Source: Fortune
Summary
A severe drought in the Great Plains is threatening winter wheat harvests and forcing cattle producers to make costly decisions. The drought covers nearly 90% of Nebraska and Oklahoma, with over half of Nebraska in “extreme” drought. Farmers are struggling to maintain their herds due to high input costs and low moisture levels. The drought is expected to persist through spring, with relief unlikely until the summer. The impact is already showing, with only 30% of the US winter wheat crop rated good to excellent.
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The numbers tell one story.
Farmers are facing a perfect storm of drought, high input costs, and low moisture levels. The drought is colliding with higher input costs, prompting some farmers to cut back on applications. The coming weeks are critical for growers in the Plains, as winter wheat begins to mature ahead of the summer harvest. Without sufficient moisture, wheat shoots struggle to fill out and produce grain.
The drought is setting everything back, forcing farmers to make tough decisions on liquidating their herd or finding alternative feed.
Author: Evan Null
