The U.S. Global Change Research Program recently released the findings of its fourth National Climate Assessment and asserts rising temperatures, extreme heat, drought, wildfires on rangelands and heavy downpours are expected to “increasingly disrupt agricultural productivity in the U.S.”

Climate projections to the year 2100 suggest that increased droughts are possible, problems water availability, soil erosion and disease and pest outbreaks could also worsen, experts say.

While some regions like the northern Great Plains may see conditions allowing expanded or alternative cropping in the next 30 years, yields for corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton are expected to decline, especially when higher temperatures occur during periods of reproductive development, according to the report’s organizers.

Conservation tillage, cover crops and grassed waterways were identified as strategies to improve resiliency for farmers.

IN OTHER NO-TILL NEWS…

• Raven Industries released AutoBoom XRT, radar sensor technology that uses simultaneous ground and canopy detection to maintain optimal spray height for maximum product efficacy. 

• AGCO Corp. is bringing to market the new 9500VER and 9700VER (vacuum electric ready) Precision Planting-ready toolbars within its White Planters line. The new toolbars are available in narrow- and wide-row configurations and in 23-row, 15-inch row spacing; 24-row, 20-inch spacing and 24-row, 22-inch spacing.

• Farmer’s Business Network is now offering a full range of crop insurance products and services through its affiliate, FBN Insurance. Farmers have access to all of the insurance products available through federal programs as well as private offerings such as hail and wind supplemental products. Additional proprietary coverage…