This is being written before the release of the Thursday Drought Monitor Report. However, it is safe to safe dry conditions are intensifying and we are likely to be rated in our areas as at lease abnormally dry soon. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 28 to Jan. 1) indicates we are predicted to have a chance of 40% to 50% of above normal temperatures and a 30% chance of above normal precipitation (which isn’t much). The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 30 to Jan. 5) a 30% chance of below normal temperatures and an equal chance of above normal precipitation. As this is the last week of 2021, what were the big stories the past year. These are not in any particular order.
• The pandemic – hardly a surprise but the pandemic has had many effects outside of illness and death. As we all know it has led to supply chain issues and spot shortages of ag inputs and commodities. It has also changed consumer eating habits and the restaurant industry. It has made a major change especially in the meat processing industry. Time will tell if things will return to normal over time or will we see a new normal.
• The weather across the U.S. and worldwide. New extremes appear to be heading towards a new normal. Drought, floods, heat, cold, fires, increasing numbers of tropical storms, and extreme wind events are becoming more common and are playing havoc across agriculture.
• In reference to the previous point, new and improved cultural practices and genetics have allowed us to weather extreme heat and/or drought and still produce economic yields. Especially with genetic engineering we are better able to cope with weather and pest stresses at a level unimagined just several decades ago.
• Input prices – the surge in input prices this past year has been dramatic and has producers rethinking how they are going to produce the 2022 crop an even what to plant. Anhydrous ammonia prices have more than doubled this year. All input prices have skyrocketed leaving producers in a quandary. This dilemma will produce new and innovative thinking.
• Commodity prices – prices for producers when they sell are much better than last year but have backed down from their highs and based upon input prices, most producers want/need higher prices.
• Pest pressure – with a changing climate and pesticide resistance of many pests, especially weeds, this challenge is continuing to grow. Cover crops, new pesticide technologies, and other practices are being implemented but there is a long way to go and answers aren’t cheap.
• The beef packing industry is under assault by producers and state and federal governments for pricing and a lack of transparency. Both parties seem intent on trying to do something to aid cattle producers and consumers.
• Finally, inflation is taking a toll on consumers’ ability to purchase foodstuffs while producers aren’t seeing the benefits of these higher prices.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
