Clewiston farmers struggle after freeze, USDA offers loan relief

CLEWISTON, Fla.—Farmers in Clewiston are still grappling with the effects of a devastating freeze that hit Florida in January. The cold snap has left many struggling to recover their losses.

"Us farmers work on a very, very tight margin, and when you have a loss it's devastating," said Chuck Obern, CEO of C & B Farms.

Obern's farm faced significant challenges as the freeze impacted their operations. 

"We also covered with Freeze cover about 300 acres, and that alone cost us over a million dollars just to cover and uncover," said Obern. "Longer term, it has created gaps in our sequential plantings."

To help farmers like Obern, the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared a disaster on Wednesday. This declaration allows those greatly impacted by the cold snap to apply for emergency farm loans.

"This freeze was the worst that I've seen in Florida since I've been here, probably since the '89 freeze," said Gene McAvoy, an agricultural consultant and longtime farmer.

McAvoy believes the declaration is a step toward relief, but warns farmers may need to wait before seeing the benefits.

"Federal government says they're going to fast-track it, so it may be quicker this time, but in past years, it's taken a good two years," said McAvoy.

Obern remains hopeful that something positive will emerge from this situation.

"It would be really good if the government would actually come out to the farms," said Obern. "I would think, I mean, at least compensate for, you know, the time and effort to put out frost cover, attempting to save the crops, and then you always have, you know, some loss of product and the inability to meet your contracts."

Farmers who have suffered significant losses due to the freeze have until November 4, 2026, to apply for USDA assistance.