South Carolina floods cause problems for poultry farmers

The recent storms and subsequent flooding in South Carolina are hurting the state’s poultry industry, although state officials are still assessing the damage.
Harry Ott, executive director USDA’s South Carolina Farm Service Agency (FSA) said in a USDA Radio News interview that while the agency has not received specific reports on bird losses at South Carolina poultry farms, the rains have caused other problems for poultry producers.
“We had a lot of roads get washed out, we’ve had some reports of poultry operations getting out of feed because they couldn’t get trucks in to the operations,” said Ott. “Until we get into all of these areas and assess the damages, it’s pretty difficult to get a firm number on it.”

House of Raeford avoids damage to South Carolina plants

House of Raeford Farms, a North Carolina-based poultry company with operations also in South Carolina, appears to have been “pretty fortunate,” according to company spokesman Dave Witter.
Witter said there was no known damage of any significance to the company’s contract grow-out farms. There was also no known damage to the company’s plant in West Columbia or its further processing plant in Hemingway.
The biggest problem for House of Raeford, Witter said, is also one concerning the conditions of the roads.
“The main problem in both locations is road conditions, which may make it difficult for some of our employees to get to work,” he said

South Carolina crop damage

Ott said he is confident the storms caused at least $300 million worth of damage to the row crops alone. About 70 percent of the state’s cotton and peanut crop have been lost, and about 50 percent of the state’s soybeans have been lost.
He also estimates that most fall vegetables that were ready to be harvested have been lost.
That $300 million estimate could likely change once more reports of damage are received.

Farmers encouraged to report damage

Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), a state regulatory agency that protects animal health and investigates diseases, is asking livestock and poultry producers to document any property damage to appropriate parties, including local county Clemson Extension agents.
LPH is also asking farmers to check animals for injuries that may have been incurred as a result of prolonged exposure to flooded areas.

Assessing poultry, livestock damage after flooding in South Carolina

After historic flooding in South Carolina, agriculture damage assessment has begun. Officials are asking farmers for help in reporting damage involving South Carolina livestock and poultry.
Clemson Livestock Poultry Health (LPH), a state regulatory agency that protects animal health and investigates diseases, asks that livestock owners document any property damages — along with photos, if possible — to appropriate parties, including to local county Clemson Extension agents, who serve on the county emergency board.
“It’s important that we know what problems we face so that resources can be allocated to meet the need,” said Charlotte Krugler, LPH emergency preparedness veterinarian. “The state also needs damage estimates as part of the second phase federal disaster application. We don’t know at this point what aid may be available, but we can be sure there will be none if the damage is not reported.”
LPH personnel have been stationed in the S.C. Emergency Operations Center since its activation at noon Friday. Clemson Extension staff have the official damage assessment report form with which to document losses to the center.
For farms that have suffered large numbers of storm-related animal deaths, farmers are urged to contact the state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Agriculture Compliance office to determine if the farm’s carcass management plan needs to be reviewed or changed for this event.
Krugler also advises farmers to examine their property for hazards, especially before letting animals back out onto pastures. Hazards include damaged fences and waste systems, downed power lines, flooded areas, gas and utility leaks, debris, looters, strange animals — either domesticated or wildlife — and toxic plant parts (such as downed cherry tree leaves) that may have blown in. Observe any animals found on your property and report them so they can be checked or scanned for identification and returned to their owners.
Check animals for injuries, including feet and skin in animals that have had prolonged exposure to flooded areas, and for wire or string wrapped around limbs that may not be immediately obvious. If animals have been off regular feeding schedules, move back to regular diets slowly. Proportion access to water gradually, especially to pigs: Offer small amounts initially to avoid salt poisoning.
Expect that animals may be temporarily disoriented, nervous, and even fractious following an emergency event, since the character, feel, smell, look and layout of their surroundings has changed. Animals that don’t normally act up may fight to re-establish hierarchy and may need to be separated. As much as possible, use familiar personnel and protocols to assist them to re-acclimate.
The flooding has temporarily closed its office doors, but LPH operations continue during the emergency. LPH personnel have been stationed in the S.C. Emergency Operations Center since its activation at noon on Friday. The state veterinarian and his assistants continue to be available to receive and investigate reports of sick or dying livestock and poultry. They may be reached at 803-726-7813, bparr@clemson.edu or eichelb@clemson.edu.

Tyson Foods and Team Rubicon team up to enhance disaster relief efforts

Tyson Foods is partnering with Team Rubicon, a military veterans' group, to enhance disaster relief efforts in the United States. The collaboration will combine Team Rubicon's knowledge of logistics planning in the field with Tyson Foods' experience in providing food to victims and volunteers.
As part of the partnership, Tyson Foods will donate a 53 foot semi-trailer that will serve as Team Rubicon's command center during relief efforts. The truck will include sleeping quarters and office and storage space for Team Rubicon's staff and volunteers. Tyson Foods will mobilize the unit alongside the company's Meals that Matter mobile feeding unit, when appropriate, and will work collaboratively onsite to bring assistance to disaster victims and aid workers.
"We're in a lot of communities where we're responsible for making a difference, said Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson.  "And then you look at these individuals who want to volunteer their time, they volunteered it in the military to protect us, and now they want to volunteer their time to help when there's a different type of disaster going on. It was simply a natural fit that came together."
"Command and control must be established quickly during disasters to ensure that the most pressing needs are met, and this trailer will be a valuable resource," said Jake Wood, cofounder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "We are extremely grateful for Tyson Foods' support of not only our mission, but the continued example they set by providing warm meals to communities in need."
Team Rubicon was established by Wood, and fellow former Marine William McNulty, following the Haiti Earthquake in 2010. What sets the non-profit organization apart from other relief organizations is that it combines the skills and experiences of veterans with those of first responders. Beyond helping disaster survivors, their work helps veterans reintegrate through continued service.
Four years after the quake, Team Rubicon has grown from eight to 14,000 members-most of whom are military veterans. Team Rubicon has 51 missions under its belt now, including Superstorm Sandy, Oklahoma Tornadoes, Colorado Floods, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Team Rubicon was recognized at the Clinton Global Initiative for their accomplishments during Hurricane Sandy.
Tyson Foods first launched its Meals that Matter unit during Hurricane Sandy. In 2013 it was deployed to Moore, Okla., for three weeks and served more than 80,000 meals in the aftermath of the devastating tornado.

Animal relief services deployed to Oklahoma

Shortly after the tornado hit Moore, Okla., Dr. Rod Hall, state veterinarian for Oklahoma, extended an invitation to American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services to officially deploy to the disaster in Moore.
The tornado, reported to be EF-5 strength and two miles wide, touched down in the Oklahoma City area on May 20, killing at least 24 people.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the people in Oklahoma as they begin recover and rebuild. Just as people are adversely affected by a natural disaster, so are our animals — both those we keep as pets and those on our farms and ranches,” said Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO Kay Johnson Smith. “The alliance is encouraging its members to donate to worthy causes, which will be on the ground in Oklahoma helping in this devastating storm’s aftermath.”
The American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services in Oklahoma will include two large big-rig rescue vehicles, which serve as mobile veterinary hospitals and triage centers for animals and also transport crates and medical supplies. The rigs also provide lodging for the association’s staff and first responders.
Other groups that will be instrumental in helping ensure animal care and well-being in the storm’s aftermath include the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. Both these groups, as well as the American Humane Association, are accepting donations to aid in their relief efforts.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, certified American Veterinary Medical Association veterinary teams will be standing by to assist in Oklahoma in caring for both large and small animals. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation asks any Oklahoma veterinarians in need of help in order to continue to provide critical health and sheltering care, to contact them.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this disaster, their families and those on the ground helping to assist with the ongoing clean-up efforts. We hope our membership and others will be generous in donating to those organizations caring for both humans and animals in Oklahoma,” Johnson Smith said. 

Emergency Animal Feed Program established in Utah after wildfires

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has activated an Emergency Animal Feed Program in response to numerous requests received for assistance from livestock owners affected by the recent wildfires.
In partnership with the Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition, the department established the "Feed the Animals" account at Wells Fargo Bank to serve as a place where the public can make cash donations to be used for the purchasing of animal feed and other livestock needs. Donations will be accepted and livestock owners can request assistance online as well.
"An estimated 20,000 head of sheep and cattle have had their seasonal rangelands destroyed by fire in the past week," said Utah commissioner of agriculture and food, Leonard Blackham. "The Feed the Animals Fund will help ranchers meet their short- and long-term food needs."
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is also meeting with various federal, state and local land management leaders to coordinate the replanting of fire-resistant grasses in the impacted areas.