Heading out recently to survey drought damage in southeastern Minnesota, Gov. Tim Pawlenty and I had the chance to visit a farm family near Mazeppa. Walking through their decimated corn field, they told us the last few months ranked among the worst dry periods they’ve ever faced. Drought may be a frequent concern for farmers in western states, but here in Minnesota we’ve enjoyed more than a decade of drought-free growing seasons. It’s been nearly 15 years since we last faced a disastrous dry spell. Meteorologists say this summer’s drought is not likely to end up as severe as the 1988 drought. But that’s cold comfort to the many Minnesota farmers who are suffering from its effects on top of a major soybean aphid infestation and several years of sluggish commodity prices. In much of the state – including Martin County, where I farm – the effects of the drought vary from one farm to the next. But as the dry weeks stretched into dry months, we’ve seen a steady decline in overall crop conditions. According to the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service (MASS), which the Minnesota Department of Agriculture operates in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only a quarter of Minnesota’s corn and soybean crop rated good or excellent in early September. By comparison, three-quarters of the state’s corn and soybean crops rated “good to excellent” as recent as early August. MASS also reported that more than 90 percent of the state’s topsoil rated short or very short for moisture as of Sept. 5. Agrono-mists now expect yield losses of up to 30 percent compared to 2002 yields for corn and soybeans. That would translate into more than a billion dollars in lost income for Minnesota farmers. As usual, trouble on the farm will not be confined solely to the farm. With fewer dollars to spend, farmers will probably postpone purchases in main street stores. That means rural towns whose economies depend largely on farmers’ spending will also feel the pain. The state is still feeling the ill effects of the recent economic downturn, and there isn’t a whole lot left in the state coffers for emergency aid. However, Gov. Pawlenty recently requested that 62 counties be designated as federal agricultural disaster areas. If approved, the assistance will provide low-interest loans for farmers impacted by the drought. Federal loans and crop insurance will not make farmers whole, but they can help soften the blow. Any rains that fall from this point on will probably not help the standing crops. However, we still need rain to help soften the ground for field work. With a little luck, some decent autumn rains and adequate winter snowfall, we can recharge the soil for a better growing season in 2004.
