Farm Losses from Tennessee Tornadoes Top $29 Million

Agriculture officials say storm-related farm losses in Tennessee’s Macon County could surpass $29 million.

The county’s livestock and tobacco industries were particularly hard-hit by the tornado that claimed at least 13 lives in Macon and 18 more across the state.

In all, the storm affected about 175 of the county’s farms.

State Agriculture Commissioners Ken Givens toured the farm damage Friday. He says it could take years to recover.

Macon County agriculture extension agent Steve Walker says some farmers have sold their cattle early because they lack food or shelter. Others are quitting altogether because it would be too expensive to rebuild.

Information from: The Tennessean, www.tennessean.com