Podcast Summary
Midwest Weather Impact: Last week's derecho event brought significant damage to Midwest farms through strong winds, but also brought much-needed rain to some areas, and farmers remain resilient amidst ongoing weather challenges.
Last week's weather brought both destruction and benefits to the Midwest. A derecho event caused significant damage in Illinois, with winds reaching up to 100 miles per hour. The storm knocked over a grain bin and flattened crops in some areas, but also brought two inches of rain to others. While over 900 reports of wind damage were reported, many farmers were grateful for the rain. Looking ahead to August, there are concerns about heat, dryness, and Canadian wildfire smoke. Eric Stodgass from Nutrient Ag Solutions summarized the situation in Illinois, sharing stories of damage and relief from the derecho event. Despite the challenges, farmers remain resilient and continue to adapt to the ever-changing weather conditions.
US summer weather patterns: Western regions face increased wildfires due to dry conditions despite fewer heat records, while the southeastern US experiences exceptional rainfall and the Midwest benefits from cooler and drier conditions for corn pollination
The weather patterns in the United States during the second half of July and August are expected to bring both challenges and opportunities. In the western regions, including Arizona through California, Oregon, and Washington, the lack of significant heat so far this July has resulted in fewer records being broken, but this has also led to increased wildfires due to dry conditions. Conversely, in the southeastern part of the country, the open and strong Bermuda High is pushing moisture into the region, leading to exceptional rainfall forecasts from Texas to Virginia. The Midwest has seen cooler and drier conditions, which have been viewed favorably for corn belt pollination, despite some previous derechos that caused damage. Overall, the weather outlook presents both challenges and opportunities, and it will be important to monitor these patterns closely as we move through the rest of the summer.
August Weather Patterns: August is the peak season for tropical systems and weather patterns are expected to bring more heat to the central US and open up the Gulf for more storms, with potential impacts from a typhoon and La Nina.
The weather patterns are expected to shift significantly in August, bringing more heat to the central United States and opening up the Gulf for more storms. The tropics, which have been quiet since Tropical Storm Barry in July, are expected to fire up again during the next few months, with August being the peak season for tropical systems. Additionally, there are two wild cards on the horizon: a typhoon in the Equatorial Pacific that could bring heavy rains to China and the North Pacific, and the potential emergence of La Nina, which could lead to a warmer overall August. With 15 factors influencing the weather, it's important to stay informed and prepared for any potential impacts.
Weather risks for soybeans and spring wheat: Warmer temperatures in the northern plains and upper Midwest could negatively impact the growth of soybeans and spring wheat, while the impact of last year's wildfires in Canada on this year's crops is uncertain.
The markets are currently focusing on weather risks for soybeans and spring wheat, as warmer temperatures in the northern plains and upper Midwest could negatively impact their growth. Additionally, last year's wildfires in Canada may have had a cooling effect on crops during hot weather, but it's unclear if the opposite could happen this year. Farmers in South Dakota have already seen some impact from the changing weather conditions, and the lack of other major news events has kept the focus on agriculture. Overall, this season is bringing significant changes to crop development.
Wildfire smoke and temperatures: Despite above-average temperatures, wildfire smoke from Western Canada and the Western US could potentially cool off the Midwest if extensive coverage occurs. Rain in Western Canada is crucial to extinguish fires and stop the smoke.
Despite the wildfire smoke in Western Canada and the Western United States this year, current model forecasts suggest temperatures will continue to be above average, around 4-8 degrees Fahrenheit. However, historical data shows that smoke can cool things off in the Midwest with extensive coverage. The crucial factor will be if Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia receive rain by the end of this week or early next to extinguish the fires and stop the wildfire smoke. Stay updated at agweather.com and ag-wax.com. Eric Stodgass from Dutrian Ag Solutions shared these insights on American Ag Network. Thank you, Eric, for joining us this week. Have a great day. American Ag Network, produced by the American Ag Network. I'm Jesse Allen.