Upgrade your weather watch

Nearly everything that happens on a farm depends on predicting or responding to weather. Crop growth and health are affected by temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, precipitation and sunlight. Decisions about irrigation, fertilizer timing, pest control and field workability all depend on weather. And market opportunities rise and fall with weather shifts throughout the world.

Check these information sources for news on changing weather and crop conditions around the U.S. 

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, NOAA is a one-stop-shop for all weather needs. Two resources to note are the Storm Prediction Center and Climate Site.

USDA – Crop Weather

On the USDA Crop Weather site, you can find daily water watches, weekly forecasts and crop bulletins and crop moisture indexes.

AgWeb

A source for agriculture news online, AgWeboffers hourly forecasts, weather radar and news. You will also find forecasts for Growing Degree Days and insect and disease development trends by region. Find more at AgWeb.com/weather.

Corn Warriors

Corn Warriors isn’t atypical weather source but offers a fun look at how the season is evolving for five growers. It’s a reality TV series that tracks their use of technology and innovative techniques to reach a universal goal: the highest yield per acre.