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Favorable weather outlook for crop farmers in 2019

A 2019 global weather outlook is favorable for U.S. crop farmers.

CattleFax meteorologist Dr. Art Douglas says precipitation this past fall alleviated drought conditions in many parts of the Midwest.

But during a presentation at the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans (Thursday), he pointed out other areas became oversaturated. 

With concerns about fields being too wet this spring, Douglas predicts favorable conditions for planting.

“In the Corn Belt it’s going to be dry and warm. So we should have early planting and there shouldn’t be planting delays.”

Meanwhile, corn and soybean futures have been supported by dry weather in Brazil.

Douglas says NOAA forecast models predict consistent rains in Argentina will begin moving south, bringing relief to Brazilian farmers.

“Do I believe this forecast? Not particularly. The main concern I have is that El Nino favors keeping it wet in Argentina and dry in Brazil. So I think we’re really going to have to watch that crop.”

Douglas says he is slightly concerned dryness in the Corn Belt this spring could linger into the summer.