The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Dec. 12 indicates the area of exceptional drought covering almost one-third of our state, mostly western Kansas but also parts of South Central and Southeast Kansas. Our extreme drought conditions continue with extreme drought almost here. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 21 to 25) indicates a 80 to 90% chance of below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 23 to 29) indicates a continued 40 to 60% of below normal temperatures and up to a 40% chance of below normal precipitation.
This week: the top agriculture stories of 2022. This list isn’t meant to be complete and not necessarily in any particular order.
• While in no particular order, the weather of 2022 is certainly the top story of 2022 for many, not just in Kansas but for much of the world. For much of the western two-thirds of the USA, drought and heat were the story, a continuing one with the drought. A La Nina that just won’t go away. Other parts of the world experienced severe drought and famine looms in many parts of eastern Africa. Other areas such as Pakistan, experienced record flooding. Florida experienced a devastating hurricane. Now we are dealing with extreme cold coupled with severe weather, including tornadoes in the Southeast USA. The pattern for extremes seems to be intensifying globally.
• Relating to the first point, in spite of our weather challenges, as a nation we produced respectable amounts and grain and soybeans. It points to the progress we have made genetically and in cultural practices.
• Prices continue to present challenges for producers and consumers. While commodity prices, especially for grains were higher overall, input prices for everything from fuel and fertilizer to seed and pesticides remained high. Combine that with many areas experiencing weather related yield decreases, it’s been a challenging year. The meat/poultry industry also dealt with challenged from disease in the poultry industry to lower prices for finished cattle. Consumers felt this at the store with strong inflation. And while energy and other prices are easing for consumers, inflation remains strong at the grocery store.
• The Russian invasion of Ukraine had and continues to have major impacts of food supplies across the globe. It’s also had a major impact on energy and fertilizer prices. With no end in sight, this will continue to present challenges as Ukraine is an important supplier of grains and food oils.
• The labor shortage and supply chain issues continue to hamper the industry. While supply chain issues have eased somewhat, the labor shortage is intensifying. There is little hope for the labor shortage easing anytime soon.
• Continued consolidation across food and agriculture changes the landscape for producers and consumers. From Co-ops to grocery store chains, there is less and less consolidation. Those consolidating say it will improve efficiency and lower prices. Opponents contend it will hurt producers and consumers. Time will tell.
Everyone have a safe and merry Christmas and Holiday Season.
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.
