By Frank Taylor
September 11, 2001, is the most infamous day in American history. More than three thousand individuals died in systematic attacks on iconic structures located on North American soil. Ironically, Hurricane Francine blew into Morgan City, LA, on September 11, 2024. Francine arrived with a wind speed of over 100 miles per hour. This category two hurricane caused significant flooding, downing of trees, and structural damage. More than 400,000 homes and businesses were without utilities. Francine caused significant havoc for individuals in Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
Francine was the Gulf of Mexico’s second hurricane to make landfall in 2024. Her ten-foot waves inundated flood-prone New Orleans, and Mississippi’s coastal cities received modest flooding along the coastline. As Francine marched northeastward into Mississippi, she delivered needed rain.
Winston County Self Help Cooperative staff and members gathered details from friends across Mississippi and Louisiana. Cattle farmers welcomed the moisture, which will propel hay growth into hefty final cutting. Bobby Joe Spivey of Central Mississippi Small Cattle Alliance said, “This rain will be beneficial. This will help cattlemen prepare for planting fall ryegrass.” Warner Hall Farm in St. Helena Parish, LA, suffered crop damage from Francine. Warner Hall stated, “Wind toppled my hibiscus and sugarcane. The other vegetables sustained minor damage. We have received more than five inches of rain in the last nine days.” WCSHC members and the population in east central Mississippi welcomed the needed rain. “Presently, we are under a burn ban issued by the Mississippi Forestry Commission in August,” according to Allen McReynolds. “Normally, we don’t want to encounter a hurricane. However, we appreciate the precipitation from Francine. Additionally, we are thankful Francine didn’t cause a major loss of life or significant property damage.”
We encourage farmers to report damages to their local Farm Service Agency office. Various emergency programs under the USDA’s umbrella assist farm owners and operators. As a farmer, you can assist with the process by documenting with pictures and developing an itemized list of products lost due to the hurricane. WCSHC staff is praying for a speedy recovery.
