Christmas trees, crops impacted in western NC after Helene [Video]

FLEETWOOD, N.C. — Hurricane Helene hit the agricultural community of western North Carolina hard.

Many farmers in western North Carolina were significantly impacted by the damage the storm left behind just two weeks ago.

Some people rely on western parts of the state for crops, live stock and (as the holiday approaches) Christmas trees.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says the impact will be widespread. They’re calling for a “vigilant approach to soil and crop management.”

But the best way to support western North Carolina’s agriculture is by buying a Christmas tree from local farms. 

The state is the second largest Christmas tree producing state in the country, according to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association.

Currently, the association doesn’t think hurricane Helene’s impact will have a lasting impact on supply, …