Tropical Storm Fay topples pecan trees in Georgia

ALBANY, Ga. (AP) - Pecan grower Tom Stone says he lost 50 percent of his crop when Tropical Storm Fay brought wind and rain to Thomas County.

He said today he's devastated after surveying the damage.

Preliminary assessments show the storm's high wind and torrential rain seemed to take the heaviest toll on Georgia's $128 million pecan crop, especially in southern counties along the Florida line. The tropical blast also toppled corn stalks throughout southern Georgia.

Pecan trees are vulnerable because they're loaded with immature nuts and foliage.

Stone describes the storm as -- quote -- "kind of like a sail boat with the wind blowing on the trees." He is a third-generation pecan grower with 330 acres of trees. His crop insurance will help offset some of the losses, but he's also hoping the area might qualify for federal disaster assistance.