Snow
Ice, snow, high winds and bitterly cold temperatures. Consecutive winter storms hit the U.S. this week, and one meteorologist says the rest of January could remain active in terms of winter weather.
Get ready for the months ahead to look a lot different than last year.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says areas that have been experiencing snow drought this winter, such as Minnesota and northern Iowa, could potentially see more snowfall in the next few weeks than they have all winter.
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.
More than a foot of snow fell across a narrow band in Kansas over the weekend, which should provide some relief for a winter wheat crop already struggling with drought.
According to USDA’s crop progress report, 71% of corn and 85% of soybeans have been harvested so far, which is considerably ahead of the five-year average.
Two to three feet of snow is forecast to fall over parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest this week. Some market watchers are beginning to question if 92 million acres of corn can actually get planted this year.
Back-to-back blizzards in April meant the Veeders battled Mother Nature at the height of calving season. While they did everything they could to save newborn calves, they also saw relief in the form of vital moisture.
Know the conditions most at risk and how to check for winterkill
A state that battled widespread drought last spring has seen a nearly 180-degree turn around with weather recently, as a steady stream of moisture is preventing North Dakota farmers from planting so far this year.