Climate change is making Michigan farmers more vulnerable to dramatic weather shifts, according to a report released this morning by the U.S. Global Change Research Program. It claims climate change is no longer a future threat, but a reality now.
Jerry Hatfield, director of the USDA National Lab for Agriculture and Environment, says climate change is posing a challenge to Michigan farmers. He points to higher spring temperatures, later season frosts and increased precipitation.
“I don’t see it as a doomsday thing,” he says. “I see it as some opportunities for us, but we’re going to have to bring these pieces together really to help agriculture.”
He adds Michigan’s climate change challenges are less severe than those seen in the Deep South and the Western U.S.
Hatfield says Michigan farmers can adapt to climate change by planting different crops and shifting planting dates. The report, he says, is something of a guide,
“to give them the tools that they need, with as much lead time as we can bring together to help them in their decision making process.”
He says Michigan farmers can use this report to select new crops and new planting schedules.
