Dakin Dairy Farm loses 250 milk cows after Hurricane Ian hits Manatee County
For years, Dakin Dairy Farm has been a point of pride for Manatee County's agricultural and ecotourism sectors – providing guided tours of the land and facilities housing 2,500 milk-producing cows.
After Hurricane Ian, flooding has changed the landscape around the farm, near Myakka City, and farmers are worried about how long it might take to rebuild.
In addition to the damage, more than 250 of the farm’s 2,400 milk producing cows died in the storm. They either drowned or were hit by flying debris.
Even though they're trying to pick up the pieces on their own land, they're still helping others. The Dakin Farm Market and Café has become a supply hub for the surrounding community.
"The most cattle we’ve ever lost is eight. We’re up to about 250 right now and that number is still rising," said Courtney Dakin, who was leading tours up until Ian hit last week."
Even though they're trying to pick up the pieces on their own land, they're still helping others. The Dakin Farm Market and Café has become a supply hub for the surrounding community.
"If it wasn’t for these people here, we wouldn’t have anything," said Misty Woods, who lives near Myakka City "They gave me a hot meal this morning. Was my first hot meal in three days."
The Dakin family and their neighbors need their energy for the hard days ahead.