Catastrophic flooding devastated businesses, homes, and farms across Pike County, causing significant losses for farmers and livestock owners. Many agricultural operations suffered severe damage, including the loss of livestock, equipment, gardens, and fencing. The destruction of fencing was particularly challenging, as it left livestock vulnerable and created immediate concerns for farm security and animal safety.

In response, the Pike County Extension Office shifted its focus to flood recovery, working alongside multiple organizations to assist affected farmers and homeowners. The Agriculture and Natural Resources program, in collaboration with other extension program areas, took an active role in community support efforts. These included checking on community members to assess immediate needs, assisting with sorting and distributing relief supplies, partnering with Mercy Chefs to prepare and deliver meals, providing educational resources on flood relief and recovery.

A major success was a collaborative effort between the Pike County and Letcher County Extension Offices, Farm Bureau, and other organizations to provide fencing materials to impacted farmers. Pike County ANR gathered data on farmers in need and worked closely with the Letcher County ANR Agent to secure and distribute fence posts.

The program specifically targeted Pike County farmers and livestock owners who lost fencing due to flooding. Through this effort, multiple farmers received all the materials they needed to replace their damaged fencing.

This initiative directly helped farmers rebuild their operations by restoring fencing, a critical component of farm infrastructure. The impact was evident through expressions of gratitude from recipients, with one farmer sharing:

"I just got home with my 75 poles. The poles are just what I needed. Feeling so blessed. The people that gave out the poles were awesome. Thanks again."

This effort highlights the power of collaboration among Extension offices and partner organizations in responding to disaster relief. By working together, we can better the lives of Kentuckians and provide the support our agricultural communities need to recover and thrive.