North Carolina's No. 1 industry takes severe hit from Helene

(The Center Square) – Among the massive damage to western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene has been the loss of farm livestock fences, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said.

He called for donations to help farmers. Damage estimates are unclear to the state's No. 1 industry, a $111.1 billion juggernaut of an economic engine.

“We have seen time and time again our agriculture community support one another in times of need, and this is no different,” Troxler said. “We are seeing an outpouring of support with hay, animal feed, fencing and other supplies that are going out to those needing these resources. In the days ahead, we know we are going to need even more fencing supplies, especially solar fence chargers to help livestock producers. If you have resources to donate, please go to our website to let us know.”

A portal for donations is set up by the Agriculture Department.

“The form asks if you need help or want to help,” Troxler’s office said. "To donate click on the ‘Want to Help’ button, then you will be asked for contact information and items you have to donate.”

The portal can also be used by farmers to request help such as someone temporarily caring for animals or providing food and supplies for them.

“We are working with local authorities to determine routes for moving livestock within and from the area,” the portal states. “PLEASE DO NOT ACT ON YOUR OWN! Many roads are not safe or passable and unauthorized access will slow down rescue and restoration efforts.”

Troxler toured the damaged areas on Thursday.

“Around anything that flows water, there is mass destruction,” he told the Southern Farm Network. “And, you know, we’ve been familiar with hurricanes in eastern North Carolina, but this is different, to kind of put it in perspective. It’s the damage. It looks more like tornadoes. I mean, it’s utter water flow, utter devastation. Buildings are gone. We’ve lost a lot of lives so far. So it is totally devastating for ag up here.”

Some of the area’s best farmland was in river bottoms, the low-lying areas around rivers, Troxler said.

“So that’s what forged away,” he said. “It’s pitiful, and apple trees that have been there for a long time blown out of the ground. So we got a lot of pieces to pick up to get these people back on their feet, and it’s not going to be an overnight thing. This is a marathon.”

The Agriculture Department also has a link, operating in real time adjustments , for livestock donation supply sites.