Serious points missing

[puffster]

I rarely get involved in the conversation that occurs on this site, but am always interested in the opinions given on here.  The point that I say is missing is the dryness that continues in my neck of the woods...east central kansas.  I fear that we will find the Flinthills empty this year, or at absolute best maybe 50% stocking rate if it would happen to rain enough to run water.  I have farmed and ranched since the early 70's and have never seen the ponds, creeks, rivers, and yes even reserviors this dry.  I happen to sit on many boards that now include water rationing..that will eventually include livestock...With this drought expanding and digging in with greater presence I wonder why grain prices can have even the hint of downside.  The wheat in our area looks terrible, some thought of oats in a week or two for another shot at a crop, but many have even trashed that idea..Two months will tell the story, but again it looks dangerous in our area.

[dafeeder]

They have these things called windmills that pump water in NW Oklahoma.  Maybe it's time for a few.

[puffster]

We are not lucky enough to have aquifers lurking below, but I like the idea.  We have however put many tanks below ponds to salvage what water is available...been cleaning ponds also, but still looking at May as a herd reduction date.

[Nebrfarmr]

Around here, it is also dry as a bone, and there are quite a few farmers that already got their 'letter' informing them, that at this time, there is not enough water in the reservior for full irrigation, and water rationing is to be expected, until the drought breaks.

My understanding is that if you know before planting, that water rationing is planned, you may not get full insurance coverage, in case of drought (if any at all, if you plant a high water use crop).

[roarintiger1]

Nebrfarmr, If you can't get the water you need, will you still plant the crops out there?

[Nebrfarmr]

It won't effect me, as my water rights are worded in such a way, that I can use whatever water is 'necessary' to grow whatever crop I plant, on my irrigated acres.   What I dare not do, is try to water anything that is not certified irrigated.

The guys with the letter, are going to kind of play it by ear, and many are thinking if there is 'some' moisture, to plant beans, as they can go longer between irrigations, and still make something, or possibly sorghum, but not a lot of that is grown around here anymore.

I know one guy who is going to go oats this spring, to get the crop 'made' before the water restrictions really kick in, and may go to wheat in the fall, if there is moisture to get it to grow, or if he has a little water left over.  The oats would be as much to have something to feed his cows as anyhing.   I do not know if he would harvest the grain, and then bale the straw, or bale the straw with grain in it.

I think the two biggest factors for crop plantings in my area, are available water, and available cattle feed.

[roarintiger1]

Thanks....I was just wondering if guys out there are gonna actually plant if it remains bone dry... I wasn't sure how the crop insurance worked for those that rely on irrigating....

I hope for the best for you guys out there. 

[sw363535]

Thanks for speaking up Puffster,

It does not look good right now for us guys in the western plains.  I was back through the enid ok area again 10 days back and the wheat is holding on better than I thought it would but still not good-------- just enough moisture to keep it alive.  

a warm dry month ahead would be bad news. 

Thanks again

[Nebrfarmr]

Tiger, my insurance will be unaffected on the irrigated ground, as I am not under water restrictions.   The dryland, however, is another story, as to what to do.  If we are short of hay, we will likely plant some sort of forage crop, instead of corn or beans.

[idalivered]

Neb, I know nothing about  irrigation except that it's ALOT of work. So, If one is under irrigation restrictions, can you irrigate just certain pivots and leave others idle? Can you just irrigate "half" a pivot?  Does planting a less thirsty crop under a pivot, like wheat or milo work? thanks