Compliments of IDA

According to authorities in Escambia County damage to farm crops, livestock, buildings, etc. that was caused by Hurricane Ida on November 9-10, 2009 was significant. Agricultural losses are reported for peanuts, soybeans, hay, and cotton. Crops were previously damaged due to excessive moisture in October, 2009. There was no damage reported to livestock or buildings.

In the Palmetto-Ruskin growing region winds from the Ida have further harmed central Florida’s tomato deal and damaged late plantings, according to Tony DiMare, vice president of the DiMare Co., Homestead, Fla. There is bloom loss due to the excessive winds over the last three days. He estimates central Florida fall tomato volume is down 40% to 50% from normal. Combined with bloom drop after severe fall heat, central Florida should produce lighter volume through mid- to late December.

The Quincy growing region, which serves as a transition area from summer and early fall deals to Florida’s fall and winter tomato deals, is wrapping up pickings, which should end by Nov. 23rd, reports no damage due to the storm.