Importance of Weather Monitoring Information for Decision Making in Agricultural Production

Abstract

Extreme weather events and climate variability are among the most significant factors negatively affecting agricultural production in the United States. Approximately 8 out of every 10 acres in Oklahoma is used for agricultural production (Oklahoma Water Resources Board, 2011). Due to constant weather variability in Oklahoma, accurate, updated and timely weather monitoring information is indispensable for farmers to consider throughout their agricultural production decisions. Previous studies developed conceptual models supporting land management and production decisions in order to better understand the use of information by farmers. One increasingly important informational aid applied by farmers in the state of Oklahoma to protect their production against extreme weather events is weather monitoring information provided by the statewide weather monitoring system, the Oklahoma Mesonet. Farmers in Oklahoma have repeatedly acknowledged the value of Mesonet information, which has also been substantiated by several qualitative studies. However, the perception of value and the level of use of Mesonet information for agricultural production decisions have not yet been measured and evaluated quantitatively with scientific methods. This research aims at determining farmers' perceptions about the value of the Oklahoma Mesonet information for their farming practices and farm profitability. The level of importance that Mesonet weather information has on farm profitability was determined and analyzed based on geographical location and frequency of information use from the Mesonet. The results illustrate farmers’ perceptions about their potential benefits from using Mesonet.