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Hurricane Ian Devastates Southwest Florida Agriculture

Dan Cattle, Citrus, Field Crops, Florida, Livestock, Nursery Crops, Organic, Pollinators, Specialty Crops, Weather

Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian
Courtesy The Weather Channel
Hurricane Ian
Hurricane Ian Devastates Southwest Florida Agriculture
Courtesy Florida Farm Bureau

Florida Farm Bureau (FFB) notes it is working with their members to assess the damage farmers and ranchers across the state suffered from Hurricane Ian in order determine their needs. Many are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage.

In the citrus belt, there has been significant fruit drop, livestock and dairy farms have been devastated, masses of honey bee colonies have been submerged in water and are in distress and repairs are needed to greenhouses, structures, irrigation systems and other machinery and equipment.

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FFB notes that many farm families are still cutting their way through down trees and power lines and battling flooded roads and blown-out culverts to evaluate the damage.

Florida Farm Bureau encourages its members to take advantage of an assessment survey developed by UF/IFAS researchers to help collect information about the losses and damages from Hurricane Ian.

FFB says despite the challenges, Florida farmers and ranchers remain unwavering in their commitment to produce the food and fiber that millions of Americans depend on.