fTemperatures have been soaring into the high 80s and low 90s these past few weeks and, without significant rainfall, a drought is not out of the question, say West Virginia University experts.
The weather has been drier than normal, but we arent in a major drought yet,said Ed Rayburn, Extension Specialist with WVU s Agricultural Science program.However, if the current dry conditions continue and we dont get steady rainfall of about an inch per week, a drought is definitely possible.
On the positive side, conditions have been good for making hay, and many farmers have already got their hay bailed and put up, Rayburn added.
However, if we dont get timely rains, it could get bad quick,Rayburn said.
He explained that beef farmers get better calf gains when the weather is on the dry side, but if there arent good rains in July and August, then farmers may have to start feeding their hay crop to the animals, which leaves them with less hay for the winter months.
If this were to occur, farmers would have the option of using nitrogen-based fertilizer to help extend their crops into the fall. This method can get expensive due to rising gas prices, though.
Youve heard about them using corn in the west for ethanol, well this has caused the market to go up, and there is now a higher demand for nitrogen,Rayburn said.About six years ago you could get it (nitrogen) for about 6 cents per pound, now it is about 50 cents, so you can see the clear increase.
The weather conditions occurring now across most of West Virginia are similar to what the state experiences in August.
There is a pretty major drought just west of us, and they tend to move from west to east, so we want to be very careful with how we manage things,Rayburn said.
Craig Yohn, WVU Extension agent in Jefferson County added:We usually average about 16 inches of rain for the year, and right now we are only at about 12 inches, but summer thunderstorms have the ability to change things quickly and drastically.
Yohn explained that while conditions are dry, most crops are still doing alright, especially corn and soy beans, but pastures are becoming limited.
The average rainfall for June is 3.85 inches. Right now we are only at one-half inch, so we have a long way to go,he said.
Yohn says what happens in July and August will tell the tale.
The next month or so will show us some things,Yohn said.Its still too early to tell what the overall issue is going to be.