As Farmers and Ranchers Measure Impact from Hurricane Ida, Here's How You Can Help

Less than a week after Louisiana was ravaged by Hurricane Ida, farmers and ranchers are assessing the damage with recovery gets underway. And now a disaster relief fund is aimed to provide financial help. 

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation is engaging the Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation Disaster Relief Fund for the second time in as many years in response to damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Ida tied as the strongest storm to ever make landfall in Louisiana. 

Hurricane Ida’s 150 mph winds destroyed the homes of farmers and ranchers along its path with some farmers reporting they remained in the eye wall of the storm for six hours. Thousands of head of cattle have been displaced because of damaged fences and flooding, The wind toppled pine trees and hardwood ready for harvest and blew sugarcane flat, affecting about 25% of the crop.

“Our farmers and ranchers really didn’t need another natural disaster” said Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper. “Last year they had to endure five tropical systems making landfall in Louisiana, including hurricanes Laura and Delta.”

The Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is the conduit established by the state’s largest general farm organization following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 to get funds into the hands of those involved in agriculture for rebuilding and recovery.

“We’re already seeing farmers helping farmers here at home, but those out of state are looking for ways they can help,” Harper said. “The Disaster Relief Fund gives them a way to help folks here recover, without having to travel.”

“We’re going to make sure every dollar donated gets into the hands of a farmer or rancher who needs it,” said Harper.

During the Farm Journal Farm Country Update this week, Vilsack gave an update on where USDA stands with assessing the damage, as well as possible next steps in gettin producers help. 

Overall, damage from Hurricane Ida is estimated to cost $18 billion. That estimate includes more than just the losses to agriculture.

To donate, make checks payable to Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and mail them to: 

Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation

Disaster Relief Fund

P.O. Box 95004

Baton Rouge, LA 70895-9004