Alabama Farmers Helping Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene

(ADAI/Montgomery, AL/Oct. 9, 2024) — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is working to assist farmers who suffered catastrophic losses caused by Hurricane Helene. Torrential rains, exceeding many rainfall records, devasted crops, livestock operations and infrastructure.

“We know it will take a long time for these farmers to recover,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “Alabama farmers have proven their generosity and willingness to help in the past. We encourage them to reach out to one of these relief projects.”

A group of businesses in the Auburn area including National Land Realty, Alabama Soil Food, CL3 Cattle, and Saugahatchee Animal Hospital contacted Commissioner Pate about an effort they are leading to support the farmers who experienced unimaginable damage in North Carolina. In addition to general supplies, farmers specifically need items to care for and manage their livestock

This relief effort is being coordinated by the Brevard High School FFA director in North Carolina, who is overseeing the agricultural needs of Transylvania County during this challenging time. As part of these efforts, they are collecting the following supplies:

Fencing supplies (welded wire fence, T-posts, T-post clips, insulators, electric fence wire)
Hay (square bales preferred)
Livestock minerals
Horse blankets, fly masks, halters and lead ropes
Solar fence chargers

Supplies should be dropped off at 3016 AL HWY 14, Auburn, AL 36832, before 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 11th. The group will be making multiple trips and will continue to accept donations. For questions about unloading, contact Mathan Holt (334) 319-1492. For general information about the project, contact Brandon Fowler (334) 332-3006.

The Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is also working directly with the Georgia, Florida and North Carolina Cattlemen’s Associations to provide needed livestock supplies, feed and hay. If you are interested in supporting their efforts, please visit https://www.bamabeef.org/hurricane.

Farmers can also support states with agricultural damage financially through the state departments of agriculture websites listed below.

North Carolina

Donate to Hurricane Recovery

Livestock Donation Supply Sites

South Carolina

Emergency Planning and Disaster Response

Tennessee

Emergency Response & Resources

A full list of USDA FSA disaster assistance programs is available on the Hurricane webpage on https://www.farmers.gov/.

As we are made aware of other opportunities to help farmers affected by Helene and other storms, we will post those on our social media platforms.