Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Drought”
Peanut farmers are slowly getting into the fields with their planters to start planting this crop. The main concern right now is the lack of moisture. The drought in the southeast is severe and many farmers have not received any rain and the other showers were just scattered. Rains in the region this week will help somewhat, but it’s still a lot of …
It’s about planting time across the southeast, but a major problem for farmers, a three-month drought, has really got the farmers waiting to decide when to plant, how much to plant, and markets are changing. The war in Iran is creating some big issues, not only on the price of fertilizer, but on freight rates and fuel surcharges, and counting increases in energy costs …
Agricultural producers across the country are dealing with drought conditions with the Southeast dealing with exceptional and extreme drought. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provides details on these conditions. Rippey said, “If you include the abnormally dry conditions, D0, and add that to the drought, we have surpassed 80% of the country in either D0 or one to four drought categories, D1 to …
Well, one report this week might indicate some decisions have to be made about where you plant corn, peanuts, cotton, and where water is available or not. The National Weather Service reports that severe to extreme drought conditions are across the region. Drought conditions remain the worst experience, they said, since 2012. Long-term hydraulic drought impacts persist with also the significant impacts to rivers …
Much of the Southeast is currently dealing with drought conditions and USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey shares further details on how drought is impacting the rest of the country. Rippey said, “Drought coverage approaching 55% in early March. The last two weeks represent the first time since November 2024, more than a year ago, that we have seen U.S. drought coverage greater than …
Southeast Drought Continues to Impact Cattle and Hay Production Despite Recent Rain Although some areas of the Southeast received rain over the weekend, drought conditions continue to challenge producers across much of the region. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data from early December shows ongoing stress on both cattle and hay production, even as …
Low Water Levels Disrupt Midwest Barge Traffic Again During Harvest 2025 Low water levels on major rivers back in the Midwest will disrupt barge traffic during harvest time for the fourth year in a row. The Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers, among others, have all dropped below the low gauge level again, making grain transport by barge more difficult …
As harvest begins across parts of the Deep Southeast, farmers in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are now contending with D1 drought status, adding pressure to an already intense season. With high temperatures lingering and limited rainfall, the USDA is monitoring conditions closely. However, there may be relief on the horizon, according to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. “Now, for other parts …
As dry conditions continue to worsen across the state, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) is asking cattle producers to take an active role in documenting the impact on their operations. These real-time reports help state climatologists and agencies monitor conditions more accurately—and could influence eligibility for emergency livestock programs. We spoke with Erin Beasley of the ACA to learn more …
Midway Through Hurricane Season, the Southeast Faces Drier Conditions As we pass the midway point of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, parts of the Southeast U.S. are experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, raising concerns about drought impacts on agriculture and water supplies. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey explains that despite early forecasts predicting an active season, the Atlantic basin has remained relatively quiet …
