Source: North Carolina Pork Council
North Carolina hog producers took extraordinary measures in advance of Hurricane Florence, including moving thousands of animals out of harm’s way as the hurricane approached. However the storm’s impact was felt deeply across a very large region, and approximately 5,500 hogs were lost in the aftermath.

The North Carolina Pork Council says the losses reported by the NCDA&S Emergency Programs and Veterinary Services divisions are the result of all aspects of the storm, including wind damage and flooding.

"We are saddened by this outcome," says the NCPC. "We do not expect the losses to increase significantly, though floodwaters continue to rise in some locations and circumstances may change."

North Carolina raises about 8.9 million hogs across 2,100 farms. In comparison to other historic storm events, Hurricane Matthew claimed 2,800 pigs, while Hurricane Floyd swine losses reached 21,000.

"Our farmers are working tirelessly now amid persistent and severe logistical challenges to continue the delivery of feed, to ensure power is operating on farms (as many use wells for water), and to reach the barns to provide proper animal husbandry. We believe deeply in our commitment to provide care for our animals amid these incredibly challenging circumstances," NCPC says. "We wish to also acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of support for our farmers from across the nation."