Darnell Farms fights to recover from floods as colder temperatures loom

BRYSON CITY, N.C. (WLOS) — Farm owner Nate Darnell said heavy rain last week caused the Tuckasegee River to overflow, pushing about a foot of soil onto the farm in Bryson City and destroying about 70 percent of its strawberry crop.

Darnell posted video of the farm underwater on Darnell Farms' Facebook page.

That was Thursday, Feb. 6. While much of the water has receded from the 65 acre farm, the popular family destination remains a muddy mess.

"We're being very careful, very methodical about how we are preparing to clean the crops up, and we need to make sure no more flooding is coming before investing time and money to get it corrected," Darnell said.

Darnell runs the family farm with his sister Afton Roberts.

"We haven't even been to get to the drainage ditch," Roberts said. "We haven't even been able to look at the pump. When we start cranking things up, moving things around, then we start noticing what's gone. It took us three days to notice part of our playground equipment was gone."

Roberts said, right now, she's guessing the flood caused at least $40,000 worth of damage.

Robert Hawk, the Cooperative Extension Service agent for Swain County, said parts of the county have already seen a foot of rain this year, twice the normal amount.

Hawk said more wet days could lead to delayed planting and soil erosion for area farmers like Darnell and Roberts.

There is also concern about the deep freeze forecast for this weekend.

"These exposed roots, there's a good chance they're going to be hurt," Darnell said, pointing to a strawberry plant. "We're going to be looking at ways we're going in here to try to cover these roots up like we talked about, because roots can't handle it."

Lynn's Place Restaurant at 237 E. Main, Robbinsville, 828-479-9777, is holding a fundraiser for Darnell Farms on Feb. 14. Ten percent of all sales will go toward the farm. Reservations are recommended.