Ag News, Friday July 17, 2015

Strong El Nino Taking Form

AgWeb reports El Nino has strengthened steadily during the past month, approaching the “strong category” strength already. El Nino is so strong this go round that it could wind up be the strongest El Nino event in 50 years. AccuWeather meteorologist Brett Anderson says El Nino rarely peeks in the summer months, making it possible to see it last through the end of the year. NOAA is predicting a 90% chance that El Nino will stay in the Northern Hemisphere at least through this winter, and there’s an 80% chance it could last through early spring of 2016. The latest seasonal outlook suggests above-normal precipitation through the western Corn Belt into the Great Plains, with below-normal precipitation across much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states. However, it could bring relief to drought stricken California. The strongest El Niño on record in the past 100 years occurred in 1997 and 98 and brought plentiful rains to California during the winter months.

EPA Administrator Addresses Corn Congress

EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy spoke to the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress this week in Washington D.C. on the agencies recent regulatory changes and proposals. More than 300 farmers and staffers were on hand to hear McCarthy's explanation of the RFS and WOTUS decisions, as well as her broader commitment to work with the agricultural industry. McCarthy was invited to address the summer Corn Congress session by NCGA President Chip Bowling, a farmer from Maryland. Bowling stated he is encouraged by the Administrator's promise to continue engaging with NCGA. He says “We will hold her to that promise, and we hope to have thoughtful, productive conversations in the future.” At the same time, Bowling said NCGA will continue to use all legal means to protect the rights of our farmers.

Source:  NAFB News

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