Posted: May 12, 2025 | Uncategorized
When Hurricane Helene swept through the highlands of western North Carolina, it churned up forests, fields and farms alike. Months later, the scars of erosion and displaced soils are still visible—and many landowners and growers are working tirelessly to restore productivity and vitality to their land. At Carolina Forestry & Realty, we understand how vital healthy soil and accurate crop recommendations are to a successful growing season, especially after a natural disaster. That’s why we’re proud to highlight a no‑cost opportunity from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) that can give your operation a critical boost as we move forward in 2025.
Through special state funding, NCDA&CS’s Agronomic Services Division has waived all fees for its core laboratory analyses for growers in the 27 presidential disaster counties of western North Carolina. Whether you need soil testing, nematode assays or plant, waste and media sample analyses, these services are completely free through the end of June. Counties included in this relief program stretch from Alexander and Alleghany over to Yancey, and cover key agricultural regions such as Buncombe, Henderson, Macon and Transylvania.
Floodwaters and high winds uprooted trees and scrubbed topsoil from hillsides, depositing it unevenly across fields. Before planting your next crop—be it Fraser fir seedlings, apple trees, vegetable rows or pasture grasses—it’s essential to know exactly what nutrients remain in the ground. NCDA&CS soil tests will:
With a current two‑week turnaround from sample receipt to detailed report, you’ll have clear, actionable data in time to plan spring or summer plantings.
If you already have growing crops—particularly winter grains, early‑spring forage or budding Fraser firs—consider submitting leaf or tissue samples for nutrient analysis. Proper sampling technique is critical, so be sure to follow the NCDA&CS crop‑specific guides for collecting the right plant part. Armed with tissue results, you can adjust fertilization programs on the fly, ensuring stable growth and minimizing stress in recovering plants.
Laboratory data is only half the battle. NCDA&CS’s regional agronomists bring decades of in‑field expertise to your doorstep, helping you:
If you’d like one‑on‑one assistance, reach out to the agronomist assigned to your county—contact details are available on the NCDA&CS website.
For fields still recovering from washouts or streambank damage, the Division of Soil and Water Conservation offers technical and financial assistance. Their local county offices can help design erosion control measures, install drainage solutions and plan long‑term soil health improvements.
Don’t forget, your local N.C. Cooperative Extension agents are also an invaluable resource—staffed in every county to provide crop production advice, host workshops and supply sampling forms.
Recovering from Helene’s impact takes more than just hard work—it takes the right information and expert support. Take advantage of these free agronomic services today, and let Carolina Forestry & Realty help you turn data into decisions that restore productivity and resilience to your property. For personalized guidance, email us at info@carolinaforestry.com or call 919‑510‑4663. We’re rooted in North Carolina forestry, and are dedicated to your land’s long‑term success.