Latest News From WEATHER

It's Scary Dry in the Western Corn Belt, But a Drastically Different Story in the East This Year
It's Scary Dry in the Western Corn Belt, But a Drastically Different Story in the East This Year

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows drought coverage is now at its lowest level since spring of 2020, but USDA's topsoil moisture map shows it's still extremely dry in areas of the west and too wet in the east.

Have You Heard of Scope 3? It Offers Opportunity for Agriculture
Have You Heard of Scope 3? It Offers Opportunity for Agriculture

Scope 3 is all the buzz lately in the world of sustainability. A company’s emissions are broken down into three scopes. Scope 3 covers indirect emissions from a company’s upstream and downstream supply chain.  

What's Causing These Frigid Temperatures Right Now?
What's Causing These Frigid Temperatures Right Now?

With another round of frigid temperatures blanketing the U.S. again, what's behind the cold? Here's a hint: it's not El Niño.

Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois
Winter Storm Survival: A Nightmare for Livestock Producers in Western Illinois

Despite nearly 24 inches of snow, below-zero temperatures and raging winds that some people are affectionately calling “Death Storm #2,” Illinois livestock producers are finding ways to overcome the horrific conditions.

Are You Ready For the Polar Plunge? Some Areas Could See Temperatures Plummet to Negative 40 Degrees
Are You Ready For the Polar Plunge? Some Areas Could See Temperatures Plummet to Negative 40 Degrees

From 40 degrees above zero earlier this week in parts of the Great Plains to now forecasts for temps to fall 40 degrees below zero, ag meteorologist Drew Lerner says the frigid conditions will be dangerous for livestock.

Now Is the Time to Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast: Severe Snowstorm Forecasted to Dump Multiple Feet of Snow
Now Is the Time to Pay Attention to the Weather Forecast: Severe Snowstorm Forecasted to Dump Multiple Feet of Snow

Major winter storms are on the way early next week. With the possibility of blizzard conditions to flooding in the southeast, the impact on agriculture could be two-fold: good news for drought but stress to livestock.

The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?
The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?

From the intense heat in the South to drought blanketing much of the U.S., weather stole headlines again in 2023. What caused such extreme conditions? One meteorologist explains the culprits of the heat and drought.

Mastering Temporary Wire Fencing: Key Strategies for Cattle Owners
Mastering Temporary Wire Fencing: Key Strategies for Cattle Owners

Leasing pasture is common in the beef industry, especially for those just getting started. However, fencing leased pastures can be a challenge depending on the conditions of the existing fences.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack Reveals the Final COP28 Declaration Will Not Focus on Agriculture and Food

COP28's decision to not include food and agriculture as a way to meet climate goals was influenced by a request from the G77 group of developing countries for additional review related to agriculture and food.

USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses

 Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.

Winter Cow Syndrome: What You Need to Know
Winter Cow Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Some individual cows or groups of cows experience significant decline in body weight and condition over the winter known as “winter cow syndrome.” The best strategy of prevention is twofold.

Rebuilding the Herd Begins at Pasture Level
Rebuilding the Herd Begins at Pasture Level

Despite recent market declines, many factors point towards an overall bullish cattle market in the months ahead. Jeff Clark of Corteva Agriscience, suggests producers start the rebuilding process in the pastures first.

Beyond Windbreaks: Proactive Winter Management Tips
Beyond Windbreaks: Proactive Winter Management Tips

Buddy Rowlett of Richmond, Kansas covers the basics of managing added snow pressure with fence design, working with frozen ground and offers a creative solution for electric fences during winter storms.

Stay Ahead of the Freeze: Strategies for Winter Watering Success
Stay Ahead of the Freeze: Strategies for Winter Watering Success

Keeping cattle fed, bedded and out of the wind is one thing; but making sure they have flowing water is another. Here's some tips on winter watering your livestock.

What to Know About Grazing Frosted Forages
What to Know About Grazing Frosted Forages

The first frost may be welcome for its fly-killing ability, but for cattle on annual forages, a few management steps this time of year can make sure that first frost doesn't have the same effect on cattle.

