The drought monitor report as of December 26 shows a marked improvement. Much of our area, especially to the west and south has improved from severe to moderate drought. Over 20% od the state is out of drought. There is currently no exceptional drought in Kansas and the area of extreme and exceptional drought has shrunk markedly over the last two weeks. The six to ten-day outlook (January 2 to 6) indicates normal temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day outlook (January 4 to 10) indicates a continued 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and normal to a 33 to 40% chance of above normal precipitation.
After looking over the past year’s stories, today let’s take a look at what will likely be the major stories for 2024 on Ag. Naturally, many more stories than mentioned here.
· As in 2023, the weather and climate change will likely be the number one topic of interest. How long and how intense will this El Nino be? Will the pattern of wetter conditions continue? Will 2024 be another year of climate extremes both globally and locally?
· Will Congress send a Farm Bill to the White House? The Senate basically has completed their version. The House is much more fractious with some calling for drastic cuts SNAP programs. With the GOP holding a razor thin edge in the House and Speaker Johnson dealing with various factions in his caucus, it could be a bumpy ride. Also add into the mix the looming government shutdown in January along with the 2024 election season, things could be bumpy for Congress accomplishing much.
· Input and commodity prices will continue to be a concern in Kansas and across the nation. Inflation has eased but input prices are still higher than producers would hope. Prices for ag commodities are higher than a year or two ago but again lower than what producers would hope for. While prices for meats at the grocery store are still high for meats, especially beef products, those selling finished cattle are seeing lower prices. While hog and poultry producers have overall dealt with their disease problems fairly well, there is still concern that flare ups could increase pork, poultry, and egg prices. And add in a decrease in cattle placements, it will be an interesting year,
· The whole global situation from Ukraine/Russia to Israel and the Middle east, raises supply chain issues, especially for crude oil and natural gas. Also export issues for ag products continue. And for much of the ag economy, exporting products is key to the ag economy. And throw in tensions with North Korea and China, things are at the least unsettled.
· Finally, locally, what will transpire regarding the development of solar energy in our area? And along with this year’s weather, how will our area and Kansas deal with groundwater issues across Western Kansas and with the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.