Farm Progress America, October 16, 2024

Mike Pearson tells listeners how the fertilizer industry in Florida has been impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The fertilizer industry let out a sigh of relief after Hurricane Milton's track shifted away from the key phosphate production areas in Florida. The worst case scenario was avoided but long term impacts could still be a problem.

Hurricane Milton's last minute shift sparred the industry major woes but there are still delays in production due to power outages.

Phosphate production could still be in trouble due to global troubles as well.

China has been cutting production while India is still working to build stockpiles.

Hurricane Helene had already disrupted production at two plants in Florida due to flooding and power. Now, add on the damage left behind by Hurricane Milton.

Some fertilizer production companies are already saying some shipments planned for the third quarter will be delayed until the fourth quarter due to the power and other hurricane damage in the Florida area.

Phosphate traders are seeing tightening in the market not only caused by storm damage but by global shortages which is then causing problems in the supply chain.

Although the hurricanes didn't cause environmental damage in the phosphate areas, some remain concerned what could be ahead.

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The state of Florida has two dozen storage facilities for phosphate waste. So, far there has been no damage but environmental groups are raising alarm in the event of another storm.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .