Virginia agricultural damage from Hurricane Helene tops $159 million, Virginia Cooperative Extension says
Extension’s assessment reveals that buildings, land, infrastructure, and crops suffered the heaviest losses on an estimated 3,672 farms across 21 localities.
Almost a month after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents have placed the total price tag of agricultural damage at over $159.3 million.
The final agricultural damage assessment from the Sept. 27 storm was completed by Extension agents working across 21 localities. The Virginia Department of Forestry also provided information regarding timber losses in the state.
The assessment is used by federal and state agencies to help determine how assistance and recovery resources will be allocated to the region.
“Farming is a critical contributor to the rural economies where these losses occurred,” said Dan Goerlich, Extension’s associate director for economy, community, and food, who led the assessment. “It is our hope that this assessment will help guide resources for recovery to these farms and communities that are so vital to Virginia’s economic prosperity.”
Grayson County suffered the biggest losses, quantified at $61 million, or 38 percent of the statewide damage, according to the report. Wythe County, Smyth County, Washington County, and Carroll County rounded out the top five localities with the most economic losses from the storm.
Vegetable and crop damage estimates totaled $38 million with timber, hay, and pumpkins the most significantly impacted commodities. Beef cattle producers experienced $1.2 million in livestock-related losses.
Damage to fencing, structures, and land accounted for the greatest portion of the total farm losses. More than $54 million in fencing will have to be replaced in the months ahead. Structural damage was calculated at $28 million and land damage and debris removal at $25 million.
Detailed damage estimates for all 21 localities and impacts to commodities can be located in the assessment.
Extension has helped lead recovery efforts on farms and in communities. Agents have set up 10 centers around the region for collecting and distributing supplies and are hosting Hay Donation Days on Saturdays at the sites throughout November. The Southwest Virginia Agricultural Relief Program, a partnership of Extension, Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council, and Farm Credit of the Virginias, connects farmers in need with donations of hay, feed, fencing, volunteer assistance, and other necessities.
“While we have a long journey forward, it’s our honor to do everything we can do to support our communities,” said Mike Gutter, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension. “Neighbors helping neighbors is what Extension has done for over 100 years.”
For a comprehensive listing of hurricane resources available in communities affected by the hurricane, visit Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Hurricane Helene Resource Page.
As an integral part of both Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension works in communities across the commonwealth to share knowledge, support businesses, and implement research that advances the wellbeing of all Virginians. To locate an Extension office near you, visit ext.vt.edu.
