Crops Damaged in Storms, Farmers Could Lose Thousands
MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. – Storm damage is going to cost Betty Woods hundreds of thousands of dollars, but she said the damage to her building isn’t her main concern. “When I heard about what happened in Oklahoma, I’m thankful that we got only this damage; but our farm is our year’s work and our way of living,” said Woods. Storms swept through parts of Madison County last week bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and destructive hail, causing farmers like Woods to lose many of their crops. “When my husband and I drove through after the storm, I immediately knew that the corn crop was destroyed,” said Woods. According to Woods, 350 of their 1000 acres of corn were destroyed due to hail. She said hail damage is not covered under most crop insurance. This late in the year, Woods said that many of the crops lost cannot be replanted. Losses like these on a large scale can affect everyone by causing prices to rise on most fruits and vegetables. “If there is a catastrophe, prices usually follow and go up,” said Woods. With more rain and storms to come, many farmers said all they can do is hope for the best.
