Small farm lost several chickens during flooding from Tropical Storm Debby

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Recovery efforts continue in Dorchester and Colleton Counties for people who were impacted by Tropical Storm Debby last month.

Angela Brigmon is the owner of Brigmon Farms. They started their farm three years ago and attend area farmers markets.

Floodwaters associated with Tropical Storm Debby were deadly for some of their animals.

“The flooding came rather quickly. So, we weren’t able to prepare because we didn’t know the flooding was going to be up to 18 feet,” Brigmon said.

They live near the Edisto River, so as the river rose, their animals were impacted.

“We had to have our hogs, our Berkshires rescued, and they’re currently still at a friend’s farm who is housing them. And then a lot of our broilers, we had young ones and we had about 50 of them that were ready to be processed and sold to the community; however, a lot of them didn’t make it.”

They still have quite a few chickens. Since the broiler chickens were in the floodwaters, they are just going to allow them to lay eggs from now on.

In Dorchester County, the recent FEMA visit means public facilities like road damage may be covered. But due to the amount of damage to individuals, it is possible that individual assistance from FEMA may not happen.

“The next steps are the state of South Carolina will be formally, through the governor’s office, requesting to the federal government that we get public assistance declaration and individual assistance declaration for South Carolina,” said Thomas McNeal, Dorchester Director of Emergency Management.

Brigmon had insurance for their home, but not the farm. She expects it will cost about $50,000 to get things rebuilt.

“Our goal is to when we rebuild their houses to be able to build hen houses that will be able to rise if floodwaters should come again,” she said.

Brigman said they’re hoping to have things built and back to normal by the beginning of next year.

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