Drought
Look to see your risk for a dry start to planting season.
U.S. farmers are facing a changing scenario this year. From wet conditions impeding planting in 2020, to now drought concerns creeping in, one analyst thinks weather could be a major market mover in 2021.
The latest drought monitor shows a dramatic shift. A year ago, 100% of the state was drought free. And today, 100% of North Dakota is seeing some level of drought; a concern for farmers who fear drought will linger.
Some portions of the West are in desperate need of some moisture.
Meteorologist Matt Yarosewick has a look at the latest drought monitor.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report revealed 85% of New Mexico is seeing short to very short topsoil moisture conditions, and 83% of North Dakota is seeing topsoil conditions that are desperately dry.
The Midwest is catching a break from dry conditions with the help of some rain.
While weather this week is helping bring moisture to portions of the Plains, climatologists say you have to go back a couple decades to see a drought scenario similar to this year. The dryness is planting concerns.
Farmers are entering into spring planting season with drought covering a most of the western half of the country. A new study looking into the problem shows dry periods between rain have become longer in the West.
Following 2020’s devastating derecho in Iowa, lingering drought and recent floods, agronomists remind producers to adjust their planting decisions accordingly.