Hurricane Laura caused significant damage to Louisiana when the storm hit the state in late August.

It is the strongest tropical system on record to make landfall in Louisiana since the 1856 storm that hit the community of Last Island, according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

Laura’s track northward across the state brought hurricane force winds through the state’s prime cattle, rice, sugarcane, corn, soybean, nursery/greenhouse and poultry growing areas.

Roads remain impassible, and homes are damaged or destroyed. Louisiana farmers and ranchers will feel the economic and psychological effects of this storm through this harvest season and beyond.

Although state officials do not know the economic impact of the storm, early reports indicate the agricultural damage and losses are extensive.

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation established a disaster relief fund to help farmers and ranchers in rebuilding and recovery efforts.

The disaster relief fund was created after hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit Louisiana and has helped move money to farmers around the state who need assistance to rebuild and recover.

“We already have farmers helping farmers with folks from Texas driving over hay, barbwire and fence posts,” Harper said. “South Louisiana sugarcane farmers are bringing fuel to poultry growers in the north. It’s just what folks in agriculture do when people are in need.”

To donate, make checks payable to Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation Disaster Relief Fund and mail them to:

Louisiana Farm Bureau Foundation
Disaster Relief Fund
P.O. Box 95004
Baton Rouge, LA 70895-9004

Click here to make a donation using PayPal.

“We’re going to make sure every dollar donated gets into the hands of a farmer or rancher who needs it,” Harper said.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the relief fund, contact Ashley Stephens at 225-922-6201 or ashleys@lfbf.org or Kyle McCann at 225-922-6202 or kylem@lfbf.org.

Click here for more information about the relief fund.