The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
Hurricane-force winds and tornadoes spawned by Hurricane Milton last week flattened critical infrastructure on South Florida dairy farms, causing millions of dollars in damages and lost milk production. It was the third hurricane to batter Florida dairy farms since the 2024 hurricane season began on June 1.
“This is yet another huge blow to our industry, and these dairies have a long road to rebuild and recover,” said United Dairy Farmers of Florida Executive Director Ray Hodge. “But we will continue to farm through this.”
In addition to devastating winds, several tornadoes spun off from Milton’s outer bands, including one that cut a 2.5-mile path across the Okeechobee dairy region, destroying barns, buildings and critical equipment. The United Dairy Farmers of Florida’s early estimate of damages to farm operations stands at $5 million and will climb, Hodge said. Also hard hit were dairies in Manatee, Hardee and Citrus counties.
On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene plowed through a major dairy-producing region of more than 20 farms in Gilchrist, Suwannee, Lafayette, Madison and Jefferson counties. It was the largest-ever hurricane impact to dairy in the region. Hurricane Debby also made landfall in the Big Bend area on Aug 5.
The most immediate challenge after hurricanes is having power restored, Hodge said, because farms must milk their herds multiple times a day for animal health. A lack of electricity and essential housing and cooling systems stresses the cows, leading to an immediate drop in milk production of 10 to 15 percent and a continued loss that can last for months. Delays in delivery of feed also are a significant concern.
With assistance from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and electricity providers, power has been restored to the farms, Hodge said. “Commissioner Wilton Simpson and his staff have been tireless in supporting us through these devastating storms, and they’re committed to getting us the tools necessary to recover mid- and long-term.”
Simpson announced on Monday that farms affected by Milton may apply for low-interest or interest-free loans from the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. The program provides farms access to funds to help rebuild and repair farm buildings.
