As of Tuesday, Dec. 11 the drought monitor indicates little change from last week. Overall, conditions are a tiny bit better for much of the state. Our area is unchanged. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 19 to 23) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 21 to 27) indicates a continued 70 to 80% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of above normal precipitation. The rainfall part is great. Above normal temperatures not so much. Although, if these conditions are correct, it will help wheat crop development.
Today, what were/are the top ag stories nationally for 2023. There isn’t space to go into detail so if one grabs your interest, head to the internet. These aren’t really in any particular and there are more stories than space.
• Maybe the biggest story is the lack of a new Farm Bill and a yearlong continuation of the old one. The Senate has pretty much figured theirs out, however, as is seemingly common over the last few years, The House is dragging its feet. Part of this is typical but as a side story there were pretty significant changes in GOP leadership on many committees. Coupled with retirements, there are fewer representatives with the background and experience in agriculture. As usual, part of the conflict revolves around the fact that much of the five-year bill focuses on food programs, etc. and that is in conflict with what a certain segment of the House wants. Conversely, some urban members, don’t like what’s in the farm program portion.
• Weather over the past year as always is a major story. We have transitioned from a La Nina to an El Nino. On the plus side, much of the West Coast recovered from exceptional drought. In addition to Kansas, much of the western Corn Belt dealt with drought. Also large parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and even into Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee have dealt with severe drought conditions. In spite of this, corn and soybean yields were decent. Hard red winter wheat country had a tough year.
• Inflation while still there, has eased significantly in many areas of production ag and at the store. Some but not all food prices have decreased. Overall, input prices for inputs have also eased. Perhaps one of the most important sectors for producers and consumers has seen major price decreases – oil.
• Here are a few more top stories: continued consolidation in the ag sector. New technologies in GMO crops. The continued war in Ukraine along with tensions with China. Continued Federal investment in rural areas, especially in high speed internet.
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.
