Alabama Extension compiling agricultural loss data from Hurricane Michael
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Hurricane Michael devastated crops in Alabama’s Wiregrass region. For farmers to have access to the most disaster assistance, officials need comprehensive data on projected yields, estimated losses and other agricultural impacts.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University is leading the data collection effort, documenting the complete effect Hurricane Michael had on Wiregrass area farmers.
Alabama Extension director Dr. Gary Lemme said farmers will have several options for submitting their information.
“Farmers can enter their farm and damage information directly http://www.aces.edu/go/944,” Lemme said. “They can also print a worksheet and take it to their county Extension office and have county staff upload their information.”
“We will compile the data and provide it to state and federal agencies as well as the state’s Congressional delegation.”
Farmers and producers will also find an Ag Damage Assessment link on the bottom of every page of the MichaelRecoveryInfo.com website.
Lemme emphasized the importance that farmers document their losses.
“Document, document, document,” he said. “I cannot stress this enough.”
Information that will be needed include:
- Crop yields harvested before storm
- Estimated crop yields after storm
- Livestock losses
- Damages to equipment and farm buildings
Additionally, farmers can upload both photos and videos as supporting materials to the online survey.