Agriculture and rural life are the foundation of Farm Bureau. This year has not been kind to our farmers or rural citizens. At the time of this writing, thousands of people in the western part of our state are facing unimaginable tragedy. Their lives will never be the same, as they face unprecedented damage in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Words cannot express the heartbreak and devastation we all feel for our friends and family in Western North Carolina. I cannot fathom the grief that they must feel.
Throughout my tenure at Farm Bureau, I have found that no one has more pride in their homes, their farms and Farm Bureau than our western members. They have a lot to be proud of. Many of them have lived and worked for generations in one of the most beautiful and diverse parts of North Carolina. I dare say you will not find a more generous and faithful group of people. It is now our turn to be faithful and generous to our western neighbors. Included in this edition are ways to support ongoing recovery efforts in the West.
I am encouraged by the love and care of the Farm Bureau family. Our farmer volunteer leaders, insurance agents, and staff are mobilizing and organizing efforts at the local level to provide humanitarian and farm recovery support to those who are hurting. I am very proud of our local presence and personal connections within these communities.
See more: Western North Carolina Needs Support After Tropical Storm Helene: Here’s How to Help
I am also proud of the partnerships North Carolina Farm Bureau has with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, N.C. Cooperative Extension, other agriculture commodity associations, and our elected officials. These partnerships help us advocate for current and future assistance that our western members need.
There is a long road ahead, but together we will see communities rebuilt and become stronger than ever. My prayer is for us all to have strength and gratitude as we begin another year, 2025. Thank you for your membership and your business.
