We are now seeing the implications of Tropical Storm Beryl, which AccuWeather estimates has caused significant damage and economic loss nearing $32 billion dollars.
The storm made history as the earliest Category 5 Hurricane on record in the Atlantic basin and wreaked havoc across Windward Islands, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and parts of Mexico before impacting eastern Texas.
Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, Sid Miller mentioned to us that they do not have the numbers on the loss of livestock or property yet in Texas.
Moving forward, the main threats include continued flooding rains, severe thunderstorms, and isolated tornadoes along the storm’s path.
While Tropical Storm Beryl left a path of destruction, those rains could help growers in the Corn Belt.
A Nutrien Ag Solutions scientist says that parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan received beneficial rainfall, up to 4 inches in some areas.
He told Brownfield Ag News that he believes that this rain will significantly impact the growing season’s success in these regions. However, he notes concerns about moisture levels potentially leading to increased disease risk like tar spot in corn and challenges for soybean fields.
