In August 2020, during the depths of the pandemic, an abnormally powerful storm marched across Iowa, destroying everything in its path. A short film captures not just the story of farmer Josh Hennings of Benton County, Iowa, but also documents what farmers across eastern Iowa suffered through—both during and after the storm struck.
Iowa farmers were just weeks away from harvest when 100+ mph winds raced across their fields, flattening an entire year’s worth of work. Homes were destroyed, gain bins crushed and the future of so many family farms were left completely up in the air.
Watch the short film to see first-hand what farmers in the derecho’s path experienced on Aug. 10, 2020, and in the days after.
Video Credits:
Dir: Hollis Bennett
DP: Patrick Meehan
AC/Audio: Victor Rukavina
EP: David Perry/Fivestone Studios
Color: Brett Price/Forager
Music: Jonny Mendez
Hear director Hollis Bennett share his experience making the film in the AgriTalk segment below:
Read More:
Our Derecho Story: The Trees Saved Our Pigs
Derecho Forces Evacuation of 25,000 Pigs After Winds Rip Barns Apart
Iowa Farmers Assess Damage from Rare Windstorm
