Winter and Spring Weather Outlooks

Dec 08, 2021

By Jim Noel

After a cooler and drier November, our attention turns to the winter and spring outlooks.

With a weak La Nina ongoing again this upcoming winter, what will it mean for Ohio? La Nina is only one of many factors that impacts our weather and climate.

The outlook for December is for warmer and wetter conditions across most of the state. This pattern will likely persist into February, though January may become less wet though confidence in that is low. We will likely have some short intense cold snaps mixed in with the warmer than normal conditions. As for snow, with the cold bursts, if timing is right, we should see more snow than last year but there is no indication of anything more than about normal snow at this time.

One note for winter is if we do not have snow on the ground when we get the cold bursts, it will make crops like wheat more vulnerable so this is worth watching.

As we go into next planting season, indications are like so many springs for it to start off with normal or even a bit colder than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. However, by May things should relax toward normal conditions.

Source : osu.edu

Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.