Social media reports show Florence's impact on Carolina farms

It is too early to know the full gravity, and the concern for life and recover remain paramount at this time, but Hurricane Florence hurt Carolinas' farmers.

There is little doubt Florence delivered (and continues to do so) major damage to the region, and it will be weeks or months before we know precisely the full extent of how widespread the damage was or the economic impact.

For three days, Florence brought 70 mph and greater winds to the coastal region with 40 mph to 50 mph winds as far inland as Fayetteville, NC. And that’s just the wind. Rainfall was being measured in feet along the coast and inland.

Our prayers continue for the people this storm affected. Southeast Farm Press has our associate editor John Hart in Raleigh gathering what information is available and reporting on the storm, which is still dropping tropical storm level rain on the area as it groans north.

Social media reports tell a tough tale. A few posts follow below, and we thank these people for sharing what they are going through. If you are affected by Florence, our ears are open and eager to hear your story and share it with our readers.

The cotten outside Newton Grove in Sampson Co took a major hit from #Florence. #NCFarmBureau pic.twitter.com/0NeoJp3vdH

— NC Farm Bureau (@NCFarmBureau) September 16, 2018

Looking out my bedroom window at what’s left of what once was a 2+ bale cotton crop and it’s still pounding it. 12+ inches of rain so far. #Florence pic.twitter.com/n2I8eqbY8W

— Brad Warren (@ten_mile_cotton) September 15, 2018

#Tobacco after #Florence #EasternNC pic.twitter.com/gHbpMz1VfV

— Keul Whitford (@KeulWhitford) September 16, 2018

Soybeans. Easy to see why we call this field, "The Swamp Piece" Lost count of amount of rainfall, but somewhere between 12 and 15 inches. #Florence #EasternNC pic.twitter.com/VzLj6mxgOM

— Keul Whitford (@KeulWhitford) September 16, 2018

Many hog farmers continue to assist with the ongoing emergency response in their communities, including assisting with search and rescue operations. We continue to express gratitude for their efforts.https://t.co/8kWpNP4Qso

— NC Pork Council (@ncpork) September 15, 2018

NC State Cooperative Extension created a dedicated Daily Digest to provide relative information to conditions and responses to Hurricane Florence.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services wants to connect farmers with resources to assist with agricultural emergencies, and created a toll-free hotline at 1-866-645-9403 operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.