Eastern Kentucky Floods Took A Toll On Farmers And Livestock Producers

By Stan Ingold

Livestock producers in eastern Kentucky took a hit in last month’s historic flooding. Many farms were damaged in the floods, leading to a loss of animals, supplies and support buildings.

Patrick Angel is the founder of the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers Association. In an interview with Eastern Standard, he said an effort to build up a livestock industry in eastern Kentucky has taken a hit.

“The flood impacted everyone in the mountains, directly or indirectly. So, as you might imagine, farm families are also suffering.”

He said nearly aspect of farm life was impacted by the flood.

“Barns have been swept away, hay has been ruined, pastures covered with mud. Fencing has been destroyed and sheep and goats and guard animals have been drowned and lost as well as cattle and horses.”

Angel said farmers need help wrangling animals that got away from their farms. He says the loss of barns and supplies means many farm animals are going hungry.

A Go-Fund-Me campaign has been set up to help farm families. It can be found at the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Association page.