The Drought in Southeast Kansas

Marilyn · #21 01/23/13, 05:03 PM

I'm almost afraid to post it, but it appears that Indiana may have recouped since the severe draught last year. Neighbor's pond has more water in it than it has in two years. (last year was just a little mud)

This thread has made me cautious though, will get the rain barrels up just as soon as warmer weather hits.

CaliannG · #22 01/23/13, 07:27 PM

For the first time in 3 years, my pond is full. This is due to the wonderful rains we got in December and January due to the Polar Vortex...which, unfortunately, seems to have lost its oomph.

NOAA is good for predicting seasonal forecasts up to 4 months out....and what they are predicting right now is no more significant rain for most of us in the Southwest and Midwest. For those of you in drought, expect to stay in drought. For those of you in Texas, we can look forward to drought as well. This is pretty much it for our winter rains, unfortunately, and unless we get our May rains, we're pooched.

My suggestion to everyone in these regions:

1. Buy as much hay as you can. I think DH and I will be stocking up with our income tax return most definitely, while we can still get it at all.

2. Start looking into hydroponics. It uses MUCH less water than conventional gardening. The Fodder System that we have all been talking about recently is a type of hydroponics. There are other types that might be economical and doable for your situation. Look at the different types and see if any will work for you.

3. Stock up on seed. Seeds can last a few years. I promise you that by the end of this drought, seed prices for refurbishing your pastures are going to be through the roof. Stock up when you can with what you can.

4. Realize that eventually the climate is going to even out. But it may not even out to what you think. Remember that the Sahara Desert was once a lush, fertile, and WET savannah. Areas that used to be mild and wet could turn into a desert. Areas that used to be hot and dry could turn into a rainforest. We don't know yet. Think about what you will do if it turns out that YOUR area becomes no longer suitable for agriculture.

Folks talk about preparing for TEOTWAWKI, or the Zombie Apocalypse, or a Natural Disaster, etc. But are you prepared for your area slowly but surely, bit-by-bit, becoming, climate-wise, something completely and totally different? Think about it.

And while you are thinking, buy more hay.

romysbaskets · #23 01/23/13, 08:26 PM

Here in the Pacific Northwest where rain has been abundant, we absolutely had drought two months this past summer, breaking records! A deep well or catching rain water for some works but that depends on just how much water is needed. I read many stories about the summer giveaway of cattle, sheep and goats when the farms dried up and the folks could not afford to keep their animals....so sad and I hope this year is better for everyone!