When a devastating EF-4 tornado tore through Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties earlier this year, family farms across the region faced a familiar reality: being first to feel the impact, and often last in line for recovery resources.
At Community Farm Alliance (CFA), we leaned into the relationships we’ve built over decades—because in times of crisis, it’s community connections that move fastest.
Through the Central Appalachian Family Farm Fund (CAFFF), and with the support of the Sassafras Collective and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, CFA helped coordinate relief for those hardest hit. The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky managed the fund, while CFA led outreach and supported the application process with the help of our trusted partners on the ground.
Extension offices in Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties played a key role in helping us reach farmers quickly and equitably. Together, we focused on a simple goal: get direct assistance to people who needed it—without red tape.
By the Numbers:
- $82,800 in grants distributed to 22 farms
- Total estimated damages: $2.7 million
- Estimated 2025 income loss: $786,000
- 13 farms experienced total loss of barns or structures
- 14 farms had major equipment losses
- 18 farms dealt with severe debris in their fields and pastures; all hay growers lost their first cutting
How It Worked
The relief effort was grounded in trust, local knowledge, and collaboration. CFA staff and partners worked directly with affected communities to identify needs, support applications, and coordinate next steps. This wasn’t just about recovery—it was about standing with farm families as they navigated uncertainty and worked to rebuild.
This process also surfaced deeper, long-term needs:
- Gaps in emergency assistance for small and mid-sized farms
- The vulnerability of infrastructure and equipment
- The critical role of local networks in disaster response
These are not new challenges, but the storm brought them into sharper focus and reaffirmed the importance of continued investment in rural resilience.
Thank You to Our Partners
This fund was made possible by the Sassafras Collective, the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, and the ongoing dedication of the county extension offices in Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties, as well as Grow Appalachia, Extension Agents, farmers, Cowan Community Action Group, and KCARD for helping identify farmers and serve on the review committee.
What’s Next
As we look ahead, CFA remains committed to:
- Supporting ongoing recovery in these counties
- Advocating for stronger safety nets for family farms
- Building infrastructure that’s prepared for whatever comes next
We know that when local organizations work together, solutions take root faster—and deeper.
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