U.S Drought Lingers Into 2013, Could Pose Long-Term Challenges

Jan 18, 2013

U.S Status As Key Agriculture Region Could Be Troublesome If Drought Persists

The U.S drought that plagued much of the nation last year, is posing as a threat for 2013 as drought-like weather conditions continue. This will likely be a significant problem as the U.S is one of the key agriculture regions in the world.

In many communities in Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas have seen the worst. In a rural community in Wapanucka, Oklahoma they have lost water all together as the wells have run dry. Officials have since run a line to a neighbouring area for water. While in Texas, state officials are seeking a $2 billion fund in order to finance water projects – as a number of communities are facing shrinking water shortages. The news is even worse for rice farmers in the region, who were told earlier last month that there will most likely not be enough water to irrigate the fields this spring. In Kansas, state officials have enacted penalties for those who exceed water use limits.

The persistent drought is worrisome for farmers who were already hit hard, with multibillions of dollars worth of crop and livestock losses.

Video: Sweetener Effects on Gut Health - Dr. Kwangwook Kim

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Kwangwook Kim, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, discusses the use of non-nutritive sweeteners in nursery pig diets. He explains how sucralose and neotame influence feed intake, gut health, metabolism, and the frequency of diarrhea compared to antibiotics. The conversation highlights mechanisms beyond palatability, including hormone signaling and nutrient transport. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Receptors responsible for sweet taste are present not only in the mouth but also along the intestinal tract.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Kwangwook Kim / kwangwook-kim is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, specializing in swine nutrition and feed additives under disease challenge models. He earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from the University of California, Davis, where he focused on intestinal health and metabolic responses in pigs. His research evaluates alternatives to antibiotics, targeting gut health and performance in nursery pigs.