economics
Drought conditions changed over to an
abnormally long winter with frigid temperatures,
blizzards and record flooding before the
spring season. More seasonal spring rains have
threatened continued flooding throughout
portions of the Midwest, including in Nebraska and
Missouri where the mighty Missouri River winds.
Agriculture is a prominent component
of these states’ economies, and while the
industry is accustomed to dealing with
Mother Nature’s curveballs, it typically doesn’t
experience so many extreme weather events
sequentially. The compounded effects are
making farmers and ranchers come up with
solutions for the short and long term.
Take a moment to picture the scene. Receding
flood waters leave land littered with debris and
irrigation equipment barely sticking above the
misplaced sediment. These materials must be
removed before grazing or planting can begin.
Cattle and other livestock – if they survived
these conditions – may remain stressed and in
poorer body condition. Producers, likewise, may
worry as they tend to the numerous tasks ahead
with as much resilience as they can muster.
While it’s difficult to paint a broad picture of
the scene, since each producer has his or her
own unique circumstances stemming from
recent weather events, the need to recover is
evident. Rick Rasby, associate dean of extension
and beef specialist with the University of
Nebraska – Lincoln, said he has worked in
extension for 31 years, and during that time he
doesn’t remember any other weather-related
events that come close to this past winter.
“These events will impact the local economy
first,” Rasby said. “They will affect those towns and
cities, and they will affect those states as well.”
While major flooding in March had the most
press for Nebraska, two blizzards – one in early
spring and another later in April – led to death
loss for many late spring-born calves in western
areas, said Daren Redfearn, associate professor
LIMOUSIN Today | 63