No Bumper Hay Crop, 44% of the Cattle Inventory In Drought
No Bumper Hay Crop, 44% of the Cattle Inventory In Drought

Dry conditions persist across parts of the U.S., with nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of the nation’s hay crop areas experiencing drought. Cattle producers could be forced to make more tough decisions.

Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry
Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry

The August Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor asked economists when they think cattle herd expansion will start to take place. The majority think cattle contraction will continue for at least another year. 

Survive the Heat Wave: Expert Tips to Protect Cattle from Heat Stress
Survive the Heat Wave: Expert Tips to Protect Cattle from Heat Stress

The heat is no joke, especially for cattle producers across the country as they look for ways to keep cattle cool and comfortable. Here's what some producers are doing.

John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners
John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners

John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it's a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.

Wildfire Warning Issued for Texas as Hot, Dry Conditions Persist
Wildfire Warning Issued for Texas as Hot, Dry Conditions Persist

The Texas A&M Forest Service warns of increased wildfire danger, as high temperatures and dry conditions continue to impact the state.

The Midwest is Set to Bake Under High Heat, Ag Meteorologists Now Worry About Severe Crop Damage
The Midwest is Set to Bake Under High Heat, Ag Meteorologists Now Worry About Severe Crop Damage

With heat forecast to top 100 degrees in places, combined with the expectation for little to no rain, crop conditions could deteriorate and the biggest risk in the western and central Corn Belt.

Climate Corp
Ag Climate Data Collection to be Improved with $300 Million Investment

USDA looks to improve the future measure, monitoring, reporting and verification of ag climate emissions via a $300 million investment announced on Wednesday.

Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought
Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought

The National Drought Mitigation Center estimates 67% of corn and 60% of soybeans are still considered to be in drought, a slight improvement from last week when drought covered 70% of corn and 63% of soybeans.

Derecho Packs Punch of 100 MPH Winds, Flattens Cornfields and Crushes Grain Bins Across the Midwest
Derecho Packs Punch of 100 MPH Winds, Flattens Cornfields and Crushes Grain Bins Across the Midwest

Hurricane-force winds swept from northern Missouri and Iowa all the way east to Illinois and Indiana. The derecho brought wind gusts up to 100 mph, flattening cornfields, but it also drenched soils with crucial rains.

Recent Rains Didn't Put a Dent in the Midwest Drought, 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Hit by Drought
Recent Rains Didn't Put a Dent in the Midwest Drought, 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Hit by Drought

Even with rains sweeping the Northern Corn Belt last weekend, the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to spread across Illinois with D2 (Severe Drought) taking a 28-point jump in a week.

Oklahoma_Wildfire
Poor Air Quality from Wildfire Smoke can put Livestock, Pets at Risk

Areas in the upper Midwest, Mid-South and Mid-Atlantic are being impacted. The American Veterinary Medical Association says to monitor animals as well as people and take precautions to keep everyone safe.

Stabenow Proposes $20 Billion Farm Bill Solution?
Stabenow Proposes $20 Billion Farm Bill Solution?

Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) opened the door to shifting almost $20 billion from her party’s climate and tax credit law enacted last year to more general spending in the upcoming farm bill.

Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought
Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought

Drought is deepening across the Midwest with 64% of the corn crop and 57% of the soybean crop across the U.S. now covered in drought, a sizable jump in just a week after NASS showed a historic drop in condition ratings.

Production Problems in the Eastern Corn Belt? A Look at NOAA's New Summer Drought Outlook
Production Problems in the Eastern Corn Belt? A Look at NOAA's New Summer Drought Outlook

The updated drought monitor indicates dryness will continue to expand across eastern Missouri, eastern Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought
Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought

Drought continues to deepen its grip across the Corn Belt, with Iowa and Illinois seeing large jumps in the moderate and severe drought categories. Now, more of the U.S. corn and soybean crop is covered in drought.

Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought
Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought

Last week, 34% of the U.S. corn crop was covered in drought, and this week it jumped to 45%. The second crop conditions ratings of the season from USDA-NASS confirmed dryness is starting to deteriorate crop conditions.

