Farming in Extreme Weather

For those who make their living off the land, you’ve probably already had to battle several challenging weather years, especially recently, and there are signs that this isn’t going to slow down any time soon. Extreme weather can wreak havoc on farms and food. In fact, some estimates put the total monetary loss for the agricultural community over the last forty years at $1.1 trillion. While some of this may seem like it’s completely out of your control, the best way to combat this is to adapt. Roll with the punches by planning ahead.

We here at Burrows Tractor have provided some tips for preparing for future challenges as a result of extreme weather. If you need more help, then stop by one of our locations in Washington and near Portland and chat with one of our friendly staff. We can also show you some of the equipment we have for sale if you’re in the market to upgrade.

Understanding Where You Work

Firstly, it’s important to understand that extreme weather patterns and changing atmospheric trends affect different parts of the country in different ways. Just pull up national news reports and you’ll see that the West Coast has seen an uptick in extreme forest fires, while states along the Gulf Coast have seen more intense and more frequent hurricanes. That’s why one set of suggestions won’t work for every farmer across the United States. Luckily, there’s lots 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

Winter is coming and that means that temperatures are going to drop. If you continue to farm through the winter, you know this can be a tricky game to play. The cold is necessary for healthy soil, but it’s important to understand the right balance between healthy and damaging. Keep in mind that snow can actually be good for your fields because it provides an insulating layer that can be essential when cold snaps roll through. Without it, the frost can pierce deeper and more severely. If you have seeds or crops trying to grow, it can seriously damage their growth and nutritional value. 

The cold weather can also mean you’ll need to make special arrangements for your livestock, depending on just how cold it gets. Give them a warm place to retreat to, even before temperatures hit freezing, and double check the insulation on your barn, stable, or other holding pens as temperatures dip into the teens.

Extreme Heat

Warmer temperatures in the summer are an essential factor of good farming, but there’s a point in which the heat goes from helpful to hurtful. It can exacerbate other extreme climate conditions like droughts and floods. Plus, it creates an environment where weeds and pests are more likely to thrive. How much the heat will help or hurt you is largely dependant on what you’re growing and how healthy your soil is, so the best way to combat this is to simply be diligent in best practices for your crops. Know which fields will need more weed killer and which ones will need more--or less--water.

Other Extreme Weather Patterns

The list of intensifying weather is extensive. Hail storms are becoming more severe and one bad storm can wipe out entire sections of your fields. The frequency of droughts has grown, which leads to dry soil which then puts you at risk for flooding. And we haven’t even touched on some of the more sensational forms of extreme weather like tornadoes and hurricanes.

How to Prepare

Understanding how to prepare for extreme weather and how to protect your crops in the future requires careful research and an understanding of your fields and your region. Depending on what you’re growing, some of these extreme weather changes can actually help your crops, like those that thrive in increased levels of carbon dioxide. However, there are some big crops that don’t fare so well, including corn and wheat. 

The solution isn’t to abandon crops altogether. Instead, remain diligent and flexible. Weather forecasting has immensely improved with recent technology, so pay attention to changing weather patterns so you’ll have time to prepare. Also, stay up-to-date on best farming practices, because as the weather grows more extreme, you might find that the best times to plant seeds and harvest will change.

Some of the more common changes include no-till farming to fight erosion and create a better crop. There’s also improved technology for tracking weeds and pests so you minimize the problems aggravated by extreme heat and increased carbon levels. The adjustments won’t be easy and there will probably be some slip-ups along the way, but it’s not as hopeless as it may seem. You’ll just need the right information and the right plan to keep your fields bountiful. 

Another important factor of reducing losses and saving time is efficient farming. You’ll need the right tools to help you fight the good fight, so stop by Burrows Tractor and talk to us about what kinds of tools and equipment you’re looking for so we can help you with all your farming-related needs. We proudly serve Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, along with North Plains, Oregon.