ALBANY, Ga. -- Tropical Storm Fay took a big toll on Georgia’s pecan industry.

The storm damaged much of Georgia's $128 million pecan crop, especially in southern counties along the Florida line.

Pecan grower Tom Stone said Monday that he lost 50 percent of his crop when Fay brought wind and rain to Thomas County. Stone said he's devastated after surveying the damage.

"The storm was kind of like a sail boat with the wind blowing on the trees," Stone said.

Stone 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.

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

The tropical blast also toppled corn stalks throughout southern Georgia.