First of all, we want to let you know we are thinking of you and your communities. We know many areas have been completely devastated by Hurricane Florence and our hearts hurt for all affected. The North Carolina Soybean Producers Association is here to help in any way we can.
We know floodwaters may continue to rise in some areas, and it is too soon for many farmers to assess damage to crops and facilities. But much of the state will see some impacts from Hurricane Florence, causing the potential for damage to a significant portion of the state’s crop.
As you do begin to asses damage we hope to provide you with information that can be helpful in making decisions about marketing, insurance, and disaster assistance programs. Due to the timing of this storm, most of the soy in the state is not yet mature and at significant risk of damage due to moisture to flooding.
Commissioner Troxler and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture have activated the Ag Emergency Hotline in order to help farmers impacted by Hurricane Florence. The number is 1-866-645-9403 and is staffed from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm daily. If you have an agriculture-related emergency please call the hotline.
Also, Governor Roy Cooper has issued an order that allows farmers to use non-highway diesel fuel in their highway vehicles, effective immediately.
Farmers who have flooded grain or moisture damaged grain after Hurricane Florence should consider storing it separately as there are some dangers with blending damaged soybeans and soybeans from flooded fields with good soybeans in a bin or storage tank. Some risks include mold, rotting, and mycotoxins. Adding damaged beans to good beans could cause the whole lot to be heavily discounted or rejected.
Based on the experience Hurricane Matthew, if grain was totally submerged in flood waters, it appears that insurance policy allows for a zero appraisal due to the potential for toxins in flood water. This should be discussed with your insurance adjuster.
We will provide more information and updates in the coming days.
Despite all the destruction we couldn’t be prouder of our NC farmers. Even when facing crisis yourselves, you reach out and help others. We know you take great pride in being involved in your communities and want to thank all of you who have worked long hours helping save lives and meeting other’s needs. We are continuing to pray for your families, your farms, and your communities.
If your operation did experience flooded soybean fields, below are links that may help you make decisions to finish out the 2018 season.
- Hurricane Florence has caused catastrophic damage across parts of NC from flooding and wind damage. The damage will vary across the state depending on a variety of factors. Here are 10 points to consider for hurricane-affected soybean fields: https://soybeans.ces.ncsu.edu/2018/09/soybean-considerations-following-hurricane-florence/
- Nick Piggott offers guidance to farmers whose crops have been impacted by the massive floods caused by breaking down the process of evaluating whether to harvest and how to calculate potential losses and much more helpful info! http://ow.ly/myac50j2YLZ
- In the videos belwo, Dr. Jim Dunphy shares tips for growers on how to deal with flood and water-logged soybeans. Footage was shot on a farm in Greene County, N.C. that was devastated by Hurricane Matthew. Remember, soybeans that are submerged in river or stream water are considered to be adulterated material because of potential toxins from floodwaters and will be rejected by grain elevators. Remember, soybeans that are submerged in river or stream water are considered to be adulterated material because of potential toxins from floodwaters and will be rejected by grain elevators.
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