A hurricane of support is needed

I have been following coverage of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in local newspapers in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida for the past three weeks. Just yesterday, I came across an essay written by producers that I wanted to share, because it goes far beyond what I’ve seen so far and particularly addresses the impacts on the agriculture industry there.

Big Sandy Creek Dairy in Madison, Ga. posted the following to their Facebook page on Sept. 29, just three days after Hurricane Helene ravaged their area. Although their farm did not suffer significant damage, many others they know were not so lucky.

It affects you too

"If you think what’s going on in the southeast as a result of hurricane Helene doesn’t affect you, think again.

"It’s the beginning of harvest season in these states. The southeastern states are big agricultural producers who have just lost homes, crops, livestock, friends and more.

"Cotton bolls were open across Georgia and South Carolina. When cotton is blown from the boll, is wet, or touches the ground, it is a loss due to degradation of the fibers. When a cotton crop is lost, this means the price of cotton related goods will go up in the coming months. Your t-shirts, blue jeans, table cloths, q-tips, hats, and more will all be more expensive.

"Peanuts weren’t all dug. Peanuts are a legume with the fruit of the plant being beneath the surface of the earth. Excessive water will cause them to rot and this will be a crop loss as well. This will affect the cost of your peanut butter, Reese’s cups, peanut brittle, Chick-fil-A (peanut oil), trail mix, and more.

"Pecan orchards are at a loss as many trees have been blown over. After replanting, it takes years before these trees produce nuts. Pecan prices are already high as they are tough to come by, and are a luxury import for other countries such as China. Pecans are used in lots of baked goods, especially around Christmas and other holidays. The dessert tables at the coming holidays will be priced higher.

"Peach trees have been blown over and lost in some areas as well. Peaches are a delicate crop that had finally recouped after a previous season loss due to frost and freeze. Peaches will also be in lower supply next season, and we all know Georgia and South Carolina have the best peaches.

"Livestock producers have experienced loss, but will continue to face even more loss over time. Many producers rely on wells to water their livestock as they are in rural areas. Wells require power to generate a water source. Generators are great, but many areas are also out of fuel as well. Stress from these difficult conditions on animals will also reduce their productivity over time.

"While we worry for all farmers and our food supply, our hearts are with dairy producers. Approximately 20% of dairy farms in Georgia are still without power, and some without generator options. No power means no good way to milk cows. Milking by hand isn’t realistic for many family operations as their milking herds are larger than what can be hand milked in a day. These animals can’t just stop producing milk. Many are uncomfortable, stressed, and will be subject to related health problems of not being milked. Watching the animals you love and rely on suffer due to no fault of your own is extremely difficult. Milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, and other dairy products may be in limited supply over the coming months.

"With farmers losing their crops and livestock, they’re also at a loss for an income source. They are not paid by the hour, but by the weight of their product.

"They will spend months in clean up. Extra manual labor will be required to try to preserve family farming operations. They will be tired and weary.

"Remember the farmers and their passion to produce quality products as you feed your families. When prices for goods increase in the coming months, please don’t complain. Farmers are losing their livelihoods and still earn only pennies on the dollar. They need your grace, prayers, support, and compassion as their future is extremely uncertain. It affects you too."

To put it simply, farmers in the hurricane zone need our help now.

As I read this, I thought of Fred Rogers. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was one of my favorite shows when I was little. As kids, he taught us to “look for the helpers” when something bad happened. That was sage advice for a scared kid.

Now, as adults, we are called to be the helpers. Josh Homiston of New Rockford is one of those people. He recently spent two weeks in Florida, lending a hand to those in need in the midst of two hurricanes in as many weeks. His story is printed in the Transcript this week.

There are also many others who are organizing and leading efforts to help people in the devastated areas recover and rebuild.

Readers, if you want to help, there are many opportunities to do so. I’ve been following the Asheville Citizen-Times, a community newspaper in North Carolina, a hard-hit area. Their website has a wealth of information about the storm and its effects on the community, as well as connections to the helpers available to residents and businesses reeling from the damage. They have a list of organizations who are providing on-the-ground support for hurricane victims on their website. Here's a direct link to the article: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2024/10/02/asheville-nc-flooding-how-to-help-helene-relief-efforts-in-western-nc/75472474007/

If you would like to directly support the farmers in Georgia, like the neighbors of Big Sandy Creek Dairy in Madison, contact Lowry’s Feed and Farm Supply at (706) 342-0265. Tell them you want to donate to the Georgia Ag Disaster Relief Fund. As reported by the University of Georgia Extension in Morgan County, they are accepting monetary donations for feed and farm supplies to assist with hurricane relief.

It's going to take a hurricane of support, from helpers like you and me, to make a difference for those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.