Extreme Weather Disrupting the Finer Things in Life

extreme weather impacting crops

As the world warms, extreme weather is disrupting the production of some of life’s great comforts—wine, olive oil, coffee and cocoa. Some of these crops are concentrated in one or two regions, which means wonky weather in one part of the world can have a dizzying impact on global prices.

Water Scarcity Is Baking Cropland, Ramping Up Wildfire Risk from California to Texas

A rusted cast iron water main cover in the desert

Normally at this time of year, Katy Kemp’s 80 head of cattle would be grazing on her family’s ranch in Staples, Texas. Instead, the herd is living off dwindling hay stores as drought dries up grassland and chokes off crops. Parts of Texas are so starved for water that ranchers are trucking feed 1,000 miles… Continue reading Water Scarcity Is Baking Cropland, Ramping Up Wildfire Risk from California to Texas

U.S. to Pay Farmers $4.7 Billion to Offset Trade-Conflict Losses

crop insurance federal government

The Trump administration pledged to pay farmers $4.7 billion to offset losses from trade disputes with foreign buyers of U.S. agricultural products. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the payments would help protect farmers from “unjustified tariffs” some nations have applied in response to President Trump’s trade policies. China, Mexico, the European Union and other trade… Continue reading U.S. to Pay Farmers $4.7 Billion to Offset Trade-Conflict Losses