How Climate Changes Affect Wisconsin Agriculture

by Dan Dieterich You’d think that global warming would be good for Wisconsin farmers, wouldn’t you? After all, it means a longer growing season. In central and northwest Wisconsin, the growing season is already 20 days longer than it was in 1950. Global warming is also giving us warmer spring soil temperatures, less risk of frosts in late spring and early fall, and higher demand for food production. All of that’s good news for Wisconsin agriculture! So, what’s the problem? Our atmosphere is getting hotter, which is causing more droughts and wildfires. But the warm air also holds more moisture, which means bigger, more intense ...