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Climate report mixed bag for ag

A climatologist says the Trump Administration’s climate report bodes well for parts of the Corn Belt.

Jeff Andresen with Michigan State University tells Brownfield economic impacts of climate change in the Midwest seem mixed for agriculture.  “There are some types of agriculture that would benefit by a warmer and wetter climate with more carbon dioxide, at least for the short-term future.  There are other types of agriculture that would be more challenged.”

He says the Great Lakes region is expected to see heavier rainfall events which could be suitable for growing more crops, “In just the last couple decades there have been significant changes in Michigan.  We can grow longer season cultivars than we have in the past.”

But, he says the Great Plains and Southwestern regions of the U.S. could suffer.  “There’s a large number of adverse impacts, many of them having to do with water.”

In the short-term, Andresen says there are signs December weather will be milder and drier than normal.

AUDIO: Brownfield interview with Jeff Andresen