Missouri farmers and persistent drought

By Blake Jackson

Missouri farmers have experienced surprising crop yields despite persistent drought conditions. While the state has been grappling with ongoing drought, some areas saw a significant turnaround due to a substantial rain event that revived crops. Brian Lehman, a farmer and vice president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, had initially expected to write off his corn crop as a loss, but the timely rain in early August transformed the situation. Drought conditions transitioned from D4 exceptional drought to D3 severe drought in his area after the much-needed precipitation.

The latest drought monitor map reveals that none of Missouri currently experiences D4 exceptional drought, with 10% of the state's acres in D3 severe drought, nearly 18% in D2 severe drought, and almost 32% in D1 moderate drought. Just shy of a quarter of the state is abnormally dry, and the remaining 16% is drought-free.

Lehman mentioned that the rain turned brown pastures green and encouraged weed growth, leading to less appealing pastures. In terms of yields, his corn ranged from 60 to 120 bushels per acre, and his soybeans produced 45 to 60 bushels per acre.

Compared to the drought of 2012, Lehman considered this year's yields as a substantial improvement. Genetic factors and well-timed rainfall were pivotal in maintaining yields.

While his crop yields showed resilience, Lehman expressed concerns about the impact of the drought on his cow/calf operation. For two weeks over the summer, he had to transport water to his cattle, and he emphasized the need for winter moisture to replenish soil moisture. The USDA's Crop Progress report for the week ending on October 8 indicated that topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies were still in relatively short supply, underscoring the importance of ongoing precipitation.

To address the moisture issue, Lehman intends to plant cover crops, not only to maintain soil productivity but also to supplement his cattle's feed, given the limited hay supply after the dry summer.

Sarah Kenyon, a field specialist in agronomy at the University of Missouri Extension, noted that drought conditions have been an ongoing concern, with temperatures remaining relatively high. These conditions have adversely affected pasture conditions, leading to a reduction in hay production. Farmers have reported harvesting roughly a third less hay than usual, which has led to culling cattle herds and an increased reliance on hay feeding.

Ponds have also been impacted, with some drying up, including ponds that remained unaffected last year. USDA's Crop Progress report on October 8 indicated that pasture conditions were predominantly poor, with 16% rated as very poor, 43% as poor, 30% as fair, and 11% as good.

Despite ongoing drought challenges, the situation in Missouri this year is considered less severe than in the previous year, in part due to lower air temperatures, according to Kenyon. Farmers continue to adapt to the conditions by implementing strategies like planting cover crops and closely monitoring their cattle herds.