By EMMA HOPKINS-O’BRIEN
Indiana Correspondent INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Winter will always be cold in Indiana, but every year growers and livestock managers need to ask: Just exactly how cold are we talking? Temperature and a host of other factors including precipitation, storm frequency and timing are important for producers to know ahead of winter, if at all possible. At the Indiana Farm Equipment and Technology Expo Dec. 11-13, attendees will get a detailed look at the extended forecast when they hear a presentation by Hoosier Ag Today’s meteorologist, Ryan Martin. Martin will go over his winter season forecast and briefly share a spring forecast during his sessions on Dec. 11 at 12:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 11 a.m. “This winter is shaping up to be rather interesting,” he said. “We are looking at a colder than normal winter, and while precipitation may be only slightly above normal, the pattern does look to have more storms and plenty of Alberta clippers to deal with.” A particularly cold winter like this hasn’t happened for a few years, according to Martin. He will examine weather trends coming out of fall and going into winter, as well as the current tropical ENSO (El Nino/Southern Oscillation) setup, using various short and long computer models as visual aids. He also plans to touch briefly on recent headlines concerning the solar cycle. At the conclusion of the sessions, he will release his 2018-19 winter forecast. “The release of my 2018-19 winter forecast, based on my own seasonal forecast model, will give us month-by-month expectations through next March,” he explained. “We will also take a look at some early knee-jerk reactions to what spring planting will look like – whether the winter pattern is drawn out, or whether we can get a jump on planting.” To gain insight into potential acreage shifts, Martin will also be pointing out winter conditions in other parts of the country. In addition, his sessions will take a look at South America’s weather expectations for its summer season. “Planting in Brazil has been off to a spectacular start, and the crop is advancing quickly,” he said. “We will see if there are any weather concerns for second-crop safrinha corn planting, and where a few trouble spots could be lurking. “Argentina has had some excessive rains, but they have been highly localized. We will take a quick look at their patterns, as well.” The whole Expo will focus on new technology and product innovation in farm equipment, seed genetics, bioscience, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence and Big Data. This will be the first show under new ownership. Former owner Richard Sherman operated the Indiana-Illinois Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show for nearly 40 years, before selling it to MidCountry Media and Hoosier Ag Today this year. The website www.indiamafarmexpo.com is being updated as features and exhibitors are added, and pre-registration for the Expo can be made there. There is no admission cost. For details on exhibit space, contact Toni Hodson at 800-876-5133, ext. 280. |
