Climate and Ag in the news
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This year has not been great for watermelon production in Florida. Some late frosts and unusual wet spells caused problems for producers and led to lower yields of good melons than usual. But the lower yields also led to higher prices, which added value to the watermelons that did make it through the season. You…
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While here in the Southeast we have hurricanes to deal with, in Hawaii they also have volcanoes. That sometimes also cause earthquakes. And when they erupt, it’s a whole different kind of catastrophe. Here is an interesting article from Sioux Honey on one Hawaiian beekeeper’s problems with both the volcanic eruption and the rain from…
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Earlier this summer I pointed out the extremely dry conditions that have been occurring in Europe. This drought has continued and now as the harvest approaches there, farmers are feeling the pinch with poor crop yields, especially in wheat. You can read more about the impact of the drought on crops and their prices at…
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With all the flooding we have had this summer from heavy rains and tropical storms, it’s a good idea to understand why wading through floodwaters can be hazardous to your health, even if you are not in danger of drowning. Floods can cause the release of all kinds of toxic and hazardous chemicals, as witnessed…
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USA Today reported that following the flooding from Hurricane Florence, swarms of large mosquitoes have taken over parts of North Carolina. These mosquitoes developed from dormant eggs which were reanimated by the wet conditions. The species of mosquitoes that have been seen are among the largest species, up to three times the size of other…
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Here’s a story I was not expecting to read about lingering impacts of Hurricane Irma and other storms, although after some thought it should not be a surprise. After hurricanes pass through regions, we see images of ships destroyed and abandoned both onshore and in waterways near coastal areas. But what happens to these boats?…
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While Hurricane Florence has grabbed the bulk of the news about damage to agriculture in the Southeast, Tropical Storm Gordon also caused some major problems for growers in the Panhandle of Florida and southern Alabama. Gordon came through early in September and hit that area right when cotton and peanuts were starting to be harvested.…