The drought monitor report as of Jan. 9 shows a continued slow improvement. There is no exceptional drought in the state and extreme drought is less than one percent. Compare that to a year ago when almost 38% was in exceptional drought. The six to 10-day outlook (Jan. 16 to 20) indicates a 70 to 80% chance of leaning to below normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning to below normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 18 to 24) indicates a continued 50 to 60% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and normal to near normal precipitation. 

As you can see from the previous paragraph, the overall weather and moisture conditions are much different than last year. The moisture has made a great deal of difference in the wheat crop compared to the last several years. And hopefully, this moisture will help with spring pasture. It does come with a cost in terms of an extended period of well below normal temperatures and less than ideal road conditions. For cattle producers, this recent weather is certainly a challenge. Since it’s been a while since we’ve had winter weather conditions like this, let’s take a brief look at the positives of having a “real” winter.

• There should be adequate moisture in the soil to ameliorate soil temperatures to protect the wheat’s growing point. Also, adequate moisture for the roots and growing point to be well hydrated. And the earlier moisture along with decent temperatures allowed late planted wheat to germinate. The snow cover also greatly protects the seedlings and keep soil temperatures warmer. A far cry from last year.

• This moisture in the form of rain and snow should allow for early pasture growth. While pastures will still deal with the effects of the prolonged drought, it should allow for some recovery if this pattern continues and conservative stocking rates.

• As a side bar, this moisture should greatly help all perennial plants, especially trees. This should help with flowering and growth. The one caveat is that the damage of a severe drought can exhibit itself for several years after a drought ends. If the drought is truly over.

• This bitterly cold weather should greatly reduce certain insect pressure and even certain diseases. A more normal spring will also help delay the emergence of certain pests and allow predator insects to emerge more closely to when pests emerge and aid in control. This is a benefit for alfalfa producers. And if fruit trees bloom at a more normal time, it should help with pollination and lessen the chance of fruit loss from freezes.

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.