TS Arthur caused $112 million in damage to La. farms

Although a mostly disorganized system while circulating in the Gulf, Tropical Storm Arthur produced historic rainfall and widespread flooding across portions of central Louisiana on June 18 and 19.
That resulted in extensive damage to agricultural production and infrastructure to the tune of more than $112 million, according to a survey conducted by the LSU AgCenter.
Rainfall rates for the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season exceeded 3 inches per hour in some locations while portions of Avoyelles Parish received more than 29 inches within a 24-hour period. Severe flooding affected agricultural operations in Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Evangeline, Pointe Coupee, Rapides and St. Landry parishes, causing significant losses to crops, livestock, forage resources and farm infrastructure.
To assess the extent of this damage, the AgCenter conducted a survey of parish-based personnel. Information collected from the survey along with insights from AgCenter crop production specialists were combined with production, market and cost data to estimate the economic impact of the storm on Louisiana agriculture.
Survey results indicate that approximately 190,719 acres of crops were impacted by flooding and excessive moisture. Average yield losses exceeded 50% for several major crops, including soybeans, rice, grain sorghum and corn. AgCenter economist Kurt Guidry said the storm’s impacts extended beyond yield losses.
“Producers reported approximately 19,444 prevented planted acres, more than 76,000 acres with expected quality losses and nearly 15,000 acres requiring additional fertilizer applications to address nutrient losses associated with flooding,” he said. “Losses of stored commodities, particularly rice and soybeans, were also reported.”
Guidry went on to say that substantial damage to farm infrastructure was documented. Survey respondents reported damage to approximately 375 pieces of machinery and equipment, 41 grain storage facilities, 95 farm buildings and 154 miles of fencing. In addition, producers operated pumps for an estimated 4,720 hours to remove floodwater from production fields and reduce additional crop damage.
“Livestock and forage losses were significant but less extensive than crop and infrastructure damages,” Guidry said.
Survey respondents reported the death of 56 livestock animals, including mature and immature animals, and the evacuation of approximately 1,030 animals from flood-affected areas.
Flooding also impacted 15,965 acres of pastureland and 6,490 acres of hay production, resulting in lost grazing days, reduced hay harvests and significant stored hay losses.
Based on the data collected, total crop-specific economic losses were estimated at $88.1 million.
Soybeans accounted for the largest share of losses at nearly $33 million, followed by sugarcane ($23.1million), rice ($15.8 million) and corn ($14.7 million).
Additional losses related to livestock, forage, pumping costs and infrastructure damage were estimated at $24.1 million.
Infrastructure damage alone accounted for approximately $22.4 million, representing more than 90% of all non-crop-related losses.
According to Guidry, combined crop and non-crop losses resulted in an estimated total economic impact of $112.2 million to Louisiana agriculture from Tropical Storm Arthur.
“The vast majority of losses were concentrated in Avoyelles, St. Landry and Rapides parishes, which together accounted for nearly 90% of the total estimated damages,” he said.
“Avoyelles Parish alone represented more than 60% of the statewide impact, reflecting the extreme rainfall and flooding experienced within the parish.”