NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Natural disasters are a growing force behind food-price pressure and tighter farm margins — and drought is the biggest culprit, according to a new Trace One study by Federico Fontanella.
Using FEMA and USDA data, researchers estimate average annual U.S. agricultural losses of $3.48 billion, with drought accounting for $1.9 billion — more than half.
On the other hand, Hurricanes contribute about $485 million a year, flooding accounts for $437 million, and cold waves add $286 million. Hail, wind, heat waves, tornadoes, winter weather, and wildfires contribute hundreds of millions more in ag losses.
Drought-Related Ag Losses Uneven Across Regions
California leads with ~$1.3 billion in expected annual farm losses — and the highest per-farm hit (~$20,528) — reflecting the vulnerability of high-value fruits, nuts, and vegetables to water scarcity. Next are Texas (~$205 million), then Iowa, North Carolina, and Florida. At the county level, Santa Barbara, CA tops the list at ~$245 million a year, with Yolo, Napa, Sutter, and Colusa also high. Nationally, the average per-farm loss is $1,851.
Recent shocks show how hazards translate to costs — April 2025 flooding in eastern Arkansas damaged ~$99 million in crops, while Hurricane Helene (2024) prompted $221.2 million in USDA disaster block grants for North Carolina.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Prioritize drought resilience — water, insurance, and crop mix — and use local hazard maps to target investments in infrastructure, coverage, and diversification.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Dalton Henry, with U.S. Wheat Associates, joined RFD-TV to provide insight on what the pending trade frameworks may mean for American wheat growers.
November 19, 2025 04:11 PM
·
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
November 19, 2025 12:31 PM
·
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
November 18, 2025 03:02 PM
·
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
November 18, 2025 01:13 PM
·
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
November 17, 2025 05:05 PM
·
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
November 17, 2025 02:03 PM
·
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
November 17, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Strong U.S. yields and steady demand leave most major crops well supplied, keeping price pressure in place unless usage strengthens or weather shifts outlooks.
November 17, 2025 01:17 PM
·
Retail competition and improved supplies are helping offset food inflation, pushing Thanksgiving meal costs modestly lower despite higher prices for beef, eggs, and dairy.
November 16, 2025 03:00 PM
·
