Supporting our Farm Bureau family in the aftermath of Helene

The devastation across the South right now is heartbreaking. I know I speak for the whole Farm Bureau family when I say we are lifting our neighbors up in prayer, across the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia and Florida.

We are already hearing stories of the widespread devastation in rural and farm communities, and it will be weeks — possibly months — before we know the full impact of the storm.

What we do know is that when hard times hit, our Farm Bureau family shows up. I have lost count of the calls and emails I’ve received from folks who are eager to find ways to help.

When the losses are so great — from lives lost, homes gone and whole communities cut off — it’s hard to know where to begin.

As a farmer, I want to just get in my truck and drive in supplies, clear away debris and help rebuild. But that’s not always the best way to help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster like this.

We are grateful to the first responders on the front lines helping thousands still without access to power and other necessities. And, even from a distance, we can do our part to help support our neighbors in the days, weeks and months to come.

That’s why I have asked our staff to provide a landing page for relief efforts and resources — to give us all a place to start.

We will regularly update this page — www.fb.org/issue/hurricane-helene — with information from our Farm Bureau organizations in the region and stories from members.

Our Farm Bureau family stands together in our darkest times to give hope to the hurting and comfort to the brokenhearted. Let’s remind our neighbors near and far that they are not alone.