Hurricane Season’s Impact on NC Farmers
August 23, 2025
| Friends, Hurricane season is nothing new for North Carolina, but this week’s developments serve as a timely reminder of just how unpredictable our weather can be. Hurricane Erin formed right on schedule for the peak of the Atlantic season, which typically runs from mid-August through late October. While the storm spared much of the mainland, our friends in the Outer Banks felt its full force, facing wave heights reported as high as 40 feet offshore and significant coastal flooding. Our thoughts are with everyone in those communities as recovery efforts continue. If Erin had shifted its path inland, many of us in agriculture would have been preparing yet again by topping off fuel, checking generators, and safeguarding our farms, livestock, and crops. Moments like these underscore the importance of planning ahead, and we want to take a moment to highlight the work our state officials do behind the scenes to help us prepare for these events. When storms threaten North Carolina, the Governor can issue an executive order to temporarily lift certain transportation restrictions. This flexibility allows trucks carrying essential goods, livestock and poultry feed, harvest-ready crops, and even animals themselves to move quickly and safely where they’re needed most. Governor Stein issued such an order for Erin, just as governors have done during past storms, ensuring that critical supplies and resources can get to the right place at the right time. Here is Executive Order No. 20 related to Hurricane Erin. If you plan to use these provisions, please take time to read the order carefully. We’ll continue monitoring these updates and will share new information throughout hurricane season. Finally, we want to thank Governor Stein, Commissioner Troxler, the NC Department of Transportation, and the NC State Highway Patrol for prioritizing the safety of our farms, our livestock, and our people. Their coordination and quick action make a difference for our industry and our communities. Still waiting… We have an unofficial copy of the MAHA strategy report, but until we receive an official version from the source, we’re holding off on any analysis or speculation. If you’d like to read what others are saying in the meantime, Politico has published a helpful summary that offers early insights into the ongoing discussions. Best regards, |
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| Tori Rumenik Executive Director, North Carolina Ag Partnership |