Flood recovery continues for East Tennessee farmers a year after Hurricane Helene

Experts estimate the flooding from Hurricane Helene caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.

It’s been a year since Tropical Storm Helene caused heavy flooding in Upper East Tennessee. The impact on farming could be measured for the next decade.

University economists are also working with producers to recover financially. Experts estimate the flooding caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is working with farmers as they restore their land and soil. UTIA Reporter Charles Denney shows us how they’re stabilizing land along riverbanks so that crops can grow again.

Related Stories
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses SDRP payment limits and offers advice for those seeking higher limits.
Lawmakers advance FY27 agriculture funding bill, highlighting support for rural development, school lunches, disease response, and water issues.
Waylon NeSmith says continuing the operation is a way to carry on the lessons and legacy his father left behind.
Researchers say stronger rootstocks are helping growers fight citrus greening.
Culver’s is holding its annual “Scoops of Thanks Day” event, offering a scoop of frozen custard in exchange for a $1 donation supporting agricultural education.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss the early warning signs of arthritis, the challenges facing rural populations, and steps individuals can take to manage joint health.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The $221 million will help farmers and ranchers cover losses from Hurricane Helene that USDA programs didn’t cover. They’ll focus on infrastructure, markets, timber, and future economic losses.
The Tennessee State Fair features a variety of attractions, including rides, tasty foods, and dozens of agricultural competitions to enter and win. But what goes into picking achievements in each category?
Tom Peterson with the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association says taxpayers are “unfortunate casualties” of this overlay now that the Mexican wolf population is stable under ESA guidelines.
Co-Bank Lead Dairy Economist, Corey Geiger, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report for a further look at the drop in replacement heifers and the trend’s longterm impact on dairy producers and cattle prices.
The agriculture workforce’s struggles with labor issues in recent years have opened the door to more automation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
RanchHERs Lyn & Sherrie Ray breed horses and raise cattle in New Mexico, while also helping to mentor the next generation of ag leaders