Southeastern United States farmers, foresters and ranchers are unfortunately familiar with the devastation and loss of life and property that can accompany a hurricane. Hurricanes have always been a threat to the Southeast, with an average of over two strikes per year since 1900. The threat posed by hurricanes is growing due to rising ocean temperatures that slowing their movement and increasing wind speed. These changes will likely result in more destructive winds and flooding. To help producers remain productive in the face of this increasing threat, the USDA Southeast Climate Hub, along other USDA agencies and university Extension experts, developed state-level commodity guides to help farmers, foresters, and ranchers prepare for and recover from hurricane. Income inequality prevents many small producers from accessing internet products, so hard copy versions of 23 different commodity guides are being printed for distribution. Additionally, a webpage and workshops are being developed around the guides. The hurricane guides are being targeted toward state level extension agents, and private consultants who are often seen as a trusted source of information for local producers. These local experts will then pass on the information to local farmers, ranchers and forest owners.
National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research (NC-FAR) is hosting a free online webinar titled "Producer Preparation and Recovery from Hurricanes". The Council on Food, Agriculture, and Resource Economics (C-FARE) is supporting this event through its webinar platform.
This webinar will feature moderation by Anne Marsh, National Program Lead in Bioclimatology and Climate Change Research with the Forest Service and our speaker Steven McNulty, Director of the USDA Southeast Climate Hub.
The webinar will conclude with questions from attendees.