How the Weather Affects Crops and Livestock

Have you heard the saying “Dome of Doom”? This is what some call the annual mid-summer heat wave in the “Corn Belt”. When this happens, it’s like “a lid on a pot”. The sweating corn can actually cause an increase in the humidity which in turn causes an increase in the heat index. Crazy – right? Climate and weather have a huge impact on quality and productivity of crops and livestock, particularly relating to hydration and temperature.

 

Livestock:

Earlier this year, Texas and New Mexico were hit with what was named Winter Storm Goliath which resulted in the death of more than 30,000 head of dairy and beef cattle. High snow drifts and brutal temperatures were to blame for most of the losses in this area where some owners and caretakers were unable to access their herds for almost two full days.

Weather.com – Dairy Cows Winter Storm

Crops:

Aside from the cold, heat, and precipitation (or lack thereof), another influential ag deterrent is hail. In Lincolnshire, Illinois, farms were pummeled by an unexpected hail storm which left wheat fields there with a remarkable portion of stripped plants and leaving behind substantial damage. This vicious hail storm damaged or destroyed as much as half of the crops in some areas.

FWI – Wheat Yields

These weather events leave farmers with a mess to clean up and a huge hole in their pocketbooks. Some farmers are in a rush to overplant with another crop as soon as possible to try to salvage something from the season. These crops and farms have lots of exposure because of government-type insurance. For those who do insure privately, it often does result in quicker payments at a time when it is needed the most.

Regardless of the type of help you need, consult with a professional to assist with documenting, negotiating, and settling your claim.