Reauthorization of the National Integrated Drought Information System is a priority for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Testifying on behalf of Farm Bureau – board member and Maryland Farm Bureau President Patricia Langenfelder told the House Subcommittee on Energy and Environment that timely drought data and information is critical for farmers and markets. To stress the importance of having the best, most up-to-date information on drought conditions – Langenfelder pointed to the significant drought currently gripping much of the nation – which will ultimately touch the lives of every agricultural producer and consumer in the country. The NIDIS – according to Farm Bureau – has become an invaluable tool within the agricultural community – allowing farmers, market analysts, researchers, extension professionals, crop consultants and others to more adequately plan for and respond to a drought’s impacts.

Farm Bureau says the NIDIS provides an unparalleled set of data and graphics on drought conditions in the U.S. Langenfelder told legislators this kind of data allows market participants to determine what crops are most directly impacted by drought and to incorporate that information into market analysis, price projections and risk management planning. Langenfelder said it’s imperative that America’s farmers, ranchers and the market system have the best information available to protect against the vagaries of uncertain weather. Farm Bureau says NIDIS provides the nation’s farmers, ranchers and markets an effective drought warning system for key indicators of drought conditions and impacts