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Adapting to warmer and wetter conditions

Midwestern farmers could see warmer and wetter conditions in the coming years.

Beth Hall, director of the Indiana State Climate Office, says growers should think ahead and make decisions to prepare for these extremes.

“So what happens the next time we have a 2019- are we going to be worried about an early frost in the fall and are we going to worry about these crops getting to maturity,” she says. “Also, with the increased rainfall throughout the year what is this doing to our soils and the nutrients in the soil.”   

She says there are ways to build resilience in the soil to changing weather conditions.

“We need to think of soil conservation and what practices we can do in terms of providing nutrients,” she says. “Cover crops and no-tillage- these are things we can do to protect the soil and perhaps be more resilient to extreme weather.”  

Hall says growers should also be prepared for an increase in insect and disease pressure with warmer and wetter conditions.  

Audio: Beth Hall, Indiana State Climate Office

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