ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The agricultural sector in Florida experienced significant damage due to Hurricane Milton, with losses exceeding $190 million, marking it as the most devastating of three hurricanes that struck the state in 2024, per researchers from the University of Florida.
Further assessments by the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) indicate that the total losses attributed to Milton could surpass $642 million. This figure starkly contrasts with the $170 million loss from Hurricane Debby in August, and the up to $162 million loss incurred from Hurricane Helene in September.
Making landfall on October 9 near Siesta Key as a Category 3 hurricane, Milton wreaked havoc across the central regions of Florida, affecting 14 counties and devastating over 5.7 million acres (2.3 million hectares) of agricultural territory, largely utilized for cattle and livestock grazing.
The annual production value for this agricultural land is approximately $8.6 billion, as noted in the report. Xiaohui Qiao, an IFAS research assistant professor, stated, “Milton caused greater agricultural losses than Hurricane Helene not only because of its overall intense weather conditions but also due to the higher-level commodities being produced in heavily impacted areas.”
Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 27 in the Big Bend region, also affected significant agricultural areas, impacting around 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares), according to the report.
The findings regarding Milton’s damage comprise both low and high estimates for losses. Researchers predict that damage to vegetable crops could range from $52.5 million to $233 million, while losses for the greenhouse and nursery sectors are projected between $66.9 million and $177 million.
Livestock operations in the impacted region reported anticipated losses ranging from $29.4 million to $86.5 million, encompassing sick animals and fatalities, as well as damages to fencing, structures, and feed supplies. Additionally, the storms caused delays in planting essential crops for Florida’s winter growing season.
“Some farmers are postponing winter crop planting due to the impacts from Helene and Milton, which disrupts their production schedule and could adversely affect the value of upcoming harvests,” the report notes.
These loss estimates were generated from surveys conducted with agricultural producers statewide. The final comprehensive report detailing the effects of Hurricane Milton is expected to be published in the first quarter of 2025, which will include further survey data.