Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to Louisiana when the storm hit the state in late August.
The hurricane made landfall in Louisiana exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. Ida’s 150 mph winds make it equal in strength and intensity to 2020’s Hurricane Laura and the 1856 storm that hit the community of Last Island.
Ida’s winds toppled electrical transmission lines that provide power to grain export facilities and small family farms. The storm surge sent cattle to higher ground along levees with limited access to fresh water and forage.
Although state officials do not know the economic impact of the storm, early reports indicate the agricultural damage and losses are extensive.
“Our farmers and ranchers will feel the economic and psychological effects of this storm through this harvest season and beyond,” Louisiana Farm Bureau President Jim Harper said.
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 following devastating natural disasters.
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
If you have any questions or want 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.
If you have hay to donate, you can visit Louisiana Farm Bureau’s Hay Clearinghouse at https://lafarmbureau.org/hayclearinghouse. The platform connects ranchers who need hay or pastures with those who have hay or pasture space to donate during times of natural disaster. For more information about the Hay Clearinghouse, call 225.922.6200.