Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources

Christine Charles<charl122@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.

Screenshot of Drought website.

In the face of drought conditions and its adverse effects on growing conditions in 2012, Michigan State University Extension took several steps to support farmers, gardeners and landowners in managing drought conditions. This included the creation of the MSU Extension Drought Resource website, which continues to be a comprehensive resource hub. This site offers valuable information, practical strategies and innovative solutions for managing drought-related challenges in a variety of cropping systems, turf and gardens. While experts are not yet predicting a drought as extreme as 2012, some areas of the state have already hit drought status, which makes this site a relevant resource for current conditions.

Growers of all cropping systems, nurseries and gardens can find useful, scientifically backed information with topics ranging from plant to pest management in dry conditions. A list of relevant tools, such as the United States Department of Agriculture Drought Monitor, can also be found on the site.

 

In addition to this website, MSU Enviroweather’s degree-day feature, historical data archive and crop-specific models are also insightful and useful tools to monitor current drought conditions, weigh other potential risks and plan ahead.

As little precipitation is predicted in the immediate forecast, growers, gardeners and land managers could all use a helping hand, and the MSU Extension Drought website remains a valuable resource for these present challenges.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • agriculture,
  • beginning farmer,
  • christmas trees,
  • drought,
  • field crops,
  • fruit & nuts,
  • home gardening,
  • hops,
  • integrated pest management,
  • landscaping,
  • lawn & garden,
  • malting barley,
  • msu extension,
  • nurseries,
  • soil health,
  • turf,
  • vegetables,
  • weeds
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).