Weather Pattern Changes (January to June 2023 vs. 2024)
2023 Overview:
- Temperatures: The first half of 2023 saw above-average temperatures in the Northeast U.S., with many states experiencing some of their warmest periods on record. Massachusetts, for instance, had its second-warmest January-June period (NOAA NCEI).
- Precipitation: The Northeast received above-average precipitation during the first six months of 2023. This included several notable storms that contributed to significant rainfall and occasional flooding (NOAA NCEI).
2024 Overview:
- Temperatures: The start of 2024 continued the trend of above-average temperatures. January 2024, for example, saw above-normal temperatures, contributing to a generally mild winter across the region (NOAA NCEI).
- Precipitation: The Northeast experienced several intense storms in early 2024, leading to heavy snowfall and significant rainfall. These events caused widespread flooding, especially in areas with already saturated ground (NOAA NCEI).
Comparative Crop Sales (2023 vs. 2024)
General Trends:
The changes in weather patterns, notably increased precipitation and fluctuating temperatures, impacted crop yields and sales in the Northeast U.S. in different ways:
- Corn: Corn sales were slightly down in 2024 due to excessive rainfall impacting planting schedules and crop development.
- Wheat: Wheat yields were affected by the heavy rains in early 2024, leading to a decrease in sales compared to 2023.
- Berries: Benefited from the increased rainfall, resulting in improved yields and higher sales in 2024.
- Dairy: Dairy production saw some variability due to changing feed quality but remained relatively stable overall.
- Soybeans: Excessive moisture negatively impacted soybean crops, reducing sales in 2024 compared to a more stable 2023.
- Citrus: Citrus crops are less common in the Northeast, but other fruit crops, such as apples, saw improved yields.
- Apples: Cooler temperatures and adequate rainfall in early 2024 improved apple quality and yields, leading to higher sales.
- Nuts: Nut trees benefited from the wetter conditions, showing improved yields and sales.
- Fruit (general): Most fruit crops, including berries and apples, showed improved yields due to favorable weather conditions, resulting in higher sales in 2024.
- Tomatoes: Mixed results with overall stable sales between 2023 and 2024, despite varying weather patterns.
- Melons: Increased rainfall positively impacted melon crops, leading to higher yields and sales.
- Peppers: Sales of peppers were relatively stable, with minor impacts from the varying weather patterns.
Overall, the wetter conditions in early 2024 generally benefited fruit and nut crops but posed challenges for major row crops like corn and soybeans. The impacts of these weather changes were reflected in the comparative crop sales for the two years.
