Lee Trawick
reporter2@riverbendnews.org
It's undeniable that Hurricane Idalia has caused significant damage to residential properties across Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties. Residents are still clearing debris from their yards, and some have been displaced due to their homes being destroyed. But what about farmers? The tri-county area relies heavily on its billion-dollar farming communities, and sadly, this industry Among the amount of damages caused to animal housing, fences and feed storage, farmers are also having to deal with things most people wouldn't think of. For instance, due to the lack of fuel being distributed to farmers, they are unable to harvest their crops. Farming is a risky business, as farmers often invest their own money, frequently more than they can afford, to grow the next season's crops. This means the longer crops stay in the ground or uncut, the more money the farmer loses on their investment in seed, fuel for upkeep and maintenance of the plants.
Due to the lack of crops for feed and power for cooling barns, dairy farmers are experiencing a daily drop in their cows' average milk production. In addition, Holstein cattle, which are a routine type of animal, are now experiencing significant stress as a result of the hurricane and the sweltering heat. This causes their body temperature to rise to an uncomfortable level, which further increases their stress levels. In order for cows to produce their full potential of milk, they must remain in a constant state of comfort.
Beef cattle rely on grain and water. When a cow has enough water and grain, it will stay within its designated field. However, if the cow cannot find water or grain in its area, it will start searching for it, and it may even tear through fences to get to it. Due to the recent power outages in the local area, many farmers are left without water or any means to process their grain. As a result, their beef cattle are losing body mass, becoming overheated and suffering from the lack of trees to seek shade from the sun. This added stress on the cows is causing premature births, in which the calves are stillborn. These issues are only a drop in the bucket for the many types of procedures throughout the area.
It's important to note that there is hope for those affected by the damages caused by Idalia. Although it may not provide an immediate solution, it is crucial for producers to keep track of all losses incurred by the disaster. The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is currently researching the agricultural losses and damages caused by Idalia. In order to obtain a wide range of information, UF/IFAS researchers have created a survey for farmers to fill out. Completing the survey will enable local, state and federal leaders to assess needs and design program assistance based on those impacted. Access the survey online by going to go.ufl.edu/IdaliaAgImpacts. Stations are also offered in each county's UF/IFAS Extension Office for individuals to utilize to fill out the survey.
Farmers should also report any damages they sustained to the United States Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. This is where it becomes essential for documentation to be supplied. When making a report, be sure to include photos, keep a record of man-hours, record equipment used in the clean-up, and keep an inventory of all livestock. Be sure to save any receipts attained for purchases pertaining to repairs, feed, gas or anything else for farm upkeep. To report damages, email records to sm.fpac.fsa.flfsa.disaster@usda.gov or call 1 (877) 508-8364. Scan the QR code accompanying this article to access the Animal Health Needs Assessment documents to fill out.
While the majority of North Central Florida was left with damages caused by Idalia, there's no doubt the agriculture community has faced the most significant setback. The loss of livestock, crops, housing, equipment and more will weigh heavily on farmers -- the pillars of Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette County's economic growth -- for months, if not years, to come. Farming can be a gamble, and Hurricane Idalia has dealt our area's farmers a lousy hand.was not untouched by Idalia's wrath.