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The potential of a prevailing La Niña could cause major concerns for winter crops

Vaseline November 13, 2024

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says there is a 75% chance of La Niña becoming our dominant weather pattern this winter.

With La Niña comes warmer and drier conditions for parts of the country already experiencing topsoil moisture issues.

According to Rippey, “So from a winter harvest standpoint or from a fall harvest standpoint, one of the biggest concerns would be that for some of those winter wheat production areas, especially in Oklahoma and Texas, which may extend into parts of Kansas, a drier than A normal winter on top of a dry fall could lead to major concerns regarding the winter wheat crop harvested next year. If we don’t see significant drought relief between now and the start of winter, it almost guarantees that we will have a sub-par winter wheat crop from the southern Great Plains.”

In the southwest, Rippey says water supplies and irrigation could be at risk. Low reservoir levels are already being documented in states such as New Mexico and in the Colorado River Basin.

With a lackluster feeding season and a record corn harvest this year, some ranchers may consider feeding their cows corn silage this winter.
However, University of Missouri Extension says there are a few things to keep in mind.

A state beef nutritionist says silage should currently cost somewhere between $45 and $50 per ton and contain almost 70% TDN. Although corn silage is widely available this season, its shelf life is short.

He recommends having it delivered at least once a week to prevent it from losing its nutritional value.

He also suggests considering transportation costs and recommending that the vehicle be transported no more than 20 miles to the operation. Otherwise, those freight rates can become pricey.