Intense Heat And Dry Conditions Threatening U.S. Crops, Herds

'Intense Heat And Dry Conditions' Threatening US Crops, Herds

TYLER DURDEN

At perhaps the worst possible time, scorching heat and dry conditions are jeopardizing US agriculture - threatening soybeans, corn and other crops.

According to the Wall Street Journal, intense heat over the past week has put large portions of the United States - particularly the South and West - at risk during an important period during the Midwest crop-growing season.

In parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and other states, the heat is exacerbating longer-running drought conditions - putting immense stress on livestock and parching pastures, and forcing ranchers to spend more on supplemental feed for cattle.

In Iowa, which produces more corn than any other U.S. state, temperatures are forecast to hit 100 degrees in the western part of the state, according to the National Weather Service. Major livestock-producing states, including Texas and Oklahoma, are expected to see temperatures hit 104 degrees over the weekend. Some places in the region have had extremely hot and dry weather for prolonged periods. -WSJ

Oklahoma cattle rancher Charlie Swanson says temps have exceeded 100 degrees every day this month, including a 114-degree scorcher on Tuesday. When combined with virtually no rain, the heat is 'roasting his pastures' - and killing the grass and forage he grows for his cattle to graze on.

The high temps come as Oklahoma ranchers were already paying more for feed, fertilizer, fuel and other costs. Swanson's feed costs have climbed by roughly $100 per ton vs. last year, while fertilizer is also more expensive. He recently sold 80 cows to a beef packer in Texas because he couldn't afford to keep feeding them.

More....