Idalia caused up to $371M in Florida agriculture losses: estimate

Hurricane Idalia caused the state of Florida between $78 million to $371 million in agriculture losses, according to a preliminary report from the University of Florida. 

Idalia came ashore as a Category 3 hurricane late last month, slamming Florida’s Big Bend region with heavy rainfall, a storm surge and strong wind gusts. The storm ripped through rural areas with crops like peanuts and cotton along with poultry, cattle and aquaculture operations. 

The preliminary report from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences predicted losses between $30.9 million and $123.4 million in livestock alone. The report, shared with The Hill, also projected field and row crop losses to be between $30.7 million and $93.6 million, while damages to greenhouse and nursery products are projected to cost between $4.7 million and $68.8 million. 

The report found the hurricane had its greatest impact in six counties in northern Florida, including Madison, Hamilton, Lafayette, Taylor and Dixie, while tropical storm force winds impacted a greater swath of the Florida peninsula, going as far south as Charlotte County. 

Researchers said they were limited in assessing the damages on agriculture-related infrastructure, but found the storm had large effects on the state’s irrigation systems, fence lines and roofs of farm buildings. 

Idalia brought a storm surge of up to 11 feet, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph, flooding the roadways and land. 

The region of Big Bend was far less prepared for hurricanes than other parts of the state, which have greater resilience to such intense storms. Experts told The Hill last month that the area was likely to face destructive flooding and ecological damage due to its lack of acclimation to tropical storms.

Researchers said their estimates will narrow once on-the-ground assessments are completed.

The Associated Press contributed.