A study in 2011 projected that U.S. farmers could lose up to three percent of their yields by the year 2099 if global temperatures rise between two and four degrees Celsius, which is in line with a variety of projections for this century. The effects are likely to vary across the country due to differences in crop types, growing seasons, rainfall patterns, local soil types, and other factors. Another study conducted in 2017 concluded that future farming costs would exceed benefits in most years if global temperatures continue to increase. 

Overall, the crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the US contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year. Since agriculture is highly dependent on the climate, it’s important to understand what can be done to preserve these yields and assets, and why the future of the industry depends on it. Here at Agroel Ventilation & Controls, our team is committed to implementing environmental control systems that protect the yields of farmers in a safe and efficient environment. Let’s take a look at what this could look like and what the projections are saying.

The Impact On Crops 

Crops that are grown in the US are imperative for our food supply and around the globe. Did you know that the US supplies about 25% of all grains like wheat, corn, and rice on the global market? While crop yields are vital, factors like temperature changes, atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the intensity of extreme weather, could play a huge role in the production of crops. 

Here’s a breakdown of the various factors that can impact farmers’ crops:

  • Increased CO2 Levels: As previously mentioned, changing temperatures can tamper with the increase in yields. When a temperature exceeds the crop’s optimal levels, if water and nutrients are unavailable, yield increases could be reversed or reduced. Elevated CO2 levels have been affiliated with a reduction in protein and nitrogen content in alfalfa and soybean plants, which will impact its quality. A dip in grain and forage quality can hinder the ability of pasture and rangeland to support grazing livestock.
  • Temperature and Precipitation: Extreme temperatures and precipitation can impact the ways that crops grow. Floods and droughts are two examples of how this occurs. Back in 2010 and 2012, nighttime temperatures were impacting corn yields throughout the US Corn Belt, which caused premature budding from a warm winter. 

Impact On Livestock

Americans are known to consume a plethora of meat and poultry annually. 36 million metric tons to be exact. Livestock and poultry make up half of our agricultural cash receipts, and this is over $100 billion per year. Climate change will affect the well-being of animals both directly and indirectly. 

  • Heatwaves: Heatwaves are projected to increase because of climate change. Stress from the heat can increase the chance of developing diseases, reducing fertility, and cutting down milk production.
  • Droughts: Droughts have the potential to threaten pasture and feed supplies. It limits what farmers can do when grazing livestock. Certain areas can experience longer droughts, leading to higher summer temperatures and decreased precipitation. This can be especially problematic for animals that rely on grain.
  • Climate Change: When the climate is undergoing changes, the influx of parasites and diseases could have an effect on the livestock. An early onset of spring and warmer winters gives pathogens and parasites a better chance of survival. 

Protecting Your Assets With Environmental Control Systems

Now that we’ve covered the immense pressure that is facing farmers, it’s time to address some of the solutions that can remedy these sorrows. If you want to protect your produce, a storage facility on its own isn’t enough, if the proper control system is not in place. Environmental control systems will monitor temperatures, humidity, and a host of other conditions in both the storage facility and outside environment. Based on the mode of operation, it’s capable of executing many commands for the air treatment equipment. Our team at Agroel has created its own solutions that streamline the process of refrigeration, ventilation, humidification, and other equipment that guarantees quality control for your produce. To learn more about how our solutions are aspiring to make a difference, you can visit our site or contact us today!