Author
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Schneider, Jeanne |
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Submitted to: Grazinglands Research Laboratory Miscellaneous Publication
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/2014 Publication Date: 2/4/2014 Citation: Schneider, J.M. 2014. Climate risks in the Southern Plains. Grazinglands Research Laboratory Miscellaneous Publication. http://www.usda.gov/oce/climatechange/regionalhub.htm. Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only Technical Abstract: The Southern Plains region contributes significantly to the nation’s wheat and beef production. Winter wheat is the principal annual crop, with much of it serving dual-use as a cool-season annual forage in addition to grain production. Cattle are raised on extensive pasture and rangelands across the region. Agricultural production and farm income in the Southern Plains are very sensitive to weather variability. For example, the severe 2010/2011 drought resulted in the loss of billions of dollars in the agriculture sector. Agricultural losses were estimated to exceed $1.7 billion in Okla. and $5.2 billion in Texas, with over half the Texas losses attributed to livestock and hay enterprises. Examples of climate and weather-related events in this region include: drought- In 2011 alone, drought resulted in $10 billion in direct agricultural losses in the region. While 2012 and 2013 brought welcome relief too many areas, drought persists into 2014 in places like southwestern Oklahoma. The search is on for ways to adapt, survive, and succeed despite the weather. Temperature changes- Another region-wide change is in overnight low temperatures, especially in the winter during a series of consecutive warm days. The average winter lows are significantly warmer than seen in 1960-1990, or even 1970-2000. This is another aspect of climate change that is expected to continue and worsen. Impacts on winter crops include insufficient vernalization for some winter wheat varieties, and an increased vulnerability of winter crops to late hard freezes. Generally, winter crop productivity has become less dependable, especially when exacerbated by drought. Pests and diseases- With warmer temperatures, insects, weeds, and crop diseases have moved north and to higher elevations, or are surviving winters that used to keep them in check. Pest, weed, and disease pressures on crops are expected to continue and intensify as well. USDA has established the Southern Plains Regional Climate Hub (SPRCH) in El Reno, Ok. The Hub will deliver science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners that will help them to adapt to climate change and weather variability by coordinating with local and regional partners in Federal and state agencies, universities, NGO’s, private companies, and Tribes. |
