Online Tool Allows Canadian Farmers to Report Agroclimate Conditions
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.comAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has developed an online tool for Canadian farmers to access and report on weather conditions affecting their farm.The tool – Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) allows growers to submit reports of weather conditions affecting their region. Users will also be able to view weather impact reports and maps. AIR began in the 1990s to collect information on forage production and water supplies for drought monitoring. Recently, AAFC enhanced AIR to include weather impacts related to agriculture.Data is provided by a group of volunteers who submit regular reports on weather impacts. The tool is managed by the National Agroclimate Information Service, which plays a role in assisting AAFC to examine weather and climate related risks in agriculture. The online application publishes monthly impact maps and historic impacts, compiled by AAFCs registered reporters. There are currently about 300 volunteers who are part of the network.The tool can be accessed on AAFC website.