February 2017 Outlook Shows Increased Chance Of Warm Conditions

Feb 01, 2017

By Pam Knox

NOAA released their latest monthly outlook today for the month of February. The projections for the next month are for an increased chance of warmer than normal temperatures, a continuation of now 12 consecutive months of above normal temperatures for many areas in the Southeast. Projections for precipitation are for equal chances of above, near and below normal precipitation. The outlooks for the next two weeks are leaning towards wetter conditions, but drier conditions may return later in the month. With that in mind, the Climate Prediction Center has indicated that drought may continue but improve in most of the driest areas of northern AL and GA, and that drought may develop in the central peninsula of Florida.

The above normal temperatures are already bringing out flowering trees in Athens, well ahead of schedule, and this may mean trouble for fruit farmers if we go back into colder conditions (which is very likely considering that we are just entering February now). I will be checking chill hours later this week to see how those have accumulated in this warm winter.

Source: uga.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.