Although help to those affected by the horrible damage in the heartland will most likely be forthcoming, relief to the rest of the country due to skyrocketing food prices may not. Sixteen percent of Iowa farms have been destroyed and their entire crops demolished following the severe flooding.

The devastation has in turn caused record high market prices of corn and soybean products. The prospects of the smaller amounts of grain yields shocked the market where corn prices rose to nearly 8$/bushel; four times the amount of its usual price and a new record. World corn prices have now risen to 90 percent higher levels than just one year ago.

One Iowa mayor put the cost of the hit on the heartland plainly. He said that even after the floodwater recedes, affected farmers would have to work the rest of the year to clear silt, tree limbs and other debris before they can plant next year. "There's going to be absolutely no farming this year. They've lost it. It's gone. Nothing at all. No beans, no corn this year." That's a reality that will show up in every shopping cart for a long while to come.

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While beginning the onerous task of rebuilding lives washed away by the Midwestern floods, survivors got visits from two high profile guests yesterday. To see who, read more.

Locals who'd worked exhaustively to try to protect houses and farms were praised by the presumptive Republican nominee, John McCain, as he toured the submerged Iowan streets of Columbus Junction. Walking past flooded buildings, washed out roads and countless sandbags used in an attempt to prevent disaster McCain said, “I know I speak for all America. We’ll do everything necessary to try and rebuild the lives [of residents of Columbus Junction].”

President Bush also visited the flooded area pledging assistance. “Obviously, to the extent we can help immediately, we will help.” Bush also made a visit to the flooded area, visiting Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. The president was also taken on an aerial tour to view the damage that has caused tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes in six states.

Are you thinking ahead to how this disaster will affect you?

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