Book 7, Question 141
Why Do Farmers Watch the Weather So Closely?
Farmers spend their days outdoors, and the weather is like their daily boss. Rain, frost, heat, and wind decide when to plant, water, and harvest, and how to care for animals. A surprise storm or freeze can hurt a whole crop, and that is why farmers watch the weather so closely!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- NOAA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have worked together for decades to help farmers prepare for weather.
- Every week, they publish the Weekly Weather and Crop Bulletin, which is part weather report and part crop forecast.
- Satellite pictures from NOAA help predict how weather will affect crops.
- The U.S. Drought Monitor shows where droughts are happening and how bad they are.
- A NOAA tool called EDDI helps farmers and ranchers spot droughts that are starting.
- Heat waves can lower crop harvests and can even cause droughts when the rain is normal.
Questions kids ask
How do farmers know about drought?
The U.S. Drought Monitor shows where droughts are and how serious they are.
Do satellites help farmers?
Yes. NOAA satellite images help forecast how weather will affect crops.