RALEIGH -- The state Agriculture Department has activated its toll-free hotline to help farmers affected by Hurricane Arthur connect with resources that can assist with recovery.

Sharon Stewart is Director for Emergency Programs with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

"We will man it through Monday at this point and if we need to extend it we will. Dr. Karen Beck will be answering that phone for the farmers on behalf of the department."

Possible impacts to farms include power outages, damage to agricultural buildings and animal health emergencies.  Farmers who have an agricultural emergency can call 1-866-506-6222.