Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
In 2011, Hurricane Irene severely damaged tobacco and other crops in Eastern North Carolina.
Hurricane season begins June 1 and continues through the end of November. Weather researchers at N.C. State University are predicting a less active hurricane season, with up to 11 named storms forming in the Atlantic. They say four to six storms could become hurricanes.
Farmers are well aware that a hit from one storm can ruin their whole year. Farmers should review their disaster plans now and get ready for the season. Troxler says planning now can help reduce the damage from hurricanes and tropical storms later.
Farmers need to make preparations for their families, workers, equipment and buildings. They also need to have backup plans for electricity and drinkable water for their farm.
Livestock operations should maintain emergency plans that address power needs and on-site feed capabilities. Also, identify places to relocate animals from low-lying areas. And mark animals with an ear tag or another kind of identifier so they can be easily returned if lost.
It’s also a good idea for farmers to have a transfer switch properly installed so they can use a generator. This is critical for protecting farm buildings and utility workers.
These are just a few of the things farmers can do to reduce the impact of a hurricane or tropical storm.
The NCDA&CS has created agricultural emergency response teams that can provide certain types of assistance to farmers after storms. The goal is to be able to go into farming communities after a storm and help growers with things such as debris removal.
Click on the audio player below to listen to Commissioner Troxler and Rhonda discuss the importance of preparing for hurricane season. For more information about preparing farms for hurricanes, click here.
[Audio:http://info.ncagr.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/Troxler_5-27.mp3|titles=Today’s Topic for May 27]
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