BATON ROUGE, La. (RFD News) — Louisiana is getting a clearer picture of the agricultural damage left behind by Tropical Storm Arthur.
State officials estimate the June storm caused $112 billion in agricultural losses alone. Three parishes accounted for 90 percent of the damage, with some areas receiving 29 inches of rain in less than 24 hours.
State surveys show flooding damaged more than 190,000 acres of crops, with soybeans suffering the greatest losses. Sugarcane, rice and corn were also affected.
The storm also damaged hundreds of miles of fencing, along with farm buildings and equipment.
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Producers can receive assistance for well projects as dry conditions affect much of the state.
Waterlogged soils are also contributing to nutrient deficiencies as growers are urged to scout fields.
Drought is forcing cattle producers to secure winter feed early as costs climb.
The debate comes as the Forest Service considers rescinding restrictions across millions of acres of national forests.
Growers expect good quality as weather-related losses reduce apple supplies in other states.
The state recorded about 30 tornadoes in March alone before additional activity in July and August.
