Florida farmers face devastating $190 million losses from Hurricane Milton

In 2024, Florida experienced significant agricultural losses due to Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm on October 9 near Siesta Key. The storm's hurricane-force winds swept across 14 counties, severely impacting over 5.7 million acres of agricultural land, which primarily supports cattle and livestock grazing. The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) reported that the total agricultural production value of the affected land is approximately $8.6 billion, emphasizing the hurricane's damaging effect on a large section of the state's essential farming resources. The researchers forecasted that total losses could exceed $642 million once all data from the event is fully analyzed. This figure reflects not only the immediate losses but also the lingering impacts that include delayed winter planting and potential disruptions in future harvesting schedules. In comparison, Hurricane Debby in August caused around $170 million in farm-related damages, and Hurricane Helene in September created losses estimated at $162 million, highlighting the extraordinary toll that Milton has taken. Xiaohui Qiao, an IFAS research assistant professor, noted that Hurricane Milton resulted in greater losses than Hurricane Helene, owing to the more intense weather conditions experienced in regions producing high-value commodities. The report presented a range of estimated losses across different agricultural sectors, including vegetable crops and greenhouse/nursery operations, and emphasized that loss estimates stem from a survey of agricultural producers throughout Florida. These figures indicate a broad impact, affecting not only immediate output but also future agricultural practices in the state. Further exploration into the aftermath of the hurricane is warranted, as a final report detailing its overall impact and more comprehensive survey results is expected in the first quarter of 2025. This upcoming report is anticipated to provide deeper insights into how the hurricane has reshaped the agricultural landscape in Florida and what recovery efforts might entail for farmers and ranchers striving to regain stability in the face of such catastrophic losses.