Keeping 2023’s Drought in Perspective

Widmar said the drought of 2012 remains unique in the crushing effects delivered by continued, extreme heat and lack of rainfall as summer marched on. In contrast, 2023 netted out to be considerably less severe than 2012. “While drought conditions were widespread and persistent this year, they didn’t get worse as the corn and soybean crops entered their reproductive stages,” the economist stated.

And while conditions were definitely spotty, he said as a whole, 2023’s drought indicators did not approach the extremes of 2012, noting it’s a good reminder that “the worst since 2012” can still be a long way from 2012-like conditions.

To learn more: Read the full article by Maureen Hanson with Dairy Herd Management