USDA climate expert shares key insights on frost risks, extended growing seasons and shifting rainfall patterns across the Corn Belt.
AMES, Iowa (Sept. 27, 2024) — Changing precipitation patterns continue to challenge farmers across the Corn Belt, according to Dennis Todey, director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub.
“As the agricultural landscape evolves, it’s vital to keep farmers informed with the latest data and insights,” said Todey. “Understanding changes in weather patterns and other factors empowers them to make better decisions and optimize their operations.”
Speaking to farmers in the Pivot Bio booth at the 2024 Farm Progress Show, Todey covered a range of topics, from the potential threat of an early freeze to the changing dynamics of precipitation and its implications for growing seasons. Here are three key takeaways from Todey that every farmer should know to stay ahead of evolving weather patterns:
1. Early-Freeze Concerns Are Minimal
Todey reassured farmers that based on current weather models and historical data, there is no imminent threat of an early freeze this season. He highlighted that freeze-risk assessments are generally guided by trends such as seasonal temperature patterns and climatic conditions, which currently do not indicate a high probability of frost.
2. Growing Seasons Are Extended Due to Warming Trends
Warming trends have resulted in longer growing seasons, with the average dates for last spring and first fall freezes shifting. This provides more time for crop growth but also introduces new challenges for farmers, such as an increase in insects and weeds.
3. Rainfall Patterns Are Shifting
The Corn Belt will still experience moderate rains; however, farmers should expect larger intense rainfalls. These heavy rainfalls, especially in the spring, can lead to rapid soil saturation, runoff, and potential erosion, impacting crop health and soil structure. Todey says this change in rainfall distribution affects soil-moisture levels. Additionally, rainfall is becoming more variable as to when or where it occurs during the year.
“While farmers in the Corn Belt faced many challenges this year, the potential for nitrogen loss through leaching and denitrification was especially prevalent during the early planting season, when there was so much rain,” said Clayton Nevins, Ph.D., Pivot Bio senior agronomic scientist.
“Not only is a farmer’s nitrogen investment gone, but it can also lead to nitrogen deficiencies in crops. This is evident when we see standing water and yellow corn leaves, like we did this year. Our goal at Pivot Bio is to help farmers solve for a percentage of nitrogen loss by diversifying their fertilizer sources with nitrogen-fixing microbes that live on the plants’ roots and provide consistent access to nitrogen.”
About Pivot Bio
Pivot Bio is a leading sustainable agriculture company delivering farmers patented crop nutrition technologies that harness the power of nature to reliably and productively grow the food the world needs in the face of increasing volatility. Available in North America and soon in Brazil, Pivot Bio’s efficiency-enhancing, purpose- built microbes optimize production through specifically placed and timed nitrogen delivery. The company’s microbial nitrogen solutions seamlessly integrate with traditional nitrogen sources, enabling the replacement of the most inefficient forms of conventional fertilizer. As a foundational source, Pivot Bio optimizes nitrogen management, helping growers achieve better ROI, enhanced plant health and improved stewardship by delivering the right source at the right time. These solutions not only maximize fertilizer performance but also improve nitrogen use efficiency and mitigate risks associated with nitrogen loss, ensuring resilient and productive farming for today and tomorrow. Recognized twice by Time magazine on its annual list of best inventions and by Fast Company, CNBC and Fortune, Pivot Bio is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture innovation. For more information, visit PivotBio.com.
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