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.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
February 23, 2026 11:08 AM
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Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.
February 23, 2026 10:09 AM
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The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
February 22, 2026 03:00 PM
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Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
February 20, 2026 03:38 PM
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Galynn Beer of Tidal Grow Agri-Science joined us to discuss challenges in fertility management, the benefits of Align-N, and what growers can expect at Commodity Classic next week.
February 20, 2026 01:26 PM
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Iowa farmer Derek Hommer joined us to discuss grain bin safety, ongoing prevention efforts, and the importance of community preparedness during Nationwide’s Grain Bin Safety Week.
February 20, 2026 01:21 PM
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