In previous theory based disaster scenarios, I talked about the effects of global warming and the food supply. A series of droughts can (and will) cause social upheaval and this article is just a warning light for future food increases. The farmers are also more likely to switch to a more drought
We can prepare now for the increases, mainly by increasing our storehouse of food. You have to admit, food savings is beating the interest on your savings account! Before making some purchases, I would think long and hard about crops that would be more sensitive to high heat, and low water. This strategy will maximize your dollar and potential savings.
These are some of the foods that require a lot of water: rice, cucumbers, dates, olives, wheat, coffee, chocolate, corn, peach, and cane sugar. (PDF here) While some of these crops are imported, you get the idea of foods that may see greater price increases compared to others.
Look at the map, find out what crops are grown there, and buy accordingly for the next 12 months. Corn looks like it will take a major hit in Nebraska , and corn is in virtually every processed food today.
What foods do you think will see the biggest increases and why? I look forward to any further ideas, and with that : The comment line is open.
Keep Right On Prepping- K
Great posting! Great concept for prioritizing food storage!
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, in my part of the arid southwest, bean plants (for drying - pintos, etc) are hard to keep alive until harvest in a small garden. Has to do with the 70/70 problem. When the daily temp passes through the 70% humidity and 70 degree temp period (happens morning and evening for most of the growing season, except June), powdery mildew will take hold unless you are incredibly careful with watering and use of powdered sulfur or bordeaux powder. Wheat and beans (including split peas and lentils, too) are high on my list. Cereal grains are problematic as well, so oats and kamut are there too. Dear Husband is a granola fan, so I have some put by for him along with a little powdered milk.
I am trying different heirloom varieties and testing which ones do well locally. Perhaps the county extension office would have some varieties that do well in your area?
DeleteI don't think much corn comes out of Nebraska but I could be wrong. So much of it is interconnected it may not matter, not to mention if say corn goes higher my bet is rice will also just so they can profit from it more.
ReplyDeleteGood advice regardless!!!
Just researched:
DeleteLivestock: Ranks #3 in total livestock receipts. Livestock products account for about 2/3 of Nebraska's farm income and beef cattle are the most important source, followed by hogs.Dairy products and chicken eggs are also important contributors to livestock product revenue.
Crops: Corn is Nebraska's most important crop, with much of it going to feed cattle and hogs.Other leading crops are soybeans, wheat, hay, and grain sorghum. Other crops raised in Nebraska include beans, sugar beets and potatoes.
States rank and amount:
Iowa 2.187 Billion
Illinois 1.971 Billion
Nebraska 1.477 Billion
On second thought, I can see rice producers raising prices to take some profits even if the production costs doesn't rise that much.
Regardless, it looks like another rough year for farmers and consumers are going to feel the pain.
Ya but are they breaking that out into actual corn that would effect consumer corn prices or lumping feed corn (which would hit meat prices) and consumer corn together? Feed corn doesn't always have to produce an actual grain crop to be counted as feed. If say 90% of Nebraska's crop is silage and feed corn it could still be an important crop for them but not as important to us. I honestly don't know the answer I am just speculating from what I know of corn down this way.
DeleteMissed the meaning, point taken.
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