In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on the state's agriculture sector, which is the backbone of the local economy. The storm has resulted in significant losses, with Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper reporting that 35% of the cotton crop is a total loss, alongside a 10 to 30 percent loss in peanut crops.

The hurricane has also left 14 dairies without power, with a total of 22 affected at the storm's onset. In addition, over 222 poultry houses have been destroyed, and another 100 have sustained damage, leading to operational losses for numerous farms. The infrastructure damage is extensive, affecting livestock facilities and overall agricultural operations.

The storm's reach extended to timberland, with approximately 4 million acres impacted, and 48,000 acres of pecan orchards damaged or destroyed. Officials emphasized their commitment to supporting affected communities, stating that all available state resources are being mobilized for response and recovery efforts. Executive actions have been taken to expedite relief measures, underscoring the administration's dedication to assisting those in need during this challenging time.