U.S Midwest Farmers Worry About Drought that Could Threaten Major Crops' Harvest

The prolonged drought in portions of the Midwest has impacted farmers, suffering from the effect on their harvest production. With almost nonexistent rainfall, farmers lamented that the very low irrigation without rain affects their farms, calling the event the worst since 2012.

The worsening and prolonged drought resulted in less production of major crops, impacting both the farmer and consumers. A sufficient water irrigation supply could help meet the farmer's expected harvest or multiply their harvests. However, the uncertainty of rain watering their fields has been a question.

Effect on harvests

(Photo : by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Drought effect on cornfield August 4, 2012 near New Harmony, Indiana

Although farming has experienced the worst of the environment, the farmers said that the drought they have now is worst and unusual, resulting in dwindling the water supply needed by their harvest.

According to the report published in Phys.Org, climatologist Brian Fuchs said that the lack of moisture could persist into winter and next spring, taking note of no significant change in what they have seen. Fuchs is also from the National Drought Mitigation Center - at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Farmers also have to deal with the grasshoppers that affect the flowers. The report noted that Tucker Farms, located in Venango, Nebraska, was threatened not only by the worst drought but also by the grasshoppers.

Meanwhile, farmers reported that the Midwest suffered from declining water supply to water shortage. The water shortage due to drought is not seen since 2012.

According to the article, director emeritus Rex Buchanan of the Kansas Geological Survey noted that what farmers have experienced appears different in the dry or drought years from 2020 to 2012.

The report explained that parts of Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota's Midwestern states are also affected, affecting the production of major crops in the United States, including soybeans, corn, and wheat.

It added that the impact of drought on the harvest of major crops in the country had reduced the yield predictions of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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In previous reports, portions of the Midwest have been changing, from sudden widespread temperature cooldown and rebound to warming temperatures, according to the forecast. Meanwhile, the Northwest has had the same warm weather as the Midwest.

With the changing and rollercoaster weather pattern, the forecast added that the winter season this 2022 would be warmer than expected.

Drought-stricken river

Meanwhile, reports showed that the Mississippi River has been experiencing a prolonged drought resulting in a historically low water level. The drought also impacts the river, providing water supply to many farmers. According to the forecast, the river would have no significant changes this year and in the coming winter.

On the other hand, the latest weather forecast showed that parts of the Southern U.S would expect stormy weather. The severe weather conditions could alleviate the heat in the Southern U.S, allowing drought-stricken areas to drench with water and residents to feel cool weather.

Residents experiencing moderate to extreme drought in their areas should be cautious about the potential health-related risks of prolonged exposure to scorching weather temperatures.