Warmer weather is on the docket for much of the South next week, with some 90+ degree temperatures expected for Texas.
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Meteorologist Brad Rippey says we are heading into spring rather quickly and ahead of schedule. He shares the implications for small grains and blooming fruit crops.
“You do have to consider the fact that these crops, as well as some of the grasses, are moving along at a pace that’s a week or two at least ahead of schedule. It does open up the possibility that we could see damaging spring freezes even with a normal spring freeze, and certainly if we had a sharp or later than average cold outbreak. That is a concern for things like winter wheat in the south, blooming fruit crops as well as ornamentals — all of which can be pushed along by this warm spring weather.”
Brad Rippey, USDA Meteorologist
Rippey says December was the warmest December on record, then we had a brief cold outbreak in January and now we are on track for another record setting warm month in February.
Related Stories
Dry conditions are already showing up in pastures across the region this April.
Extends Program Application Deadline to August 12
Dry conditions have severely impacted key winter wheat states with persistent moisture deficits. As quality declines, analysts warn some crops may be lost despite upcoming rain.
Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.
AFBF Economist Danny Munch joined us to discuss snowpack levels in the Colorado River Basin, water supply concerns, and the potential impact on agricultural production.
Donald Chase of Chase Farms joined us to discuss drought conditions, planting progress, input costs, and the outlook for Georgia agriculture.
