Climate Change Poses Problems for Midwest Farmers
(KTNC)--Climate change may bring Nebraska longer growing seasons which could bring increased crop productivity, but the experts say it may also bring more extreme weather events, more risks from pests and disease, which could substantially hurt crop production. One study predicts that without action, climate change will cause crop yields in the Midwest to drop 20-percent by 2050.
U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the U-S-D-A has recently created several "climate hubs" for research, one of which focuses on the Midwest. Vilsack says many producers are already adapting to the wide weather swing by embracing voluntary programs to cut back on the runoff of manure and farm chemicals.
The recent situation in Ohio renewed debate about restrictions on ag run-off. Toledo residents were warned not to drink city water for three days because of toxins in the water. The toxins came from algae bloom in Lake Erie caused by phosphorus run-off from fertilized fields and livestock operations as well as leaky septic tanks.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
USD 415 board select new member
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
State Board approves land transfer agreements
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
LATEST STORIES
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges
Council approves renewal of employee insurance plan
HCF Match Day event this weekend
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Senator Ricketts's staff to visit southeast Nebraska
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
RELATED STORIES
Antique tractor drive to end in Falls City
USDA To Help Fund Area Projects
FSA County Committee Nominations Open June 15
Grain Dryer Fire at Falls City Facility
Farmers Struggle to Repay Loans
Ag Waste As Renewable Fuel Study
USDA Reminds Producers of Livestock Program
USDA Adjusts Income Guidelines on Nebraska Loans