The floodwaters may have receded, but the challenges left behind are far from over. After Hurricane Helene tore through East Tennessee in September of last year, local farmers found their fields covered in thick layers of sand and silt. Crops were wiped out, pastures left unusable, and once-healthy soil damaged beyond recognition. But now, thanks to a dedicated team of experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, hope is returning to these fields, along with new, innovative solutions to restore them.
This was the topic of the Flood Recovery Initiative Field Day held Wednesday at The Bent in Limestone.
Farmers and land owners from Greene, Washington and surrounding counties were taking part in the hands-on field day featuring farmland recovery presentations, recovery project tours, vegetable and crop production. Following lunch , attendees are involved in some large scale demonstrations.
Field Day participants were also able to get updates on local recovery initiatives from partnering agencies and connect during a networking and trade show with local producers, sponsors, recovery groups and vendors.
