Source: http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html
Drought
Droughts occur when areas receive less rainfall than expected over an extended period of time, usually several months or longer. All areas in the United States are at risk of drought. A prolonged drought can have a serious impact on agricultural communities, affecting crops, livestock and families dependent on these commodities. The greatest impact from drought is of course the decrease in water supplies. This can result in crop loss and reduce crop and forage growth and availability. The impact on livestock is equally devastating, and can result in animal deaths from limited water supplies or feed availability. Plants can also concentrate toxins under drought conditions, making them more lethal to livestock. Drought conditions can also increase the level of disease and insect infestations for plants and livestock. The dry conditions can also lead to wind erosion of top soil, or increase the risk for fire hazards, and given decreased water sources, can result in devastating losses. Families and businesses can also be impacted by limited or restricted water sources during drought situations.
The following resources will help you prepare your family, home and farm, animals and business for drought situations.
Drought Preparedness Factsheets
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• Drought and Your Home (pdf, 1 page) • More Home Resources |
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• Drought and Your Livestock (pdf, 1 page) • More Livestock Resources |
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• Drought and Your Crops (pdf, 1 page) • More Crop Resources |
Additional Web Resources
Factsheet suggests possible alternate feeds and feed substitution strategies to be used during drought.
Colorado State University Extension
Website with latest assessments and seasonal outlooks for drought situations in the U.S.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Suggestions for making the best use of available water during drought situations to prevent land damage or decreased livestock performance.
Oregon State University Extension Service
Website for kids with a general definition of drought and how to prevent it.
National Drought Mitigation Center
Website with general information on droughts, maps of where droughts are most likely, soil moisture mapping and drought assessment.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Factsheet to help producers identify drought stressed corn and discusses several options for harvest.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Drought - general information.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Factsheet containing steps for evaluating options and alternative management ideas during drought situations.
South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service
Website with information on heat, how it affects the body, what a heat index is and how to prepare for heat.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Factsheet discussing harvest guidelines and toxicity issues associated with drought-stressed corn.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension
Website containing numerous resources and links for mitigating (preparing for) drought situations.
National Drought Mitigation Center - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Website with an early warning system and map for drought situations and public awareness and education materials.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Guidelines for general pasture and rangeland management in preparation for and during a drought.
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service
A short website section highlighting ways to prepare for drought in beef cattle production.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
General guidelines for taxes related to crop loss and livestock sales due to drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Website with general information on droughts, mapping and where to find more resources on droughts.
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
Document discussing harvest time, storage, and feeding of drought-stressed corn.
University of Minnesota Extension
Document overviewing the relationship between weeds and drought and discussing the need for good weed control programs.
Washington State University Cooperative Extension