El NIÑO is Getting Closer

An atmospheric scientist says the widespread rains in the upcoming weather forecast across the central and eastern Corn Belt could kick off the full El Niño weather pattern.

Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions says El Niño is developing quickly and it will bring a better chance of rain and thunderstorms. It’s not there yet. “And, will we avoid the heat stress this summer? Most long-range forecasts are suggesting heat is much further west, from Texas to Washington, later this year.”

Snodgrass says El Niño is traditionally good for the majority of the Corn Belt.  “Usually, we get better flow out of the northwest in the middle of summer, better chances for storms and if you look at historical patterns, most corn yields are on-trend or historically above in an El Niño. However, El Niño is quickly transitioning.”

Snodgrass says widespread dry conditions continue to be expected in the central and eastern Corn Belt and Delta.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Sometimes I think I’m going crazy! One article suggests that the Corn Belt is dry, in drought conditions. Then this article suggests the weather is going to change for the better, thus, dramatically lowering any concerns about yields. Well, I choose to put my faith in the “atmospheric scientist” and hope for a very good year. I can’t believe I said that about a weatherman, but I’m standing by it. Farmers/ranchers need those timely rains throughout the growing season, so let’s hope for exactly that to occur. In the end, when farmers have a good year financially, others like equipment dealers, building contractors and, of course, CAD members also have a good year! Place your bet by putting your inventory on AgTruckTrader.com!