It has been a classic El Nino for the Northern Plains resulting in a warmer and drier-than-normal winter. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey expects that to transition into a good planting season. “It is not going to be much of a mud season this year because we haven’t had much precipitation since the surprise December rains and snows, it should be a pretty easy start to the planting season.” A quick transition from El Nino to La Nina conditions will likely occur. Rippey believes that can result in drought in the Western High Plains and Pacific Northwest. “This is the fourth time we’ll have La Nina in five years if we get it as expected so I think there will be a bigger concern for a broader scale drought as we get into 2025,” said Rippey. “It’s a long time away, but it is something to think about with this chronic La Nina.” Listen to the full interview.
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