The lack of precipitation this summer has affected and continues to affect America in more ways than one.
The mix of low rainfall and extreme heat has impacted farmers and residents in 40 states, including about 80% of all of US agricultural farmland. Many small farmers say they have consistently lost money this year because of the drought, and cannot even afford to feed the cows they have. As they run out of resources, some farmers are forced to sell many of their cows off. Prices for beef, pork, poultry and dairy are predicted by the US Department of Agriculture to rise within 2 months. Increased prices would continue through the end of this year and into 2013.
The drought has also led to the deaths of wildlife and dangerously low water levels. Dozens of deer have been found dead, likely killed by disease-carrying gnats that thrive in dry weather. A huge number of fish have died as lakes and rivers dry up. Even the “mighty” Mississippi River has experienced low water levels; water traffic had to be stopped on August 20 and almost a hundred ships came to a standstill. While Hurricane Isaac has provided some relief, hundreds of counties are still in extreme drought.
Climate change is a very real, very serious issue. The summers of 2011 and 2012 have held record breaking temperatures. If our climate continues on this path, our agricultural economy will be seriously harmed, and our meat and dairy prices will skyrocket. Not only will our economy suffer, but so will our small farmers in the Midwest.
This article was written to bring awareness to the extreme drought we have experienced this summer. While this article did not say what I could personally do to help, reading this has made me want to do something for our wildlife, our farmers, and our futures.
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