Droughts are costly for producers and can have a negative impact on the economy. According to the National Climatic Data Center, the national heat wave and drought in 2012 had a $30 billion impact on the economy. By giving producers the most accurate information available on when their crops need the most water, they can plant at the optimal time and decrease the likelihood of drought.

Eight farms in Florida and Georgia were used in the study. They grew cotton, soybeans, corn and peanuts. Researchers used ARID to predict crop yields. After studying 134 years of daily weather data from their test farms, they concluded ARID is fairly accurate at predicating the drought levels of crops. Grass was used as the generic crop because it provided a year-round index for comparison.

On average, Florida experiences a drought once every three years. California’s recent drought, which is partly due to their rapidly increasing population, is a concern for Florida who is undergoing a similar population surge. With large amounts of water already being pumped from the ground, competition between developed areas and agriculture over water rights is an impending reality.

Using ARID, however, should lessen these concerns since it will help producers better manage drought situations even if they are severe. Producers can find ARID on the Southeast Climate Consortium’s website.

Presently, the tool simply monitors the situation, but researchers are planning to enable it to forecast weather as well. UF Extension offices and agents will use local extension agents to inform producers about ARID and encourage them to use this tool.  FG

—Summarized by Progressive Forage Grower staff from cited sources