bend, Boyd Clark waded through floodwaters to rescue a stranded ostrich hen. Outside Burnet, Matthew Ketterman was stranded atop his truck, surrounded by rapids while checking his exotic game fences. In Georgetown, the San Gabriel River knocked over Christmas trees, forcing Sweet Eats Adventure Farm to relocate its petting zoo animals.

"It's never a question of if, but when," said Jon Meredith, co-owner of Sweet Eats. "So we just keep trying to reduce our risk around events like this."

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller described the losses: farm equipment washed away, submerged tractors, irrigation systems destroyed like spaghetti, and dead cattle found atop trees downstream.

State resources like disaster relief funds, feed donations, and a mental health helpline are being activated, but many small farms lack crop insurance, particularly those in agritourism or specialty produce.

Clark noted that ostrich egg production has nearly stopped, and cold, wet conditions are hard on the birds. For some crops, flooded fields mean total loss-unharvested fruits rot or attract pests, and submerged plants become disease-prone.

Recovery won't be easy, but farmers are moving forward. Some plan to install stronger fence posts, better drainage, and disaster-ready infrastructure. As Ketterman's team mourns the loss of a colleague, they know rebuilding is not just financial, but also emotional.

"We all started calling each other to make sure we could save our animals," said John Meredith. "That's life on the river. Beautiful, but when it turns, it turns fast."

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