Production Journal

Farm Journal, Sep 28, 2005 by Jeanne Bernick, Pam Henderson

About 75% of Mississippi's 230 dairy farmers are in the southern region, and more than 50% of these farms are in the hardest hit counties. Bill Herndon, dairy economics specialist at Mississippi State University, estimates losses to top $6 million.

Farmers as early responders. In the weeks following the storm, Louisiana farmers used chain saws, skid loaders, tractors and trailers to clear roads and move debris and even people, Farm Bureau spokesman Danna says.

Farmers and ranchers from across the country have been sending money and supplies to rural areas hit by Katrina. Several semis with donated fencing and solar panels for corralling livestock arrived in central Louisiana, Rowntree says. (Turn to page 82 to find out where to donate to reach farmers.) "This hurricane is a tragedy, but I see God in it every day in the amazing stories of rescue and recovery," Rowntree says. "People around the country have been so generous in helping us down here."