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
Partnership helps power homes while supporting a fifth-generation farm
Silver fox rabbits, Belgian horses among those making a comeback
Processing slowdowns and invasive species add pressure during peak harvest
After a challenging year, Georgia pecan growers are looking ahead with cautious optimism as costs and global tensions weigh on the future of the crop.
Shells from restaurants are collected, cleaned, and returned to the water, where they can support new growth.
Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Led by Sen. Rand Paul, lawmakers aim to prevent a November federal hemp ban, advocating for state control as farmers face planting uncertainties.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, fertilizer transparency efforts, and the role of trade in supporting farmer profitability.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.
Strong demand for U.S. beef in Mexico is boosting exports, with buyers seeking both variety meats and high-quality cuts like Prime and Choice ribeye.
Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, proposed fertilizer legislation, and potential support for farmers navigating tight margins.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the latest crop progress report and how market uncertainty and input costs are shaping planting decisions this spring.