Farmers in Grayson County face long recovery after Hurricane Helene's devastating impact

Farmers in Southwest Virginia are facing a long road to recovery following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the region hard, particularly in Grayson County. The storm's impact has left many orchards and farms in disarray, with some farmers reporting that it will take years to fully recover.

Ricky Barrier, a local orchard owner, described the scene on his farm, where entire trees were uprooted and destroyed by the hurricane's fierce winds. "What you see here looks like a picked tree, but it was not picked at all. This was completely blown off from the hurricane," he explained, highlighting the extent of the damage.

In response to the disaster, community support has poured in from across Virginia. Amy Byington, an extension agent in Lee County, emphasized the importance of solidarity, drawing on lessons learned from previous disasters in Kentucky. "It’s meant a lot to have people across the state reach out and make us feel like we’re part of Virginia," she said.

Despite the overwhelming support, many farmers are still struggling to access available resources. Linwood and Becky Broadus, crop farmers in Caroline County, have been leading efforts to address farmer stress, encouraging open conversations about mental health and the challenges faced by their peers. They highlighted the importance of seeking help, whether through professional services or simply talking with fellow farmers.

To assist those in need, the AGRISTRETS helpline offers 24-hour access to mental health professionals. Additionally, AgrAbility Virginia is organizing farm dinner theaters to foster discussions about stress and safety in farming.

As recovery efforts continue, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents are shifting focus to long-term needs, such as rebuilding infrastructure and restoring access to farms. They stress that while immediate aid is crucial, the demand for support will persist well into the future.

For those looking to contribute, Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture, Innovation, and Rural Sustainability provide avenues for donations, which have already raised significant funds to assist affected farmers.

The resilience of the farming community in Southwest Virginia is evident, but the journey to recovery will require ongoing support and resources as they work to rebuild their livelihoods.