Southern Plains Assessment of Vulnerability and Preliminary Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Farmers, Ranchers and Forest Land Owners

Excerpts from the report: The Southern Plains region contributes significantly to the Nation’s wheat and beef production. Winter wheat is the principal annual crop, with much of it serving dual-use as a cool-season annual forage in addition to grain production. Cattle are raised on extensive pasture and rangelands across the region. Agricultural production and farm income in the Southern Plains are sensitive to weather variability. The ability of production agricultural systems to persist despite increasing variability in weather events resulting from changing climate, both to maintain crop production and to provide adequate forage and water for livestock, is critical to the future in this region. Increased grazing pressure in response to a desire to maximize profits during droughts also exacerbates these issues. The Southern Plains has always been challenged by variable rates and timing of precipitation to maintain agriculture production. Climate change increases the exposure of the Southern Plains to these challenges. Reduced crop production; inadequate water for livestock, both for consumption and forage production; and the potential for increased wind and water erosion of soil are all expected to increase as a result of climate change.