Farmers in Rockingham County, Virginia, have come together to support their fellow agricultural communities in Southwest Virginia as they recover from the devastation left by Hurricane Helene.
With floods ravaging farms and wiping out essential supplies, local farmers like Bud Koontz have organized relief efforts, delivering truckloads of hay and other critical supplies to help sustain livestock through the crisis.
Koontz emphasized the importance of empathy and community support: Put yourself in their shoes and do what you think you would want them to do for you.
For many farmers impacted by the hurricane, their livelihoods were destroyed, with fields underwater and winter hay supplies soaked beyond use.
Koontz and other farmers have focused on bringing dry, clean hay down to help those facing immense challenges in maintaining their herds.
There’s nothing like seeing the relief on their faces when a trailer of hay arrives, Koontz said, highlighting the profound impact of these efforts on farmers struggling to keep their animals fed.
Despite having delivered thousands of pounds of hay, the need for assistance remains, especially as winter approaches.
Koontz called on farmers across the Valley to contribute even a few bales each, stressing that small contributions from many could provide essential sustenance to struggling herds over the next few months.