Drought Desperation - Farmers Take Drastic Measures to Survive

Throughout history, droughts have been a big problem for farmers, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. One terrible event was the Dust Bowl disaster in the 1930s, which affected 70 percent of the United States. 

During this time, families had to endure extremely hot weather, and there was hardly any rain to water the crops in the dry soil. Farmers were desperate and did strange things, like giving cow pumpkins to their animals and using low-hanging tree leaves as feed because there wasn't enough food for the animals. 

The 1988 drought, although not as severe as the Dust Bowl, proved to be a significant challenge for agriculture, causing massive crop losses totaling $80 billion to $120 billion. This drought coincided with the financial crisis of the 1980s, further burdening farmers, bankers, and agriculture-based businesses. Many farmers faced the added hardship of mycotoxin-infected grain, leading to discounted prices or outright rejection. 

Fast forward to the recent 2018 drought, where parts of eastern North Dakota, Minnesota, and southern Iowa struggled with abnormally dry conditions. Farmers searched for ways to mitigate the impacts on their crops and pastures. Corn, benefiting from improved genetics, showed promise, while soybeans' fate hinged on the crucial month of August. 

In times of crisis, advocacy groups like Prairiefire in Iowa have played significant roles in raising awareness about the devastating effects of drought. But the feelings of sadness and stress caused by drought are always there, and in the past, some people sought hope by believing in myths and rainmakers. They hoped that these rainmakers could bring rain and relief during difficult times. 

Even though science has now replaced the old practices like rainmakers with a method called cloud seeding, droughts are still a big challenge for farmers. However, farmers are strong and clever, and they keep finding ways to deal with the changing weather and protect their way of life. Their determination and ability to adapt shine brightly during these difficult times.