Could 2017 growing season be in jeopardy?

Rain has been a rare occurrence across Mid-Missouri this year. To date, Columbia Regional Airport has only received 2.51 inches of rain, whereas the normal is nearly 6 inches. It’s a cause for concern, especially as we head into the growing season. Since January 1, the drought in the state has progressively gotten worse, with the latest drought monitor keeping parts of the state under a severe drought. With the lack of rainfall and a deficit to recover from, the severe drought could bring the likelihood of loss of crops and pasture, along with water shortages. Crops in Missouri are a huge business and keep the economy strong. Across the state, there are more than 100,000 farms on 28 million acres, according to information provided by the state. Because of this, it’s important that the weather cooperates to make beneficial crops. As the climate continues to change and microscale weather patterns take place, they affect the growing season in Missouri. With the severe drought in place across Mid-Missouri, information provided by the Climate Prediction Center shows that the region needs nearly 3 inches of rain to alleviate the drought, but more will be needed to help crops in the state. Water is essential for all life, including crops, because it distributes nutrients in plants. Three huge crops in Missouri are corn, soybeans, and peaches and to help these crops by the end of the growing season, nearly 30 inches of water is needed for the region. In addition to this, a hard freeze has been occurring across the state that is likely to cause significant problems to the early peach and growing season across the state. ABC 17 News is digging into the facts and will keep you updated on just how the drought and hard freeze has affected the early growing season.