How will changing weather patterns affect farmers? The answers are mixed, as we detail in this week’s radio segment, based on the findings of Iowa’s Climate Change Advisory Council.

A longer, warmer growing season and a wetter climate – that’s what farmers can expect in the coming years. But how will it affect their bottom line?

This is the Iowa Environmental Focus.

Climate change will affect farmers positively and negatively, according to a new report by ISU economics professor Dave Swenson.

More rain may boost corn yields, according to the report, but changes in seasonal rainfall patterns will make spring planting more difficult. And increases in severe rain and flooding will hurt crops, soil and livestock, increasing costs to farmers.

More carbon dioxide due to climate change may help soybeans grow, but it would also increase the growth of weeds, plant diseases and pests. This could reduce yields and increase producer costs.

Farmers will need to continue to adapt to these changing conditions.
For more information, visit IowaEnvironmentalFocus.org.

I’m Jerry Schnoor from the UI Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research.

Thank You.

Read more coverage of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s report:

• Iowans must adapt to Climate change
• On the Radio: Floods take toll on Iowans’ health
• On the Radio: Climate change shifts Iowa’s animal populations
• On the Radio: Warmer temperatures send wildlife North