Hurricane Helene Hits Ag Hard

Hurricane Helene’s wrath is impacting everyone in the Southeast, especially farmers. September is harvest time for crops like cotton, and now Georgia and South Carolina are especially feeling the impacts.

Soundbite: “Most fields have open bolls at this time, so the storm will be an issue.” — Michael Jones, Clemson Cooperative cotton specialist

In South Carolina, cotton harvest usually begins in late September. But with all the rain from the storms, cotton fiber will be reduced. And harvesting the tangled plants off the saturated soil won’t be an easy task.

Other wreckage: Pulverized poultry houses, row crop damage, pecan tree damage, and ruined timber are having large effects in Georgia. Not to mention the numerous processing facilities without electricity.

Precious pecans: Georgia produces 88M pounds of pecans per year, more than any other state. The majority of its production is located in the direct path of the storm. Regrowing a pecan tree can take up to 25 years depending on the variety.

Soybean sorrows: While the rain from Helene alleviated drought conditions in some areas, it will likely cause green-leafed plants to lodge. And there’s a risk of Asian soybean rust riding in on Helene’s coattails. 

Meanwhile, most corn has reportedly been harvested. Great news, but needless to say that any remaining cornstalks will be difficult to get out of the fields.

In addition to South Carolina and George, Helene also caused damage and flooding in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Documentation is crucial: Farmers are encouraged to document all losses before, during, and after cleanup to help streamline eventual insurance or aid payments. They should also keep track of their financial records.