On the afternoon/night of October 10th and the early hours of October 11th, Hurricane Michael wreaked havoc on the southwest, central, and parts of east Georgia and took an exceptional toll on Georgia’s agricultural economy, especially the cotton crop. Producers are reporting losses anywhere from 25% to a total loss, depending on location in the state, as well as structural …
SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Residents of Florida Affected by Hurricane Michael
WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Linda McMahon issued the following statement after the announcement of the Presidential disaster declaration for several counties in Florida affected by Hurricane Michael beginning Oct. 7, 2018. “The U.S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing Florida residents with the most effective response possible to assist businesses, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans. Getting …
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Briefs Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on Initial Agricultural Damage
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, and today Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam briefed Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on the initial agricultural damage assessment. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary W. Black joined Commissioner Putnam for the briefing. Commissioner Putnam’s statement is below: “Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle, and the safety …
Assessing Agricultural Damage in Georgia
Farmers and others involved in agriculture in Georgia have been busy assessing the damage to their crops and buildings after Hurricane Michael worked its way through the state. Some growers saw the wrath of Hurricane Michael, while others experienced Tropical Storm Michael. Staff with the Georgia Department of Agriculture toured some of the areas hit by the storm. Many acres …
Working to Harvest Peanuts Before the Storm
With the approach of Hurricane Michael, Southeast peanut growers have been busy harvesting much of the crop that had already been dug before the storm hits. Tyron Spearman has the story. Working to Harvest Peanuts Before the Storm Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 9, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Provides Significant Support For ResearchDecember 19, …
Hurricane Michael Will Affect Georgia Cotton Fields
As Hurricane Michael continues to make its presence known across the Southeast, it obviously will affect many acres of cotton nearing harvest. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) weekly Crop Progress and Condition Report, as of this past Sunday, 88% of cotton bolls were open in Georgia, while only 12% of the crop had been harvested. And Georgia Cotton …
Georgia Department of Agriculture Responds to Threat of Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael is expected to have a severe inland impact in southwest and central Georgia beginning Wednesday morning through Thursday afternoon. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) is working closely with state, federal and industry partners to support the safety and comfort of Georgia citizens, their animals and our neighbors along the Gulf Coast fleeing the storm. Areas impacted by …
USDA Prepared to Respond to Hurricane Michael
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses potentially impacted by Hurricane Michael of programs to provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, State and county offices stand ready and eager to help. Additionally, USDA’s Operations Center will function around the clock. “Hurricane Michael quickly grew into a dangerous …
Livestock Shelters Open in Alabama in Preparation for Hurricane Michael
Hurricane Michael is expected to strike Florida’s Panhandle on Wednesday. In preparation for this intense storm, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Horse Council and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services to provide temporary sheltering facilities for evacuated livestock, including horses and …
Hurricane Michael May Cause Problems for Southeast Crops
Tropical Storm Michael has formed in the Gulf of Mexico. It now is threatening the United States Gulf Coast and a few major crops. Storm surge, heavy rain and strong winds are possible on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The storm is coming at a poor time for cotton, peanut and pecan farmers. Michael May Cause Problems for Southeast Crops …