Farming in Extreme Weather
Extreme weather has a significant impact on the agriculture industry. It influences wha
t crops can be grown, the yield, and the extent to which weeds and pests affect your bottom line. Floods, drought, heat waves, cold spells, and other natural disasters can wreak havoc on land and crops. In fact, these extremes have cost U.S. farmers a lot. Some estimates put the total monetary loss for the agricultural community over the last forty years at $1.1 trillion.
To help you accomplish your work as successfully as possible, we've gathered up some tips to make the most of farming in extreme weather. If you want more advice or want to check out farm equipment for sale, come visit us at Cobb’s Tractor in Eustis, Florida.
Understanding the Extreme Weather Patterns
Start by thinking about what kind of weather you will need to prepare for. Different parts of the country see different types of extreme weather. For example, the West Coast sees lots of forest fires while the Gulf Coast sees lots of hurricanes. What works for some farmers won't be applicable to others. The good news is that you’ll find plenty of information on general weather patterns for your region, as well as future projections for the next year. This can give you a better picture of which weather patterns are going to hit your farm the hardest and allow you to prepare for the worst.
Extreme Cold
One common situation is plummeting temperatures. Those who grow crops and use their farm equipment throughout winter know the challenge that bitterly cold weather can pose. Some amount of cold can promote healthy soil, but it’s important to strike the right balance between healthy and damaging. Snow can be helpful for your fields because it can form an insulating layer to protect against freezing cold temperatures. Without this layer, frost can penetrate deeper into the earth, seriously damaging the growth and nutritional value of seeds or crops. But too much snow and cold can be damaging to your farm.
Cold temperatures can also cause issues for your livestock. Your animals will need a warm place to retreat to. Make sure your structures are well-insulated from the cold and that there aren't any cracks or holes in windows or roofs.
Extreme Heat
Warmer temperatures in summer are essential for good farming, but temperatures in some regions can get so hot that they cause damage. The heat can make other extreme weather issues worse, such as droughts and floods. It can also help weeds and pests thrive, which increases the risk of crop damage. The impact of the heat will depend on the types of crops you are growing and the health of your soil. The best way to combat this is to be diligent in maintaining the best practices for your crops. Know which fields will need more weed killer and the amount of water required for irrigation.
How to Prepare
Beyond knowing what types of extreme weather patterns you will be facing, there are a few ways to successfully handle these situations. First, pay close attention to changing weather patterns so that you will have enough time to prepare. Weather forecasting has improved tremendously over the years, making it even easier to stay updated on the latest predictions and changes. Use this information to determine the best times to plant seeds and harvest because it might change from year to year as the weather changes.
Next, consider making changes to your farming approach to be more efficient. For example, no-till farming can help you fight erosion and lead to better crop yields. Another option is to utilize improved technology for tracking weeds and pests so that you can stay on top of fighting these nuisances.
Finally, focus on efficient farming. The more productive your practices are, the less impacted by extreme weather you will be. A key part of this is using the right tools and making sure that they are well-maintained. You will also want to consider investing in the latest farm equipment. To check out some machines for sale, visit Cobb’s Tractor in Eustis, FL. Our expert staff can help you find exactly what you need! We proudly serve those in Orlando and Lake City, FL.