By Shelby Carroll
N.C. Cooperative Extension

Hurricane Helene, which struck western North Carolina in late September 2024, caused unprecedented damage to the region’s agriculture. The storm’s torrential rains and severe flooding devastated crops, eroded topsoil and altered waterways, leaving some farmland underwater and unusable. Between Christmas tree production and livestock fields, the North Carolina Western Bee Keepers also saw a huge impact on lost hives and destroyed ecosystems.

Honey bees play a vital role in western North Carolina’s agriculture through pollination, which is essential for the production of many crops. As pollinators, honey bees help fertilize plants by transferring pollen between flowers, leading to fruit and seed development. This process is crucial for crops like apples, blueberries and pumpkins, all of which are economically significant to the region. Additionally, honey production itself contributes to the agricultural economy, with many beekeepers producing honey, beeswax and other hive products.

John Pledger is a retired industrial chemist who currently owns a beekeeping supply store called Triad Bee Supply. He is an active member of the Rowan County Beekeepers, and specializes in crafting cypress wood hives and frames. John’s award-winning designs have drawn loyal customers from across state lines.

After the storm, Helene, ravaged the North Carolina mountains, Pledger began building and donating over 60 hives to small-scale hobbyist beekeepers who lost everything. Many hives were swept away by floods, as they had been placed near rivers and creeks for easy bee access to water. Others were destroyed by trees or contaminated floodwaters.

Throughout the winter, Pledger plans to continue delivering hives, with the goal of returning with new bees in the spring. Recognizing the financial strain many hobbyist beekeepers face after the disaster, he has also set up a donation option on his company’s website and hired extra help to build the woodware. These efforts not only support those who supplement their income with honey sales but also help restore vital pollinator populations essential to the environment. You can find more information by visiting his website at traidbeesupply.com.

Shelby Carroll is agriculture and natural resources agent  with the Rowan County Cooperative Extension.