By Shelby Carroll
NC Cooperative Extension

Hurricane Helene had a significant impact on agriculture in western North Carolina, causing significant damage to various farms, including Christmas trees, livestock, and row crops. North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States, with most farms located in affected areas of western North Carolina. Damage to these farms may affect supply and prices during the holidays, but local sales can support farmers during this difficult time.

Flooding from the hurricane left many fields with eroded soils and extensive cleanup work, and farmers are advised to conduct soil testing to manage nutrient loss and possible contamination. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture recommends that farmers carefully document recovery costs and consider soil conservation measures.

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension is actively supporting farmers impacted by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina through a variety of recovery solutions such as:

1. Soil and crop management: Extension advises farmers on soil recovery methods, such as removing debris, assessing nutrient loss, and testing soil fertility. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to keep detailed records of expenses related to repairs and recovering insurance claims and government assistance.
   
2. Livestock Support: Extension offices coordinate relief efforts for livestock keepers by providing access to clean feed and advice on animal health. Floodwaters made many pastures unusable, disrupting animal feeding. Livestock experts in the extension sector advise farmers on the disposal of any feed affected by floodwaters and monitor livestock health for problems such as infections.
   
3. Community and financial support: Local Agricultural Extension Centers help farmers access financial resources, including USDA disaster assistance programs, and host donation drives for supplies. Farmers are encouraged to seek assistance for specific needs, such as infrastructure repairs, which may be covered by certain programs.

Addressing immediate and long-term recovery, North Carolina Cooperative Extension plays a critical role in helping Western North Carolina’s agricultural community recover from the severe impacts of Hurricane Helene. If you would like to donate supplies, please contact your local extension office or go to https://ncdisaster.ces.ncsu.edu/.

Shelby Carroll is an agriculture and natural resources agent with Rowan County Extension.

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