As Hurricane Matthew pummeled eastern North Carolina Oct. 8-9, and then caused rampant flooding in the weeks following, Hyde County farmers experienced devastating effects on their crops.

“While the damage is still being assessed, it is important to realize what these damaged or lost crops mean to the economies of our counties. Some of these images are taken on farms that also suffered crop losses last year, and the year before, all due to the incredible amounts of rainfall we have experienced over that time,” said Rod Gurganus, Beaufort County agriculture agent, who also monitored the flooding in Hyde.

Crews and residents worked to pump out some of the standing water, as well as repair the damage left by the floodwaters.

“We are fortunate in that we do not have the devastation to homes that is being seen south and west of us. But our farmers, the families that are employed by these farms, the businesses that are related to agriculture, and our economies are going to feel the effects of this for a long time,” Gurganus said.