Drought
The start of June could bring high heat and drier weather, which is a stark contrast from the forecast for the last week of May.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says climate models have consistently shown a ridge across western North America that could lead to drought development, drought continuation or even drought expansion across portions of the Plains and West.
It’s important to plan ahead for if pasture conditions deteriorate to the point of having to supplement or feed pairs in confinement.
ENSO-neutral means conditions could be close to average, but Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien’s principal atmospheric scientist, says that doesn’t mean the weather will be normal this spring and summer with growing concerns about drought.
Much of the West, Southwest and upper Midwest could use more moisture. Beef and dairy producers and their veterinarians might want to do some contingency planning for what’s shaping up to be a dry spring.
Meteorologists say the active start to January is a sign of what’s ahead with concerns about drought, more cold and a sharp divide in areas of the country seeing too much moisture versus not enough.
If you plan to wean earlier than normal to alleviate stress on cows and pastures, the seven management practices outlined here can help in the process.
If new predictions hold true it could be a hotter than normal summer across much of the U.S
Major winter storms are on the way early next week. With the possibility of blizzard conditions to flooding in the southeast, the impact on agriculture could be two-fold: good news for drought but stress to livestock.
Dry conditions persist across parts of the U.S., with nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of the nation’s hay crop areas experiencing drought. Cattle producers could be forced to make more tough decisions.
The August Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor asked economists when they think cattle herd expansion will start to take place. The majority think cattle contraction will continue for at least another year.
John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it’s a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.
The signs of El Niño grew even strong this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year.
Persistent drought in major beef cattle production regions continues to have a significant impact on the cattle industry despite improvements in drought conditions in other parts of the country.
USDA’s pasture and range conditions shows 33% is rated good/excellent and 37% is poor/very poor. While the picture is improved from last year, a deeper dive shows one state is worse than 2013.
With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.
The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.
While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.
Hot, dry conditions have taken a toll on pasture growth this year. What should cattle producers consider to conserve grass in these dry areas?
Drought continues to hammer farmers and ranchers in Western, Central and Southern Plains states, with far-reaching implications for farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom lines, and also food availability and affordability.
Challenging conditions continue to plague cattle ranchers as they run short of feed and are forced to make tough decisions for their operation.
Drought has been a topic of conversation among ranchers for several months. Join us Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. CST as we discuss drought and it’s impacts on producers.
As the Western U.S. faces a megadrought, why can’t the U.S. move water around the country like it’s done with energy? John Phipps explores the physical and political hurdles potential water infrastructure would face.
Unfortunately, the heat, humidity and dry conditions of early summer look to extend into the next few months.
Less than 50% of the continental U.S. is in moderate drought for the first time since November, but with another drought record still running strong, forecasts show drought could grow over the summer months.
Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.
USDA says the launch of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) will address increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021. Phase 1 of the payments is expected to total $577 million.