Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida agriculture
As Hurricane Ian plowed into the state of Florida in October 2022, agriculture producers were some of the hardest hit.
As Hurricane Ian plowed into the state of Florida in October 2022, agriculture producers were some of the hardest hit.
Much of the state is working to recover from Hurricane Ian, but the agricultural industry is just beginning to tally up the full magnitude of the destruction the storm left in its wake. Ian hit the state’s cattle industry, dairy operations, vegetables, bees, and more. Citrus alone, accounts for an almost $7 billion economic impact, and now, the Orange State’s production may be the lowest harvest since 1943 — during WWII.
Rarely does good news follow a hurricane. But, in the instance of Hurricane Ian, Virginia farmers said the storm brought beneficial weather for drought-stressed field crops, hay, and pastureland.
Hurricane Ian didn’t just hit cities and towns; it hit farms and them hard. One such farm is Dakin Dairy, who lost over 250 head of dairy cattle.
As Hurricane Ian leaves Florida ravaged, crops have been left decimated and livestock in need of assistance. Here are some ways that you can help.