Tag:

Drought

Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight
Beef Prices Hit Record Highs As Herd Shrinks To 70-Year Low With No Relief In Sight If steak night feels like a splurge and ground beef is denting the budget, you’re not imagining it. Beef prices are climbing to record highs with little sign of easing. According to USDA outlooks released Friday, Sept. 5, the spike is being driven by a deep supply crunch colliding with steady consumer demand.  The US cattle herd is now the smallest since 1951, the result of years of herd liquidation during drought and high feed costs, and rebuilding will take time. Demand, meanwhile, hasn’t cracked. Americans continue to buy beef for its taste and versatility, which keeps pressure on …
Natural Disaster Americans Fear Most Revealed In New Survey As Weather Anxiety Grows Natural Disaster Americans Fear Most Revealed In New Survey As Weather Anxiety Grows
Natural Disaster Americans Fear Most Revealed In New Survey As Weather Anxiety Grows Americans may live with hurricanes on the coasts, blizzards in the North, and wildfires in the West.  But one natural disaster still rises above the rest as the nation’s most feared, a new survey finds. The poll of 2,500 adults, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Master Lock, found that fears shift depending on the region, but a single threat came out on top nationwide.  The threat of a tornado (46 percent) is more terrifying than a tsunami (43 percent), earthquake (35 percent) or hurricane (33 percent), the survey said. Nearly half of respondents said this disaster scare…
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs
Beef Prices Keep Climbing To New Record Highs: Here's What's Fueling Soaring Costs You may want to savor that next steak. It’s not getting cheaper anytime soon. Beef prices have hit an all-time high in the US, driven by a mix of short supply, steady demand, and mounting costs across the cattle industry. According to the American Farm Bureau and industry economists, the national cattle inventory is now the smallest it’s been since 1951. Many ranchers reduced herd sizes — or left the business entirely — after years of drought, inflation, and rising interest rates made farming unsustainable. Add in strong consumer demand and the result is tight supply pushing prices ever h…
Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why
Beef Prices Soar To All-Time Highs During Summer Cookout Season: Here's Why Hot weather isn't the only thing hitting summer cookouts – beef prices are also on the rise. The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record high of $6.10 in June, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's 13.7% higher than the average in June 2024. Uncooked steak climbed 8% to $11.49 per pound, according to the Associated Press. The surging beef costs come as the US cattle herd has fallen to its smallest size since 1951, with the US Department of Agriculture reporting just 86.7 million cattle and calves nationwide as of Wednesday, Jan. 1. David Anderson, a liv…
Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why
Ground Beef Prices Surge To Record High Before Fourth Of July Cookouts: Here's Why If you plan on enjoying a burger on the Fourth of July, it may be more expensive than ever. The retail price of a pound of ground beef hit a record high of $5.98 in May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's up by 18 cents from April and a 16.2% increase from the May 2024 average of $5.15. An American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) survey puts the retail price even higher, now averaging $6.67 a pound. Feeding 10 people a standard Independence Day cookout – including burgers, chicken, beans, and potato salad – costs about $70.92, or $7.09 a person. While the …
Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA
Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA Four Southern New Jersey counties have been declared disaster areas as farmers grapple with severe drought, the United States Department of Agriculture said. Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties were declared primary counties eligible after suffering a drought of eight or more weeks last year, the USDA said. Burlington, Camden, Ocean and Salem counties were declared contiguous disaster areas. The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers through emergency loans, the USDA said in a release. Emergency loans …
La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns
La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns She’s back!  La Niña has arrived, and its global ripple effects are already taking shape.  Cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, combined with stronger trade winds, are influencing weather patterns worldwide.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed this shift on Thursday, Jan. 9. What Is La Niña? La Niña is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climate phenomenon that disrupts atmospheric circulation.  During La Niña, cooler Pacific waters can lead to significant changes in rainfall, s…
Drought Conditions Intensify Across South Jersey, Extreme Drought Hits Philly Metro Area Drought Conditions Intensify Across South Jersey, Extreme Drought Hits Philly Metro Area
Drought Conditions Intensify Across South Jersey, Extreme Drought Hits Philly Metro Area Extreme drought conditions are now gripping South Jersey and the Philadelphia metro area, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS). Drought Monitor update: Extreme drought now covers 36% of our area, including portions of the Philly metro and Delmarva.... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 22, 2024 As of Thursday, November 21, extreme drought (D3 classification) covers 36% of the region—the highest extent since August 2002. Portions of Delmarva and the Philadelphia suburbs are among the hardest-hit areas, …
Big Rusty Wildfire In Hainesport Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Big Rusty Wildfire In Hainesport Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating
