Cooperative Extension Supports Southeast Farmers and Communities in Hurricane Recovery

As our nation faces the extensive devastation resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we mourn for those who lost their lives, their loved ones, and displaced families. The news videos reveal the tragic impacts on farms, businesses, and communities that were severely damaged or washed away.

The Southeast now begins the long process of recovering and rebuilding. This extensive work includes helping our farmers and ranchers as they deal with billions of dollars of damage to agriculture. Their extraordinary dedication and hard work feed our families. 

Our nation is resilient.  The public and land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System (CES) has built better futures in every U.S. county for over 100 years.  County Extension agents and staff are frequently relied upon during and after disasters.  As local residents, they are integral to their communities.  Although their own families are impacted by disasters, they remain dedicated to serving those around them. 

Cooperative Extension’s efforts include:

• Distributing food and supplies
• Distributing hay and other feed, fencing, and health care supplies to farmers for their livestock
• Assisting in search and rescue
• Staffing shelters for humans and shelters for pets
• Helping homeowners with post-flood care of homes and food

Resources

The Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) is a CES’ collaborative multi-state effort to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters. EDEN’s mission is to reduce the impact of disasters through research-based education.  This includes Hurricane Helene and Milton resources.

Florida
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: Resources – Disaster Preparation & Recovery

Georgia
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension: Resources Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

North Carolina
NC State University Extension: NC Disaster Information Center

North Carolina A&T University: Aggies Care: North Carolina A&T Pitches In For Ongoing Hurricane Helene Recovery

South Carolina
Clemson University: Hurricane Helene Resources

Tennessee
University of Tennessee Cooperative Extension: Resources to Aid Flood Recovery Efforts

Virginia
Virginia Tech: Virginia agricultural damage from Hurricane Helene tops $159 million, Virginia Cooperative Extension says

The public and land-grant university system and our partners are dedicated to helping families, farmers, ranchers, and communities as the Southeast recovers and rebuilds.  Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this critical work.