Friday, November 16, 2012

Corn belt moving North?




The corn belt is moving North. Climate change is forcing changes in planting. The drought of 2012, the worst since 1954 will have a significant impact on planting next year. It is already affecting the wheat crop, but  this is just part of a larger story of changing patterns in weather and climate. Corn acreage has moved north into Canada and has been reduced in places like Kansas. The longer-term drought makes corn in Kansas less viable, but the change in growing days (number of forest-free weather) is also driving patterns in planting. With a few extra growing days, a region can sustain different crops. Canada can support wheat, corn, soybeans, canola and more. This has resulted in more physical assets to support plant diversity.

The Hardiness map shows a change to warmer climates. This change in climate has an impact on crop insurance standards. While this cannot help predict price, it will tell us there is more at risk in agriculture.

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