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Drought

Phone Information

• Farm Information Line — 1-800-232-9077, Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Voice mail after hours. Calls returned the next business day. Email anytime: fil@umn.edu. — University of Minnesota Extension — Answers about water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues.
• AnswerLine — 1-800-854-1678, Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–noon and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. — University of Minnesota Extension —Talk to household experts.

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Climatology

Maps and data

• Minnesota Climatology Working Group — State Climatology Office, DNR Waters, and University of Minnesota — Latest weather conditions, current and historical climate data, and agricultural information.
• Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service — National Weather Service — Warnings and forecasts, precipitation, river observations, satellite images and more..
• Heat Index Forecasts — National Weather Service — Daily maximum, mean and minimum forecasts.
• U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook — National Weather Service — A country-wide look at the current impact of drought.
• U.S. Drought Monitor — National Drought Mitigation Center —Data by region and state, focused on broad-scale conditions.
• Palmer Drought Severity Index — National Weather Service — Data from the climate prediction center.
• Precipitation Needed to End Drought Conditions — National Weather Service —Current predictions.

Other resources

• Drought Information Resources — Minnesota Climatology Working Group — Drought outlook, planning and response, and regional resources.
• Minnesota Drought Response Plan (79 K PDF) — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — The state's framework for preparing for and responding to droughts.
• Multimedia Weather Briefing (Video) — National Weather Service — Experimental briefing for the media.

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Extreme Heat

More people in this country die from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. (West Virginia Extension Service)

• Preparing for Heat Waves —American Red Cross —Preparing for, identifying and treating heat emergencies.
• Extreme Heat — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Prepare for hot weather and stay healthy during a heat event.
• Excessive Heat Events Guidebook — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — For community officials, emergency managers, meteorologists and others.
• Heat Index — National Weather Service — Relative humidity and temperature danger zones chart.
• Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer — National Weather Service — How heat affects the body, heat wave safety tips, heat disorder symptoms.
• Ultra Violet Radiation Awareness — National Weather Service — Protect yourself, your family and your pets from UV radiation.
• Keep Your Cool as the Summer Heats Up! (228 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension —Tips for people who work outside.
• Hot Weather Resources — Minnesota Department of Health — For citizens and professionals, information on preventing dehydration, heat stroke and more.
• Are You Ready? Extreme Heat — FEMA — Protective measures and first aid.
• Hot Weather Tips for Your Pets — University of Minnesota Extension — Taking care of your dog or cat in hot weather.
• Stay Active Without Succumbing to Heat — University of Missouri Extension — Preventing heat related injuries, ideas for active summer fun.

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Crops

Dry weather can make decisions regarding crop management more challenging. What crop to plant, variety, pest/weed management, and insurance are critical decisions all affected by dry conditions.

For areas facing drought conditions, moisture conservation will be of utmost importance. Consideration should be given to using tillage routines that conserve soil moisture, selecting crops and varieties that require less moisture, and managing weeds to avoid moisture competition.

General

• Tax Planning for Crop and Crop Revenue Insurance (75 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — How to handle crop and revenue insurance indemnity payments.
• Important Federal Crop Insurance Dates & Definitions (84 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Deadlines and guidelines for Federal Crop Insurance.
• Setting Realistic Crop Yield Goals — University of Minnesota Extension — Yield goals have a direct impact on both economics and environment.
• Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch — Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education — Conservation options including soil, water and plant management.
• Land Surface Monitoring and Prediction — National Weather Service —Soil moisture monitoring resources.
• Crop Moisture Index — National Weather Service — Map showing short term need vs. available water.
• Evapotranspiration Estimates for Wisconsin/Minnesota — University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota — See estimates, sign up to have them emailed to you.
• For Estimating Daily Crop Water Use, use ET — University of Minnesota Extension — Learn about evapotranspiration, or ET.
• Minnesota Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Reports — United States Department of Agriculture — Includes degree days, temperature, precipitation, crop planting progress, crop development and harvesting progress.

Corn

• The Corn Growers Field Guide for Evaluating Crop Damage and Replant Options (48 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Assess yield losses associated with delayed planting and reduced corn population.
• Using drought-stressed corn for forage — University of Minnesota Extension — An option when pollination success was marginal or kernel development is poor.
• Drought-stressed Corn (78 K PDF) — University of Nebraska — Identification, harvest options, pricing, forage, direct grazing and more.

Soybeans

• The Soybean Growers Field Guide for Evaluating Crop Damage and Replant Options (45 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Assess yield losses associated with delayed planting and reduced soybean population.
• Two-spotted Spider Mites — University of Minnesota Extension — Spider mite problems in soybean usually accompany severe drought. Widespread problems are now being reported where prolonged, significant moisture deficits continue. The presence of spider mites confounds decisions on whether or not to treat soybean aphid infestations, and on preferred insecticides.

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Livestock

Livestock are affected by dry weather both by their increased water needs and also the possibility of feed shortages.

General

• Weather-Related Livestock Sales (50 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Livestock sales resulting from adverse weather conditions may be deferrable.

