Thursday, February 14, 2013

Drought Conditions for the United States and Upcoming Forecast for 2013



According to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center, the current drought forecast for the U.S. shows lingering or intensifying conditions over the central and western part of the country.  Winter wheat and cattle are experiencing drought as of February 5th, 2013, at levels of 59% and 68%.  Even though there has been speculation that droughts seem to persist longer because of climate change, conditions have been as bad, or worse, than the current drought numerous times in the past.

Some areas of the country have been or are experiencing more precipitation in the form of snow, ice, or rain, and it may seem that the drought will be over in the near term, but because of the extreme levels of drought that these areas have seen in the last couple of years it will require a lot more to exit drought conditions.  However, the snow melt in the spring will really help, as water makes its way down from the mountains and hills, and into the rivers and streams of the plains.

Drought conditions always increase the costs of produce at the market, as there is usually less of the specific item to go around, and the law of supply and demand comes into play.  Consumers will be forced to pay a higher cost to offset the losses that the farmer and wholesaler are experiencing.  Whole fields may have to be plowed under due to undersized produce, and cause localized food shortages in certain areas.

There are already more than enough problems that wholesalers have to deal with without adding the cost of droughts and natural disasters, but adding the right software to a distributor’s business can really help to streamline and smooth over any looming problems.  Software automation can help customers order online without any extra help by the distributor or his employees, saving a good deal of telephone support time.  

Intalogix OneLink software can provide a very robust system that will enable customers to log-in and easily place orders to produce distributors and other food wholesalers.  Once enabled, it is incredibly stable and efficient, and will empower your customers to circumvent the telephone and go directly to the internet to place their orders, at any time of the day or night!  There are many features and benefits of the OneLink system and for a detailed look please contact Intalogix!