Ag and climate experts advise farmers how to get through statewide drought
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) — A lack of precipitation has caused a statewide drought, especially on the west side of the state.
The US Drought Monitor shows that the eastern end of the state is experiencing a D1 category drought which can lead to some damage to crops and water shortages developing.
Other parts of the state have it even worse, on the west side of the state, some counties are experiencing a D3 category drought which can lead to major crop loss and widespread water shortages.
“We’re going to be relying on the precipitation that we receive this year very heavily,” Anthony Bly, South Dakota State University’s (SDSU) Extension Soil Fields Specialist said.
There will be a desperate need for a rainy spring as the period of April-June brings the state roughly 40% of its precipitation.
“We don’t have that backup plan should April Dry or April/May be dry,” SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards said.
On Tuesday the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office sent out a release notifying the public that the Minnehaha County Commission has enacted a burn ban for the rural parts of the county.
The move was necessary due to the Grassland Fire Index for Minnehaha classified it as “high.” The ban will be effective until Minnehaha County receives significant rainfall or the index changes.
As to the effect the drought may be having on our foods, right now, in South Dakota, experts say the drought hasn’t impacted the grocery store significantly but that could change if the drought persists.
“Prolonged drought would lead to higher prices so that would hurt the consumer, and it would also hurt the farmer since they have fewer bushels to sell even though prices are a little better,” SDSU Risk and Management Specialist Matthew Diersen said.
This can be concerning, but what farmers can’t do is jump the gun and make changes to their fertilizers or equipment unless absolutely necessary.
“If they can delay or put off buying some inputs that can help preserve cash flow to make continuing to farm easier,” Diersen said.
Instead, Anthony Bly said they should do the following to conserve moisture.
“Improve their soil health, do less tillage, keep the soil covered so that it doesn’t dry out, in the last few years we’ve seen some soil blowing in our state and it’s always come from tillage,” Bly said.
Currently, the National Weather Services’ Climate Prediction Center predicts South Dakota to get below-average precipitation through June.
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