Last week’s storms caused widespread damage to some areas, with damages even affecting some in the agricultural industry.

As farmers are prepared for harvest season, the straight-line winds took out crops across the region.

With margins already so tight, many farmers are facing setbacks due to crop damage. Brian Hobbs of Hobbs Farms in Carlisle County said the cost of doing business is much more than it used to be already.

“We are in all-time highs for expenses, and not necessarily at all-time highs for revenue potentials. So, margins are very tight and thin, creating a lot of pressure on the balance sheet for a farmer,” said Hobbs.

Hobbs grows multiple crops on several thousand acres, of which he said at least 200 were harmed. He shared two of the main problems he faces when an event like this happens.

“Harder to harvest, or slower for sure, which can increase your costs because it's not efficient, and then of course not gathering up all the yield, therefore not getting all your revenue. So, it's the worst of both worlds,” he said.

Despite the setbacks, Hobbs said he has been through it before, and is staying positive.

“I wouldn't say the challenge of putting out a crop or harvesting a crop. You know, this ain't the first time we've seen this and won't be the last,” said Hobbs.

Hobbs said he will start harvesting Monday, and get a better idea of the damage once he is in the fields. After that is when crop insurance comes into play to help soften the blow of the damage.

“They'll come out [Monday] while we're shelling and assess the damage, obviously, and see what percentage is on the ground, what percent is hard to harvest… All that will be determined as we stick the combine in the field,” said Hobbs.

Hobbs noted that his farm is not alone, and that the storms that hit Carlisle County affected many farmers across the area.

Another farmer, Kevin Hayden in Graves County, described the storms as especially damaging for him as well.

“We experienced some extensive crop damage with the high winds and hail mixed with it. Probably the worst storm I’ve witnessed in my lifetime,” said Hayden.

Source - https://www.wpsdlocal6.com