By Jamie Martin
Hurricane Helene, the deadliest storm in the U.S. since 2017, wreaked havoc across the Southeast, particularly impacting the agricultural sector. This hurricane has left a trail of destruction with an estimated $15 billion in damages to crops and livestock.
Georgia was the hardest hit, incurring almost $6 billion in agricultural losses, followed by Florida with over $3 billion.
The storm's severe impact stretched across various agricultural commodities, with the poultry industry experiencing significant setbacks.
Infrastructure damage was widespread; the dairy industry alone lost nearly $500 million due to power outages and destroyed infrastructure, including extensive loss of pasture fencing. This disruption has led to considerable cattle displacement and forced dairy farms to dispose of large quantities of unsellable milk.
Federal disaster assistance programs are now crucial for recovery, offering aid through several initiatives such as the Tree Assistance Program for orchard rehabilitation and the Livestock Indemnity Program for compensating livestock losses. These efforts are vital for helping farmers manage the immediate aftermath and long-term recovery challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: National