The heat and drought have put pressure on U.S. agriculture and livestock, threatening crops such as corn and soybeans, as well as livestock such as cattle, according to Fox Business News TV. The meteorological community pointed out that the U.S. heat will continue this month, and global food shortages are feared to be difficult to alleviate.
The recent high temperatures have been particularly difficult for states experiencing drought, such as Oklahoma, the report said. The drought has led to poor grass growth on local ranches, and with the heat, ranchers have had to sell their calves early as expenses on feed, fertilizer and fuel have skyrocketed.
Local cattlemen Swanson said that the current cost per ton of feed than a year ago rose about $100, so he sold 80 head of cattle to the Texas beef processing plant.
Analysis says that if the heat continues, this year’s corn production will take a hit, which could further push up feed costs for livestock producers.
According to reports, the current pollination period for crops such as corn grown in the Midwest, which is the period when plants need the most water. Severe drought and high temperatures during corn pollination have led to a daily yield loss of about 9 percent, said Quinn, an agronomist at Purdue University. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. corn and 26 percent of soybeans are located in drought areas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
In addition, the heat poses a health risk to farm animals. In June, thousands of cattle died from the heat in Kansas. In poultry farming, high temperatures in the Southeast have made it necessary for farmers to constantly ventilate barns to cool them, and they fear rotating power outages or power restrictions.
Food and agriculture officials warned that global food supplies remain at risk, especially as severe weather is also creating uncertainty in important crop-growing areas.
Source:China News Network
Post time: Jul-27-2022