Giving Compass' Take:

· Amy Mayer and Madelyn Beck explain how climate change is affecting weather around the world, including increasing precipitation levels. 

· How can farmers adapt with the changing environment? What support do farmers need to cope with increased precipitation? 

· Read more about the effects of climate change on weather and flooding potential.

Early, heavy and, in some areas, nearly relentless rains have led to a late planting season across much of the central United States, especially for corn.

Flooded fields can stymie planting — even if the rain lets up for a couple of days — because the ground is too wet and soft for heavy equipment. Even where farmers were able to plant, heavy rain sometimes required another round of seeds after the first ones were swamped.

Scientists have been predicting an increase in severe weather events due to climate change, meaning springs like this one may become the new normal.

“It’s very likely that this kind of flooding that we’re experiencing this year is going to be more likely in the future,” Iowa State University climate scientist Gene Tackle said.

Tackle explained that as oceans become warmer, more moisture will form over the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, wind patterns are intensifying. That combination brings more moisture to the Midwest in April, May and June.

Read the full article about weather and climate change by Amy Mayer and Madelyn Beck at Harvest Public Media.