This week marked six months since Hurricane Helene devastated rural communities in western North Carolina. The storm ravaged apple orchards in an area known as Apple Alley, in the southern hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Farmers fear that their greatest hurdles are yet to come, with the storm threatening their future. Growers are still waiting on federal and state aid to help them in the recovery process. One local Extension official says that farmers are growing frustrated, and he worries without direct payments arriving soon, many will give up.
Last week, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a fourth spending package to help Helene survivors. That brings state relief to $1.4 billion.
Federal funding is even higher, with FEMA pledging $9 billion. State officials say damage from Helene could top $60 billion.
A congressional hearing on FEMA’s efforts was scheduled for this week but has been postponed with no new date set.
The total value of the U.S. potato crop was $4.60 billion in 2024, representing an 8% decrease from the previous year.
September 29, 2025 06:00 PM
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Crop-specific shifts and strong prices highlight the variability of this year’s fruit and tree nut harvest, according to USDA data.
September 29, 2025 05:11 PM
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The decline in production marks the second consecutive year of contraction in the U.S. turkey industry.
September 29, 2025 05:05 PM
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The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
September 29, 2025 04:55 PM
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“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
September 29, 2025 03:59 PM
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Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
September 29, 2025 02:14 PM
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