(CNN) Hurricane Michael's destructive path through Georgia left many farmers with ruined crops or dead animals. The Georgia Department of Agriculture said Wednesday that early estimates put losses at between $2.3 billion and $2.8 billion.

"Georgia has long led in the production of several renowned commodities and now we have the dubious distinction of also leading in the devastation and incredible loss of these prominent crops," Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black said.

Much of that devastation was in the timber industry in south Georgia where more than 1 million acres of trees were blown over and losses are about $1 billion.

The news for cotton farmers was just as awful where record yields were expected but the storm left many growers worried they could lose their businesses.

Crop insurance won't be enough for them.

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