Specialty farmers adapt harvests, protect crops in face of extreme heat
Summary
Specialty farmers, who grow fruits and vegetables, are facing challenges due to extreme heat caused by human-driven climate change. They are adjusting their farming practices, such as changing harvest times and protecting crops, to deal with hotter and more unpredictable weather.Key Facts
- A recent heat dome brought intense heat and humidity to some farming areas.
- This heat is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather linked to climate change.
- Specialty farmers often do not have the same financial protections as large commodity crop growers when weather is bad.
- Farmers like Annie Woods work during cooler parts of the day and take steps to protect themselves and their crops from heat.
- Extreme heat can damage crop quality and lead to faster ripening or crop loss.
- Heat and humidity also increase risks of plant diseases and pests.
- Farmers use greenhouses with fans and keep seedlings in cooler places to help young plants survive.
- Protecting crops and changing harvest schedules are key ways farmers adapt to climate-related challenges.
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