October 2024
On Sept. 27, Hurricane Helene barreled through Florida, devastating Florida’s Big Bend region. Farmers and ranchers in North Florida suffered the most losses. Many families were still rebuilding after Hurricane Idalia and Hurricane Debby, both striking within the past 13 months.
Significant agricultural damage reported from Hurricane Helene includes poultry, nursery crops, bees, beef cattle, dairy, cotton, peanuts, various row crops, fall vegetable crops, citrus, aquaculture and timber.
Florida Farm Bureau has been working with its grassroots members, agency partners and elected officials to assess agricultural damages and be a voice for much needed funding relief for farmers and ranchers statewide.
On Friday, Sept. 28, Florida Farm Bureau hosted a call with its county Farm Bureau leaders, state agencies and elected officials to begin to assess the damage from the category 4 hurricane. From the statewide call, it was evident that the Big Bend area suffered significant loss.
On Monday, Sept. 30, Florida Farm Bureau facilitated a roundtable with area farmers at the UF/IFAS North Florida Education and Research Facility in Live Oak. Florida Department of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, incoming Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton and Senator Corey Simon attended the session to hear the needs of the community. UF/IFAS Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. J. Scott Angle and university researchers were also in attendance to determine how they could assist farmers. 
Farmers, ranchers and growers reported loss of crops, buildings, irrigation systems, equipment and livestock fencing. Poultry houses and processing plants were also destroyed. A farm tour with a local dairy farm followed with elected officials. On Thursday, Oct. 3, Florida Farm Bureau hosted a second roundtable in Mayo with Congresswoman Kat Cammack to further hear the needs of the community.
Later that evening a roundtable with the U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson was held in Gainesville to hear the stories of more farm families who suffered loss. Congresswoman Kat Cammack, Congressman Neal Dunn and Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson were also in attendance.
On Saturday, Oct. 5, Florida Farm Bureau hosted a listening session with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio at its state office headquarters in Gainesville. Florida Senator Keith Perry, Representative Chuck Clemons, UF/IFAS Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Dr. J. Scott Angle and other county officials were also in attendance.
Damage is still being determined and it could take months for a true assessment of loss. Florida Farm Bureau encourages its members to complete an assessment survey developed by UF/IFAS researchers to collect information about the losses and damages from Hurricane Helene.
Florida Farm Bureau will continue to advocate for the necessary recovery funds and resources for its farm families. Follow along on our social media or sign up for the FloridAgriculture eNewsletter to receive the latest updates.
Disaster Relief Fund for Agriculture Immediate Response
Florida Farm Bureau opened its Hurricane Relief Fund for Agriculture to help families experiencing agricultural-related loss. Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund and applications are open through December 5, 2024.
Additionally, Florida Farm Bureau’s Disaster Relief Response Committee assisted with the drop-offs of semi-truck loads of fencing posts and supplies to designated areas in need. This was a partnership led by grassroots County Farm Bureaus from across the state.
Hurricane Resources Page
A Hurricane Helene Resource webpage outlines an array of state and national assistance resources for farmers and ranchers such as movement waivers, state and federal funding and assistance hotlines and mental wellness resources.
*As Florida braces for Hurricane Milton, Florida Farm Bureau has created a second Hurricane Milton Resource webpage with the necessary waivers and emergency declarations for agriculture.