Hurricane Helene has brought devastation to many farms here in Western North Carolina, leaving pastures and hay fields flooded, damaged, or in some cases destroyed. As farmers face the challenge of ensuring livestock have enough feed and shelter for the late fall and winter, strategic planning is crucial. 

Many people have pasture damage from the storm. Make sure to inspect your pastures to identify the areas that are salvageable and those that will need reseeding. Before reseeding you should conduct a soil test to ensure what nutrients your soil needs. This will help you save money by ensuring you are getting the right amount of nutrients needed for the crop you are trying to produce. Right now soil testing fees have been waived in the areas that have been affected by Hurricane Helene through June 30, 2025. The areas with the fees waived are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. If you need help interpreting your soil report please feel free to drop by the Extension office or give us a call.

With some pasture land & hay fields being completely wiped out it is important to consider feeding hay & feed this winter. While the cost for both hay and feed add up quickly it is important to keep the animals health at best interest. Feed & hay will help supplement what grass the animals are not getting in areas where the pasture has washed away.

If you have any questions please feel free to call the Extension Office at (828) 652-8104 and speak with Skyler Murray.