PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Florida agriculture suffered more than $190 million in losses from Hurricane Milton, and is one of the top three to hit Florida in 2024, according to University of Florida researchers. Farmers and ranchers were hit hardest by the cyclone.
When all the data is in place, the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) estimates that losses from Milton could reach more than $642 million. This compares to $170 million in farm-related damage from Hurricane Debbie in August and up to $162 million from Hurricane Helen in September.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm on October 9 near Siesta Key on the Gulf Coast, packing hurricane-force winds across 14 counties and sweeping the central part of the state. The storm affected more than 5.7 million acres (2.3 million hectares) of farmland, much of it used for grazing cattle and other livestock.
The total annual production value of the land is estimated at approximately $8.6 billion, according to the report.
“Milton caused greater agricultural losses than Hurricane Helen, not only because Milton caused more severe weather conditions overall, but also because regions producing high-value goods experienced more severe weather conditions. Yes,” said Xiaohui Qiao, IFAS Research Assistant Professor.
According to the report, Helen made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend region on September 27, impacting approximately 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares) of farmland.
Milton’s report is categorized into low and high estimates of loss. For example, researchers say losses to vegetable crops range from $52.5 million to $233 million. The cost of the greenhouse and nursery is estimated to be between $66.9 million and $177 million.
Losses from major livestock operations in the region are estimated to be between $29.4 million and $86.5 million, researchers said. This includes sick or dead animals, as well as damage to fences and structures, loss of food, and more.
Planting of crops essential to Florida’s winter growing season was also delayed.
“Helen and Milton may cause some producers to delay planting winter crops, disrupting production schedules and impacting the value of future crops,” the report said.
Loss estimates are based on a survey of agricultural producers in the state. The final Milton impact report is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2025 and will include additional findings.
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