Last Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux were in both Florida and Georgia to assess damage and meet with farmers and residents affected by Hurricane Helene. Vilsack highlighted that USDA is taking measures like extending program signup opportunities and using waivers and emergency procedures to expedite recovery efforts on America’s working lands. And while those efforts …
Hurricane Helene Devastates Southeast Agriculture
The Southeast agricultural sector is reeling from severe damage after Hurricane Helene, with losses reported in crops, poultry, and dairy operations. Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage to Georgia’s agricultural sector, according to U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff and Representative Austin Scott, both of Georgia. “The damage that Georgia growers have sustained is in some cases catastrophic,” Ossoff stated. He highlighted that …
Approval of First Loan for Hurricane Debby Impacted Florida Farmers
First loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida (FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 4, 2024) — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Commissioner Simpson announced the launch of the application …
Still Assessing Agriculture Damage from Hurricane Helene
Efforts to assess agriculture damage from Hurricane Helene continue. And as Tyron Spearman reports, this work will be going on for quite some time. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement …
Video: Robert Bonnie Message for Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene
USDA Undersecretary Robert Bonnie discusses the support and aid available from the USDA for agricultural communities affected by Hurricane Helene. Bonnie emphasizes the USDA’s commitment to assisting farmers through streamlined procedures and increased flexibility in programs like crop insurance and conservation efforts. There is a focus on reducing paperwork requirements, enhancing loss documentation processes, and providing emergency provisions. Additionally, the …
USDA Hurricane Recovery Resources
For Hurricane Helene recovery efforts, the USDA provides several offices and agencies that can assist farmers. Here is a list of key USDA offices and programs that could be involved in disaster recovery and support: 1. Farm Service Agency (FSA) 2. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 3. Risk Management Agency (RMA) 4. Rural Development (RD) 5. Food and Nutrition Service …
Georgia Lawmakers Call for Swift Assistance after Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, representatives from Georgia’s congressional delegation are rallying to provide support for the state’s agricultural community, which has faced catastrophic losses. The hurricane, which swept through the Southeast, has left farmers and agricultural operations in dire straits, and officials are calling for swift federal assistance. Representative Austin Scott, who represents Georgia’s 8th congressional district, has …
Hurricane Helene Causes Significant Agricultural Damage
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on the eastern coast late last week, has left a trail of destruction across several agricultural regions. Farmers in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia reported extensive crop losses, particularly in corn, soybean, and cotton fields, as heavy winds and torrential rains battered the area. Several poultry operations faced significant losses as well. Cotton crops …
Hurricane Helene Making Headlines in Many States
Hurricane Helene has made headlines in many states. As Mark Oppold reports, the storm affected various crops. Sponsored ContentFlorida Cattle Enhancement Board Track Record Well Received By LegislatorsJanuary 30, 2026Florida Cattle Enhancement Board Supports Beef Education and Promotion ProgramsJanuary 23, 2026Florida Cattle Producers Proactive In Research Efforts Funded by the Florida Cattle Enhancement BoardJanuary 16, 2026Florida Cattle Industry Supports Administration of …
Cotton Hit Hard by Helene
Hurricane Helene, while moving up through Georgia last week, basically decimated the cotton crop in the number two production state. Gary Crawford has this update. The USDA did issue their weekly crop progress report but some of those numbers, especially in Georgia, are no longer relevant due to the storm. To see how the cotton and peanut crops were progressing, click …










