By Scout Nelson
Climate change, bringing severe weather such as droughts and extreme heat, poses a significant threat to Kansas agriculture. A collaborative study by EDF, Cornell University, and Kansas State University quantified the financial risk to Kansas farms from extreme heat, including how management decisions and government programs can mitigate these impacts.
Over the past forty years, every 1°C increase in temperature has led to a 7% decrease in gross farm income and a staggering 66% drop in net farm income. For an average Kansas farm, this translates to a loss of about $43,000 from an average net income of $66,000.
Farmers in central Kansas have firsthand experience with the detrimental effects of excessive heat on crops like wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, and corn. The urgency to adopt climate-resilient farming practices and access effective financial and risk management tools is more critical than ever.
The study underscores the role of robust risk management practices and programs in cushioning the blow of extreme heat on net farm income. For instance, crop insurance has been instrumental in recovering 51% of net income losses, while inventory adjustments have recouped 16%.
Vincent Gauthier from EDF highlights the need for financial and risk management solutions that support farmers transitioning to climate-resilient production systems. Such measures are crucial for reducing climate risks while ensuring sustained agricultural production.
The research also reveals that farmland values in Kansas have suffered due to increased extreme heat, with a five-percentage-point lower growth over 30 years compared to a scenario without extreme heat. This impact on land asset value is significant for farmers who rely on these assets for financing their operations.
Dr. Jennifer Ifft from Kansas State University and Ariel Ortiz-Bobea from Cornell University emphasize that extreme heat affects not just crop yields but also farm profitability and land asset values. This insight is vital for informing risk management and adaptation policies.
The study projects a 58% increase in extreme heat days by 2030, further intensifying the need for farmer adaptation to climate impacts. To support this, agricultural lending institutions, the USDA, land-grant universities, and the private sector are called to increase their focus on research, outreach, and education on climate resilience solutions.
A recent EDF study suggests that diversifying crop production, replacing traditional crops with less water-intensive alternatives like oats, rye, millet, and sorghum, can reduce water usage and increase nutritional yield. This approach, combined with financial and technical assistance, is crucial for achieving resilient agricultural production in the face of climate change.
Photo Credit - kansas-state-university
Categories: Kansas, Weather