Southeast Texas Producers Survive Rita

We all had a very close call when Rita came into the Gulf of Mexico and alarmed a great many people along the coast line.  We knew from past experience that it could be any one of our areas that could be affected.  Thankfully, while some have suffered extensive property damage and many inconveniences, most will agree that Texas could have been hit a lot harder.

While most of us were trying to survive the evacuation process, our thoughts and prayers were for the safety of our friends in the path of the storm.  Buddy’s Grass in Dayton experienced loss of a roof on an equipment building, electricity for several days and lots of wind.  Buddy stayed and weathered the storm and is now getting back to business.  He was glad to receive about 3 inches of rain. 

Doguet Grass Farms in Beaumont is back up and running again.  Most everyone there evacuated and sought refuge elsewhere until the storm passed.  They were out of electricity for about 8 days and had some damage to irrigation equipment but were thankful it was not worse.  They received about 5 inches of rain. 

Harlien’s of Crosby tried to run from the storm but said the traffic was more than they could take so they just “hunkered down”.  They lost electricity for a short time and received 3 inches of rain. 

Bill Murff of Murff Turf stayed through the storm while most of the others left for higher ground.  They are back up and running after losing electricity for about 18 hours.  They are thankful for the 5 inches of rain they received and that they didn’t sustain any major damages. 

Steve Roeder of Roeder Grass Farm in Crosby managed to survive the storm with little damage.  A couple of his sprinkler systems were blown apart and he lost electricity for a while.  With the help of a power plant he had, he was able to get back in business and was thankful for the safety and 5 inches of rain. 

There will be adjustments to be made as a result Rita but we are grateful that our fiends in Southeast Texas are safe and sound.