Farmer Nightmare: Government Floods Family Twice, Kills Herd and Refuses to Pay Damages
Farmer Nightmare: Government Floods Family Twice, Kills Herd and Refuses to Pay Damages

Richie Devillier is fighting back after the government twice flooded his 900-acre farm and home, killed his cattle, ran his family through emotional hell—and insisted he foot the entire bill.

Flash Flooding Hits Texas Panhandle, Several Feedyards Now Face Massive Cleanup and Cattle Losses
Flash Flooding Hits Texas Panhandle, Several Feedyards Now Face Massive Cleanup and Cattle Losses

The area was hit especially hard by historic rains on Friday. It is home to several feedyards, with owners and operators trying to assess the number of cows lost due to flood waters rising so quickly.

U.S. States Reach Colorado River Water Conservation Deal
U.S. States Reach Colorado River Water Conservation Deal

Seven U.S. states along the drought-starved Colorado River have reached a deal with the Biden administration to conserve water in a "historic consensus" to prevent supply problems for big cities as well as farmers.

Ag Will be Granted  $11 Million to be Part of the Climate "Solution"
Ag Will be Granted $11 Million to be Part of the Climate "Solution"

John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, says ag need to be "front and center" as the climate solution.

Drought and Forage Challenges Continue in 2023
Drought and Forage Challenges Continue in 2023

Persistent drought in major beef cattle production regions continues to have a significant impact on the cattle industry despite improvements in drought conditions in other parts of the country.

USDA Just Provided the First National Snapshot of Pasture Conditions, And It Hints at More Cow Culling Ahead
USDA Just Provided the First National Snapshot of Pasture Conditions, And It Hints at More Cow Culling Ahead

USDA’s pasture and range conditions shows 33% is rated good/excellent and 37% is poor/very poor. While the picture is improved from last year, a deeper dive shows one state is worse than 2013.

Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?
Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?

Farmers in the Southern Plains are finally starting to see much-needed moisture hit their fields. It may be too late for winter wheat, but it’s a hopeful sign for those needing the rain to even plant summer crops.

Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road
Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road

With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.

Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains
Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains

The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.

Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains
Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains

A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.

Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State
Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State

Kansas typically accounts for 25% of the nation's winter wheat production, but ongoing drought is weighing on overall crop conditions. Farmers are now facing the possibility of increased abandonment this year.

What Does the Drought of 2022 Mean for Lactating Pairs in the Spring of 2023?
What Does the Drought of 2022 Mean for Lactating Pairs in the Spring of 2023?

While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.

USDA’s Cover Crop Program Would be Made Permanent through Biden's Budget
USDA’s Cover Crop Program Would be Made Permanent through Biden's Budget

To put cover crop investments in motion, NRCS would draw on federal, state and private conservationists to hire “thousands” of employees for rural America.

'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm
'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm

Scenes across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas resemble the Dust Bowl after winds topping 100 mph ravaged the area. Growers are dealing with a dryland wheat crop that could already see abandonment as high as 80%.

2017 Outlook
5 Crop and Livestock Charts to Ponder from USDA’s 10-Year Outlook

What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning?  Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA's latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.

Grassley
Crop Insurance, Production Costs, ERP Among Key Topics at Senate Ag Farm Bill Hearing

A Senate Ag Committee hearing Thursday on the new farm bill raised a issue that is now evident: the Title 1 farm bill safety net can no longer deal with the current ag environment.

Rain Or Drought? What to Expect from the Weather Following the End of La Niña?
Rain Or Drought? What to Expect from the Weather Following the End of La Niña?

As La-Niña ends, meteorologists say the next two months could determine whether we see a drought like 2012 or a return of regular rains across the lower 48.

CattleFax Forecasts Producer Profitability in 2023 with Potential Drought Relief for the West
CattleFax Forecasts Producer Profitability in 2023 with Potential Drought Relief for the West

CattleFax shares expert market and weather analysis at the company's recent outlook seminar, held as part of the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans.

BT_Commercial_Red_Angus_Cows
Cattle Inventory By Number: How Does It Compare?

It’s official. The 2023 cattle inventory report has been released. Here's a look at how the totals compare to previous years and what we may expect from the industry going forward.