Damages from Hurricane Helene to farms and agricultural operations in Southwest Virginia could reach well over $125 million, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension.
The preliminary estimate is based on the work of Extension agents in 16 of the most heavily impacted counties who have spent the week after the September storm assisting their clients and communities, which includes completing damage assessments with farmers and landowners. Assessments of timber losses continue in partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry, and damage estimates are expected to rise as additional details emerge.
The losses include livestock, crops, farm buildings, equipment, feed and hay, fences, water cisterns, and other features that were washed away by floodwaters and damaged by high winds, falling trees, and debris. Cleanup efforts could take months, but the residual impacts could last much longer.
“It’s catastrophic,” said Kevin Spurlin, an Extension agent in Grayson County, who grew up in the area. “I’m 47 years old, and it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The flooding was unprecedented and caused so much loss.”
Grayson County suffered more than 46 percent of the region’s total damage at $58 million. Damages are widespread in other portions of the region as well, with Wythe, Carroll, Smyth, and Washington counties rounding out the top five localities in terms of highest current estimates.
Spurlin has spent the last five days visiting more than 30 farms – that itself a challenge because of road debris and flooding – and saw firsthand the devastation to his community. He described family farms that lost everything.
“We’re not a big county, but we’re hurting,” he said.
The damage estimates are reported to local emergency managers and state and federal agencies as part of a coordinated effort to facilitate disaster response. Extension’s damage assessments will help state and federal officials direct response and allocate relief funding.
“The economic and human toll of this storm is immense,” said Mike Gutter, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension. “We are working in our communities and with our agricultural producers — who constitute the state’s most valuable private industry — to support their recovery in every way possible.”
In addition to agents and volunteers working in the affected communities, Virginia Cooperative Extension offers resources for people impacted by the storms and also seeking ways to help. Visit the VCE Hurricane Resources webpage for a list of available resources and relief efforts in your community. This webpage is regularly updated with resources and information to assist impacted citizens and communities.
Extension, the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Agribusiness Council, and Farm Credit of the Virginias are partnering on an Agricultural Relief Program to connect farmers in need with donations of hay, feed, fencing, water, volunteer assistance, and other necessities.
“The generosity of Virginians, those in the agricultural community, and neighbors helping neighbors has been outstanding,” said Dan Goerlich, Extension’s associate director for economy, community, and food and coordinator of Extension’s emergency response efforts. “Using these forms is very important to helping support an organized, coordinated response that will ensure donations are connected to those with the most significant and immediate needs.”
From housing and feeding 140 linemen at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center to helping neighbors and collecting donations and supplies, Virginia Cooperative Extension is working to support hurricane recovery in Southwest Virginia. We will share updates and additional resources as they become available.
As part of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension operates out of 107 local offices, 11 research and extension centers, and six 4-H centers across the commonwealth. Agents, specialists, and volunteers work to assist businesses and producers, educate youth and adults, and guide responsible resource management.
Tom Soladay for Virginia Tech
