Tips For Farming In Extreme Weather
Those who work in the agricultural industry know the impact that extreme weather can have. Mother Nature can drastically affect everything from soil quality to water availability to crop yields. While you can't control the climate, you can take steps to prepare and adapt.
We've gathered up the following strategies for successful farming in extreme weather. If you have questions or want to shop farm equipment for sale, contact Arizona Tractor Sales. We proudly serve those throughout the Western United States.
Learn The Extreme Weather Patterns For Your Geographic Region
Farmers all across the country face vastly different extreme weather. Folks in the West Coast see skyrocketing temperatures and increasing wildfires. Folks along the Gulf Coast are getting hit with increased intensity and frequency of hurricanes.
Your approach to farming in extreme weather will differ from other farmers around the country. Spend some time learning about common patterns for your region and predictions for the coming year, which help you better prepare for what's likely to occur.
Farming In Intense Heat
Many farms across the Western United States face extreme heat. Our home state of Arizona experiences this often, but so do areas of many other states.
Extreme heat can cause many problems for farmers, including:
- Making droughts worse
- Making it easier for weeds to grow and spread
- Making it easier for pests to thrive
- Making it harder for farm equipment to function optimally
If you face intense heat, adjust your farming practices accordingly. For example, you may need to do extra maintenance on your farm equipment so that it can perform well in the high temperatures.
Farming In Intense Cold
On the flip side, some areas throughout the Western United States face plummeting temperatures. The cold can take its toll on crops, farm equipment, and even livestock. Make sure you know their limits and take preventative measures accordingly, such as checking the insulation on your barn or taking steps to ensure liquids in your farm equipment don't freeze.
Preparing For Farming In Extreme Weather
Whatever your extreme weather situation is, there are ways to be proactive about it. For example, the best times for planting and harvesting may shift over the years due to changing weather patterns. Stay up-to-date with extreme weather trends and plan your farming tasks accordingly.
Another helpful approach is to use the right farm equipment. Certain models will help you reduce losses and save time, which can help counteract the negative effects of extreme weather. Make sure your current farm equipment is in good condition and upgrade to better performing models when needed.
Looking to shop farm equipment for sale? Peruse the models at Arizona Tractor Sales. If you aren't sure which farm equipment to pick, our expert staff can make personalized recommendations. We are proud to serve the Western United States.