(WNCT) – The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Veterinary Services divisions have reported that approximately 5,500 pigs died due to Florence’s impact across the state.
Authorities do not expect the losses to increase significantly.
Many farmers are working to continue the delivery of feed, to ensure power is operating in farms and to reach the barns to provide animal husbandry.
Losses in historic storm events:
Hurricane Floyd, 1999: 21,000
Hurricane Matthew, 2016: 2,800
Hurricane Florence, 2018: 5,500
N.C. Swine Inventory (June 2018):
Under 50 pounds: 3.3 million (37%)
50-119 pounds: 1.7 million (19%)
120-179 pounds: 1.7 million (19%)
180+ pounds: 1.3 million (15%)
Breeding Stock: 900,000 (10%)
Total: 8.9 million