Cows

• Managing Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle (156 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Taking care of cattle during high-heat, high-humidity weather.
• Managing Drought Conditions for Beef Producers — University of Minnesota Extension — Resources recommended by the Extension Beef Team.
• Tips for Keeping Dairy Cows Cool — University of Minnesota Extension — Dairy cows suffer from heat stress at lower temperature than humans.
• Why Wean Early? (159 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — The advantages and disadvantages of weaning calves when they are 3 to 5 months old.
• Reducing Heat Stress in Holding Pens (125 K PDF) — Kansas State University — Managing heat and humidity for dairy cows.
• Fan Placement and Heat Stress Abatement in Four-row Freestall Barns (130 K PDF) — Kansas State University —Using fans to manage heat dissipation in dairy barns.
• Dealing With Heat Stress in Dairy Cows (385 K PDF) —South Dakota State University — Water and nutrition for dairy cows during heat and drought.
• Sprinkler Systems for Cooling Dairy Cows at a Feed Line (125 K PDF) — Kansas State University — Installing sprinkler systems over the feed line and in the holding pen.

Forages and feeding

• Drought Feed Concerns and Feeding Strategies for Dairy (78 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — In drought years, both the quantity and quality of feeds are affected.
• Upper Midwest Haylist — University of Minnesota Extension — Announce and search available or needed hay lots or view haylot summary data.
• Prepare Now for Summer Feeding Program — University of Minnesota Extension — Start making changes in dairy cow diets now to prepare for hot weather.
• Drought and Frost Concerns in Horse Pastures (554 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Sorghum-sudangrass is an option for times of drought.
• Managing Cool-Season Perennial Grasses during "Summer Slump" (147 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Be careful not to overgraze your summer pastures.
• Pasture management important during "summer slump" — Minnesota Farm Guide — Most of Minnesota's pastures consist of cool season grasses which are vulnerable during hot weather.

Pigs

• Minimizing Heat Stress in Pigs During the Summer (27 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Heat stress can affect growth and reproduction in pigs.
• Extreme Temperatures: Worker Safety in Pork Production Facilities — National Pork Board — A safety checklist for employers and information on creating a heat stress program.

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Home Landscapes and Lawns

Drought and the watering bans that accompany it can wreak havoc on landscapes and lawns. Planting drought resistant selections, using conservative watering schemes, mulching, and knowing how to recognize and repair damage can be useful ways to enjoy landscapes even in dry weather.

• Protect your landscape during times of drought — University of Minnesota Extension — How to conserve soil moisture and reduce water loss.
• Mulch helps trees and shrubs survive dry periods — University of Minnesota Extension — Moderate soil moisture fluctuations and reduce irrigation with mulch.
• Mulching the Home Landscape — University of Minnesota Extension — Advantages and disadvantages to various kinds of mulch.
• Rain Barrels: A Way of Collecting and Using Rainwater (98 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Use rain barrels to conserve limited resources and save money on water bills.
• Examples of Plants with Drought Tolerance — University of Minnesota — A list of plants that can tolerate dry soils.
• Watering Practices — University of Minnesota — Determining the best amount, frequency, and timing of water applications to your lawn.
• Watering Trees — University of Minnesota Extension — Overwatering is one of the primary causes of failure in recently transplanted trees.
• Hot, dry weather may cause less than perfect pickles — University of Minnesota Extension —Dry weather affects the quality of cucumbers, which affects the outcome of pickling.

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Lakes, Rivers and Shorelands

Drought can be both a challenge and an opportunity for homeowners lucky enough to have lakeshore. Low water levels can affect recreation, aesthetics, and bacteria levels, but can also be a good time to plant native shoreland plants since substrate is exposed.

• Shoreland Landscaping Series — University of Minnesota Extension — A guide to natural landscaping and revegetation for enhancing lake quality.
• Protect your Lake Home or Cabin Shoreland — University of Minnesota Extension — Free fact sheets from the Lake Home & Cabin Kit.
• Better Living on Our Lakes and Rivers video series — University of Minnesota Extension — These nine videos cover topics from septic systems to water conservation for shoreland home and cabin owners.
• What Is Swimmer's Itch and How Can I Avoid It? (716 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Avoiding and treating swimmer's itch.
• Drought Resources — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Monitoring drought conditions, drought procedures.
• Lake Level Minnesota — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Statewide lake levels.

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Fire Safety

• Statewide fire danger and current burning restrictions — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Current data and descriptions of ratings.
• Fire Resources for the Homeowner — Firewise Communities — Checklists, fire hazard assessments, and Spanish language resources.

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Family, Stress and Economics

Economics

• Monthly Budget/Spending Plan for Families who have Experienced a Natural Disaster (155 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Determine monthly family expenses/income prior and during a natural disaster in order to plan for future "recovery" expenses.
• Adjusting to Suddenly Reduced Income — University of Minnesota Extension — Worksheets for managing emotions and finances.
• Family Resource Management Resource List (124 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists resources that can help families who experience financial difficulties.
• Experiencing Tough Times — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists University of Minnesota Extension resources that can help families who are currently experiencing tough financial times.
• External Resources — University of Minnesota Extension — Lists external resources that can help families who are currently experiencing tough financial times.
• Drought and Your Debt (56 K PDF) — University of Minnesota Extension — For farm families: drought aid, crop insurance, tax information and loans.

Stress

• Getting Through Tough Times: Communicating Under Pressure  — University of Minnesota Extension — Speak carefully and listen attentively.
• Getting Through Tough Times: Controlling Stress  — University of Minnesota Extension — How to take care of yourself; know when to seek help.
• Getting Through Tough Times: Identifying Sources of Support and Friendship — University of Minnesota Extension — Build your personal network.
• Rural Minnesota Life — University of Minnesota — Resources on family business and family vitality in rural Minnesota.

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For further information about managing drought affected crops and livestock, call the Farm Information Line at (800) 232-9077 or contact your nearest Extension office.