Drought and Your Farms and Crops
A prolonged drought can have a serious impact on crops. , Decreased precipitation reduces crop and forage growth and can ultimately result in crop loss. Weakened plants are also more susceptible to disease and insects. Drought conditions can also increase the level of wind erosion of top soil and increase the risk of fires. Planning ahead can help protect your crops during drought situations.
Drought Preparedness Factsheet
Related Websites
Mitigating Drought
Website with links to drought mitigation tools for agricucltural producers.
National Drought Mitigation Center - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Website with links to drought mitigation tools for agricucltural producers.
National Drought Mitigation Center - University of Nebraska-Lincoln
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
Website with an early warning system and map for drought situations and public awareness and education materials.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Website with an early warning system and map for drought situations and public awareness and education materials.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Prepare Your Farm or Ranch Before Drought Strikes
Website discussing how to prepare a farm or ranch for a drought. Ideas on water, land and crop management.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Website discussing how to prepare a farm or ranch for a drought. Ideas on water, land and crop management.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Additional Web Resources
Crop Resources
Alternative Crops During a Drought: Meeting Forage and Grain Needs in an Emergency
Factsheet discussing alternative forages and ways to reduce the risk of drought stress in crops.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing alternative forages and ways to reduce the risk of drought stress in crops.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Drought Preparedness and Response: Strategies for Farmers
Factsheet discussing actions to take before and after a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing actions to take before and after a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Drought-Stressed Corn
Factsheet to help producers identify drought stressed corn and discusses several options for harvest.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Factsheet to help producers identify drought stressed corn and discusses several options for harvest.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
Fertilizer Application After a Drought: Considerations For This Year and Next
Factsheet discussing fertilizing considerations after drought situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing fertilizing considerations after drought situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Herbicide Concerns After a Drought: Accounting for Carryover in Next Year's Crops
Factsheet discussing herbicide carryover levels, avoiding residue problems, and testing for carryover.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing herbicide carryover levels, avoiding residue problems, and testing for carryover.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Irrigation During a Drought: Considerations for Non-Irrigating Farmers
Factsheet discussing considerations for irrigation during a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing considerations for irrigation during a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) - According to the 2008 Farm Bill
Factsheet outlining the eligibility requirements and application process for the USDA Livestock Forage Disaster Program.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA)
Factsheet outlining the eligibility requirements and application process for the USDA Livestock Forage Disaster Program.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency (USDA FSA)
Managing Drought-Stressed Corn for Silage
Factsheet discussing harvest guidelines and toxicity issues associated with drought-stressed corn.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension
Factsheet discussing harvest guidelines and toxicity issues associated with drought-stressed corn.
University of Florida Cooperative Extension
Salvaging Drought-Stressed Crops: Analyzing Nutritional Value and Safety
Factsheet discussion considerations for drought stressed crops.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussion considerations for drought stressed crops.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Tax Issues After a Drought
General guidelines for taxes related to crop loss and livestock sales due to drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
General guidelines for taxes related to crop loss and livestock sales due to drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Tax Issues After a Drought: Guidelines for Crop Loss and Livestock Sales
Factsheet discussiong tax issues for crops and livestock following a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussiong tax issues for crops and livestock following a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Tillage During a Drought: What to Do - and Not Do - When Soils are Dry
Factsheet with general considerations for crops during drought situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet with general considerations for crops during drought situations.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Using Drought-Stressed Corn for Forage
Document discussing harvest time, storage, and feeding of drought-stressed corn.
University of Minnesota Extension
Document discussing harvest time, storage, and feeding of drought-stressed corn.
University of Minnesota Extension
Water Conservation, Weed Control Go Hand in Hand
Document overviewing the relationship between weeds and drought and discussing the need for good weed control programs.
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Document overviewing the relationship between weeds and drought and discussing the need for good weed control programs.
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Weed Management During a Drought: Herbicide Effectiveness and Mechanical Measures
Factsheet discussing soil applied herbicides, rotary hoeing and cultivation considerations during a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension
Factsheet discussing soil applied herbicides, rotary hoeing and cultivation considerations during a drought.
University of Wisconsin Extension