In Appling County we are still experiencing widespread power outages, no internet, and spotty cellular service. Commodity producers have took a hard hit from this storm on top of what has already been a tough year due to other weather events mixed with low commodity prices and high input prices. From my initial assessment of the county and visiting with producers crop and structural damage from Helene is very substantial. I thought it would be helpful to remind producers during this time, that for both farm and personal losses, to go ahead and talk with insurance companies about potential coverage for expenses which they are incurring. It could be helpful to keep receipts for all storm related expenses incase there are reimbursements for various storm related expenses. In this newsletter, I have added information sent to county agents, from specialists, that is valuable information for producers following Helene.
Farm Disaster Assistance Flyer (UGA Extension)
Attached below you will find an flyer with a lot of useful information including updated links to the NAP program, Crop Insurance, Livestock Indemnity programs, and hurricane recovery guides organized by commodity.
Hurricane Helene (David Dickens)
In Appling county, and surrounding counties, a lot of timber loss was incurred from Helene. For those that have tree damage in forest stands note the 2 URLs that folks can go to.
https://bugwoodcloud.org/bugwood/productivity/pdfs/Outreach_Assessing_Storm_Damage_Sept2020.pdf
https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/30294.pdf
Preliminary Information on Hurricane Helene’s Effect on Georgia Pecans (Lenny Wells)
Pecans arguably took the hardest hit by Helene. Helene has made harvest for this years crop unlikely in many orchards as well as took over a high percentage of trees throughout in Appling County. See Dr. Lenny Wells comments, using the link below, on Helene and its effects on the pecan industry in Georgia.
https://site.extension.uga.edu/pecan
Resource for livestock producers after Hurricane Helene (Lawton Stewart)
With the widespread damage from Hurricane Helene, many livestock producers are dealing with severe damage. Feed and forage are going to be an issue over the next few days to weeks. Attached is a circular (link below) with information to aid in the response.
Please remember that submerged pasture is not grazeable. Do not assume that cattle can access the forage. Provide dry hay or balege on high/dry ground where possible.
Use the link below to access, “Dealing with Pasture, Hay, Feed, and Livestock Losses After Significant Weather Events”, an UGA extension publication.
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1165