
Most people know that the weather has a significant impact on the agriculture industry. Crops need the basics; moisture, warmth, and sun to thrive, but what’s less obvious is how the details of weather information can drive a grower’s business decisions, helping them to plan efficiently, minimize costs and maximize yield, and profits as a result. Weather play an important role in determining the proper time to apply fertilizer, as well as the application rate and fertilizer form to use. Certain weather conditions encourage the development and growth of pests and diseases, which can destroy crops. Lastly, field workability refers to the availability of days that are suitable for fieldwork. It’s primarily dependent upon soil moisture and soil temperature. The cost/benefit equation for having access to reliable weather forecast information is not always easy to quantify, but it’s a decision that’s easy for most large growers and producers to make.