Crop loss estimates are starting to filter in following Hurricane Ian’s impact in late September. The damages are devastating for some specialty crop producers, according to the South Florida Pest and Disease Hotline. Vegetable crop losses were high in the Hillsborough/Manatee area. Some locations experienced flooding, while others had wind damage. Assessments show losses between 50% and 100% in planted …
Hurricane Ian Citrus Crop Losses Continue to Rise
A week before Hurricane Ian tore across Florida, Glenn Beck of Beck Bros. Citrus reported to AgNet Media that there were hopeful signs for the coming season. Fruit in his better-looking groves were in the size range that tends to hold on trees until harvest. Beck, and his brother Mark, own and manage citrus groves across the state. He says …
Florida Farm Bureau Working with Members to Assess Damage Following Ian
Florida Farm Bureau is working with its members to assess the damage to farmers and ranchers across the state to determine their needs following Hurricane Ian last week. Farmers and ranchers are facing widespread destruction of crops, buildings, fencing and other property loss due to substantial wind and water damage from the major storm. Southwest Florida farm families face weeks …
5 Tips for Hurricane Reporting and Documentation
As growers begin to assess the damage left by Hurricane Ian, there’s some important considerations to keep in mind. Kimberly Lott, with Crop Disaster Recovery, provides five tips. She noted that many growers didn’t receive the full amount of money they could have been eligible for after Hurricane Irma — reporting and documentation are key. 1. REPORT LOSSES, GET INSPECTIONGrowers …
Hurricane Ian Damage Assessment Gets Underway
By Frank Giles There is no question Hurricane Ian will go down as a historic catastrophe in Florida. It’s impact on agriculture will likely be historic as well. While it is too early to know the full extent of damage, AgNet Media is reaching out to growers and various industry associations and agencies to learn the extent of damage to …
Growers Anxious as Hurricane Approaches
By Clint Thompson Citrus producers in South Georgia, North Florida and East Alabama are on “pins and needles” this week, according to grower Kim Jones. While the crop is about a month away from harvest, it is extremely vulnerable to Hurricane Ian. Citrus production in all three states is susceptible to the high winds and excessive rainfall the storm is …
Latest Update from Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson The center of Hurricane Ian is expected to impact the west coast of Florida either Wednesday night or early Thursday morning as a Category 3 before losing some of its steam prior to arriving in Georgia. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension Agricultural Climatologist, provides the latest update on what specialty crop producers should expect in both …
Commissioner Fried Shares USDA Hurricane Preparation, Recovery Reminders for Florida Farmers
Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried shared important reminders with Florida producers to prepare for and as they recover from any potential impact from Hurricane Ian. Take precautions to prepare and protect your family and agricultural operation. Develop an Emergency Plan – Ensure your household and employees know your hurricane plan, including meeting points, emergency contact lists, and alternate evacuation routes in case infrastructure …
Pecan Producers on Alert with Hurricane Ian
By Clint Thompson Hurricane Ian’s impending path through South Georgia has pecan farmers on heightened alert this week. Though Ian is expected to be downgraded by the time it leaves Florida, it is still expected to bring high wind gusts and heavy rain events later this week and into the weekend. That is not good news for pecan producers on …
Invest 98L a Threat to Southeast?
By Clint Thompson It is still too early to predict the track that Invest 98L will take, but specialty crop producers in the Southeast should keep an eye on the storm and its potential path into the Gulf of Mexico. It will be a concern for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama next week. Pam Knox, University of Georgia Extension …