Drought Information

2010 Drought Handbook

Below are two publications that have been compiled to assist producers in dealing with the 2010 drought. The original Drought Handbook was originally compiled in 2007 by Craig Yohn, West Virginia University Extension Agent-Jefferson County in response to the widespread drought of that time. The handbook was adapted to Maryland conditions and distributed to farmers by Maryland Extension Agents in the summer and fall of 2007. We had hoped it would stay on the shelves and collect dust for a while longer. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The summer of 2010 has been a challenge for most producers around the state. The spring started off without a hitch. Crops were planted on time and looked very good heading into the summer growing season. However June and July brought record heat coupled with sporadic rainfall. The result has been a very poor growing season. We anticipate a marked decline in yields of many crops, particularly hay, pasture and corn.

Thus, the University of Maryland Agriculture Profitability team, in conjunction with industry and government partners, revised the drought handbook for use in 2010. The handbook has been expanded to include a grain edition and forage/animal edition. The handbook contains a wide variety of information relevant to drought conditions.

A major difference between 2007 and 2010 is the relief from more rains and cooler temperatures in August. Thankfully, many soybean acres will have a chance to rebound. It may also open up some options for emergency forage seedings and allow for decent germination of cover crop and small grain plantings.

2010 Drought Handbook for Grain/Crop Producers

2010 Drought Handbook for Animal/Forage Producers

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For more information, contact Jeff Semler

Last updated: 09/12/2010