Hurricane Helene Causes Billions in Ag Damage

Hurricane Helene has caused significant agricultural and property damage across the southern U.S., halting chicken processing plants, damaging flocks, and devastating pecan trees and cotton crops. Georgia’s Department of Agriculture reported that cotton, pecans, poultry, and timber were hit hardest, with early estimates suggesting Helene could surpass the $2.5 billion agricultural damage caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018. USDA officials estimate crop losses alone could trigger $7 billion in insurance payouts.

Property damage is also extensive, with Moody’s Analytics estimating between $15 billion and $26 billion, while AccuWeather predicts total damage and economic loss to range from $95 billion to $110 billion.

Poultry production has been particularly impacted, with 107 poultry facilities damaged or destroyed in Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp and officials reported widespread losses in poultry farms across several counties. Calls for emergency agricultural assistance are growing, with Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Georgia lawmakers pushing for disaster relief to aid farmers facing catastrophic losses. Early damage estimates across the region exceed $15 billion, and Congress is expected to consider an aid package to address the destruction caused by Helene.

Source: FarmPolicyNews.Illinois.edu