By Blake Jackson
Missouri's 2023 drought left a bitter taste in farmers' mouths, with lower yields and tough choices. Now, as winter approaches, hope hangs heavy on above-average precipitation to ensure a successful 2024 growing season.
Drought Scars Persist: The drought alert, extended through May 2024, paints a grim picture. Over 99% of the state faces dryness, with 36% experiencing severe to extreme conditions. Northern areas are likely to stay parched, while southern Missouri might find temporary relief in the first two months of next year.
Planting to Harvest, All Affected: Unlike 2022, the drought stretched throughout the entire growing season, hammering yields and profits across major crops like corn and soybeans. Zack Leasor, a state climatologist, emphasizes the long-term impact: "Most of the state saw long-term precipitation deficits in 2023. Some places are a foot behind on rainfall, so catching up and recharging our soil moisture will take time."
Hope Springs Eternal, or at Least Above-Average: Leasor sees above-average winter precipitation as the key to a stable 2024. Subsoil moisture is crucial, with 63% currently rated short or very short, according to the Missouri Crop Progress and Conditions report.
Farmers Take Action: In the meantime, MU Extension agricultural economist Scott Brown advises early preparation and risk management. "Making sure producers are prepared for potentially large economic swings is crucial," he says.
Row Crop Realities: Corn yields varied drastically, and soybeans followed suit. Brown emphasizes rebuilding subsoil moisture for row crops like soybeans, which are less tolerant of dryness. Those without irrigation face tough decisions about crop selection based on future weather conditions.
Cattle Crunch: Leasor points to cattle farmers as the hardest hit. Poor pasture and hay yields forced herd reductions due to feed shortages and high hay prices. Brown expects these culling decisions to continue throughout the winter.
Planning Amidst Uncertainty: Brown highlights the ongoing struggle for cattle producers: "They're always making adjustments based on supplies. It's a constant adaptation."
Photo Credit: igor-stevanovic
Categories: Missouri, Business, Weather