READING — Scott Briggs has been doing his best to take a wait-and-see attitude for his corn and bean crops near Reading, but it’s now hard to miss the signs of drought.
Briggs says his water situation is better than it has been near Allen, which has yet hit the 5-inch total mark on rainfall since Nov. 1. But most of the area hasn’t had a half-inch rainfall from any storm since November, and that means ag producers like Briggs have to adjust — whether it’s for crops or cattle.
Briggs hasn’t had to move cattle to feedlots, although several neighbors have.
Another added expense is protein supplements for cattle as grass quality deteriorates.
Northwest Lyon County has been in extreme to exceptional drought for about a month, according to the US Drought Monitor. Besides the current drought, however, Briggs is concerned about longer-term planning. Besides being a Lyon County commissioner, Briggs has also been heavily involved in the Flint Hills Regional Council and now serves as board president. He says planning is underway for climate change, whether people believe in climate adjustments or not.
Emporia is just west of the 96th meridian as a comparison. Briggs says planning for the new norm could involve a shift away from crops like corn and beans to other crops like wheat or sorghum.
Photos by Scott Briggs
{gallery}Drought 2018 Scott Briggs{/gallery}
KVOE News prior coverage
*Monday, July 23: State climatologist Mary Knapp
*Tuesday, July 24: Jacquelyne Leffler, Americus
*Wednesday, July 25: Brian Keith, Allen
