How Michigan Farmers Are Tackling Climate Change to Grow the Perfect Corn

Farmers Battling Climate Change for Perfect Corn

In Paw Paw, Michigan, Robb Rynd and his brother manage over 200 acres of farmland, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and sorghum. While last year brought good yields, this year’s growing season has been tough. As Rynd walks the fields with his children, he spots wilting leaves and patchy ears of corn, leading to a sense of worry.

Farmers across the Midwest are facing unique challenges this year due to climate change. Increased temperatures and erratic rainfall have made growing corn feel like a gamble. Although late-season weather has positively impacted this year’s harvest, farmers remain concerned about how extreme weather affects crop growth.

Mark Licht, an agronomy professor at Iowa State University, explains that heat stress can lead to less pollen production and difficulties during the vital pollination stage. If pollination is impaired, farmers may see patchy corn, meaning fewer kernels per ear. In some areas, high temperatures have been linked to these issues, even in regions that received ample rainfall.

Recent reports show that human-caused climate change has increased extreme heat events. According to Climate Central, our Earth has seen rising nighttime temperatures since the 1970s. “The heat does not let up,” says Rynd, highlighting that continuous warmth adds stress, not just to the crops but also to the farmers themselves.

The impact of wet conditions can also lead to problems. While some farmers in regions with drought face water shortages, others experience crop damage from too much rain. This unpredictable weather cycle complicates planting and harvesting, making it a challenging year for many.

A forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that while some farmers will have significant yields, others might struggle. Philip Good, a farmer in Mississippi, faced delays in planting due to heavy rains. “This has probably been one of the most difficult growing seasons I’ve experienced,” he says, referencing how unpredictable weather can affect crops.

Tech innovations are emerging to help farmers adapt. Jason Cope, co-founder of PowerPollen, notes that their technology has been increasingly used for “rescue” pollination jobs. Nearly double the number of clients have sought this assistance compared to previous years.

As farmers like Rynd and Walton prepare for the harvest season, they seek to adapt to these changing conditions. “You learn to roll with the stress because most of it is out of your control,” Walton notes. Ultimately, the future of farming relies not just on weather data but also on innovation and community support.

For detailed insights on how climate change impacts agriculture, check out Climate Central.

Source link

Michigan climate change,Rural Michigan