Florida's agriculture sector is reeling after Hurricane Milton slammed into the state last week, causing an estimated $1.5–2.5 billion in crop and infrastructure losses. The storm’s fierce winds and flooding walloped key farming regions, from citrus groves 🍊 to cattle ranches 🐄, leaving a trail of devastation that could reshape local economies.
Citrus Crisis & Crop Chaos
The heart of Florida's iconic orange industry took a massive hit, with growers reporting "significant production losses" due to fruit drop, broken branches, and flooded fields. Officials warn of potential long-term damage, including tree deaths from lingering floodwaters. 🚜
Beyond Oranges: Cotton, Peanuts, Rice at Risk
Milton didn’t spare other crops—cotton, peanut, and rice fields face "minor to catastrophic" damage. Blueberry and strawberry farms also suffered, while dairy farms scrambled to manage power outages that disrupted milking operations. 🥛
What’s Next?
With 51 counties affected—34 declared disaster areas—the state’s Department of Agriculture is still assessing the full impact. Farmers now brace for a tough recovery season as markets nervously watch for price shifts. 🌾
