Preparing for Totality: How you can help researchers better understand ag impact from the solar eclipse

On Monday, day will turn into night for a few minutes as a total solar eclipse will move across farm country.

The path of totality from Texas to Ohio will be between 108 and 122 miles wide and take place around 1:30 p.m. CT. The entire country will experience at least a partial eclipse, so what does that mean for farmers?

While some farmers in the totality path are hosting agritourism events during the time, it is important to note that animals will be impacted. The University of Kentucky Extension says hens may roost and livestock will show night time behaviors like heading towards the barn or bedding down.

Researchers are asking for farmers’ help in observing behavior changes during the event, especially when it comes to feeding, sleeping, movement and vocalization.

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