Weather plays a major role in yield potential. Increasingly, climate changes are influencing the growth and spread of weeds, diseases, and insects, as well as a farmer?s ability to plant and harvest at optimum times. Ryan Clayton, South Central IA Field Agronomist with Pioneer, said we?re seeing changing weather patterns that can bring challenges like these to farmers in the near future.
Climate change may delay or adversely affect field operations, especially during the critical stages of planting and emergence. Saturated soils and concentrated rainfall events may mean fewer days suitable for field work, and increased early spring precipitation raises the risk of cold imbibition. Clayton said the shortened planting window could be one of the biggest challenges farmers could face.
Another consequence of climate change is increased pests and disease. Climate heavily influences the geographic distribution of pest species, so pest distribution and activity will change accordingly. Rising temperatures and shorter winters may bring pests traditionally associated with southern states- and their diseases- to the Midwest.
Midwest farmers will need to adapt in order to protect their farms from increased precipitation and more intense storms, which could lead to more frequently saturated soils. Potentially flooded fields have implications for field operations, soil conservation practices, and fertility management. Clayton provided some risk management solutions that producers can implement right away.
If you?d like to learn more, reach out to your local Pioneer field agronomist or sales rep.
