During the intense days of Hurricane Helene, our farm's experience highlighted the critical importance of preparedness and teamwork. One of the most impactful lessons was how proactive planning, like relocating livestock to safe areas and ensuring fast access to shelter, can significantly reduce the risk to animals during severe storms. Having Chowder, our heroic sow, lead the way in securing the animals added both a sense of calm and motivation for the team. While we did lose some chickens, the majority of the turkeys remained safe due to prior preparation. This outcome underscored the value of having designated safe zones higher up on the property – something every farm should consider in hurricane-prone regions. Our farm crew’s dedication was invaluable, working long hours to move animals and reinforce structures. From my personal observation, communication and clear roles during the crisis made a remarkable difference in response efficiency. Investing in robust emergency plans and training farm staff regularly can make the difference between disaster and safety. Moreover, this experience has encouraged us to revisit building sturdier enclosures and explore early warning systems tailored for rural farms. Sharing these insights is important because hurricanes are unpredictable and can impact farms differently, but preparation remains the one controllable factor. I recommend fellow farmers document their hurricane preparedness steps and adjust them according to past experiences. It’s also critical to keep animals calm, as stress can lead to injury or illness. Ultimately, our gratitude for the crew and the resilience of the animals reinforces how meaningful community and diligence are during natural disasters. Every farm will face challenges, but with proactive planning and teamwork, the safety of livestock can be managed even under extreme weather conditions.