Big Rusty Wildfire In Hainesport Deemed Suspicious, State Police Investigating Troopers were asking for the public's help after a wildfire near a well-known sculpture in Hainesport was ruled suspicious, authorities said. State police have launched an investigation into the Big Rusty Wildfire, troopers said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Nov. 21. The blaze that ignited near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court on Monday, Nov. 18 scorched 40 acres and threatened 20 homes. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said no evacuations were needed and the wildfire was fully contained by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Crews have remained on-site to monitor the area for flare-…
Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation
Hudson Valley Escalates To Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation As the dry spell continues and wildfires persist, New York State has raised the Hudson Valley's drought status to a warning level, prompting intensified voluntary water conservation efforts across the region. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the state heightened its drought advisory for the Hudson Valley from a watch to a warning, though immediate concerns for Rockland's water sources remain minimal for now.  Officials said the longer the region experiences dry conditions, the more pressing the concern becomes.  A Drought Warning is the second in a four-stage advisory system that includes …
Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where
Snow Could Fall In Sussex County After Rain: Here's Where Cooler temperatures are here to stay for the week, with the National Weather Service forecasting rain and even snow in some parts of New Jersey this week (scroll for snow map). The National Weather Service in Mount Holly says that the cold front, which brought a 5- to 10-degree temperature drop, will continue to influence the region's weather. "Widespread rain, and even a little snow in the Poconos, will arrive for Wednesday night through Thursday night," officials said. According to AccuWeather, a storm system in the Great Lakes will shift to the Atlantic Coast.  "The rain may behave…
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ 'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ
'Historic Low': Manasquan Reservoir Drops Below Half Capacity As Wildfires Burn Across NJ The Manasquan Reservoir, a crucial water source in Monmouth County, has dropped to historically low levels as New Jersey experiences wildfires and drastic drought conditions. The reservoir's water elevation was recorded at 91.27 feet above sea level on the morning of Monday, Nov. 18, according to Marc Brooks, executive director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA). That measurement at the Howell Township reservoir was 11.73 feet below its full pool level. The reservoir was holding 2.3 billion gallons of water, which is just 49.35 percent of its 4.67-billion capacity. “This is a…
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV
Brush Fire Engulfs, Destroys Greenwich Police SUV A Connecticut police cruiser was destroyed when a brush fire leaped onto the vehicle and burned it completely.  A Greenwich police officer was out of the car and responding to a medical call on Wednesday morning when the brush fire crept onto their vehicle, authorities said.  No one was injured.  Related: Brush Fire Destroys Two-Family Home Greenwich Police used the blaze to remind residents to be aware of potential brush fires as Connecticut remains under a red flag warning. Multiple small fires have turned into potentially life-threatening ones in recent weeks because of …
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill
Massive Apartment Fire Displaces 25+ People, Injures Six First Responders In Pine Hill More than two dozen people were without homes and six first responders were injured after a fire destroyed several apartments in Pine Hill, according to officials and reports. The fire started at the 16-unit apartment building on West Branch Avenue on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Camden County firefighters union said in a Facebook post. "First-arriving firefighters found heavy fire showing from the building, people jumping from balconies, and received a report of at least one person trapped," International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3249 posted. Last night just a…
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley
Governor Provides Update On Wildfires In Hudson Valley As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained 2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained
2,500-Acre Jennings Creek Wildfire Continues To Burn, Cannonball 3 Wildfire Mostly Contained A massive wildfire spanning 2,500 acres is burning through West Milford, NJ, and into Orange County, NY, threatening homes and historic sites as firefighters battle to contain it.  Known as the Jennings Creek Wildfire, the blaze has put two residential buildings in New Jersey and 14 structures on East Shore Road in New York at risk, along with eight historic buildings in the Long Pond Ironworks Historic District, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in the latest update Sunday morning, Nov. 10. Good Morning West Milford, Today Forest Fire will begin back burn operations in the …
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires 'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires
'Be Better Dude:' Fed-Up NJ Resident Calls Out Lincoln Park Smoker Amid NJ Wildfires As wildfires continue to rage in Morris County, patience is wearing thin. A Morris County wildfire that residents say was caused by fireworks set off on Halloween night had spread to nearly 140 acres last week as the state continues to be hit with a drought of more than a month. The wildfire occurred at The Craigmeur Lookout near Notch Road in Rockaway Township. Several farms in the area had  to to evacuate their animals for the second time this month, following the Microwave Wildfire last month. One Redditor had enough, in the thread "To the guy in the white Acura…
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One
Five Wildfires Rage Across NJ: Here's The Latest Update On Each One New Jersey is actively managing five wildfires across multiple counties, sending smoke into surrounding towns and worsening the air quality. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service (NJFFS) continues efforts to contain the flames under a Red Flag Warning issued through Saturday, Nov. 9, by the U.S. National Weather Service.  HIGH Fire Danger Today! A Red Flag Warning is in effect today into this evening as very dry conditions and gusty winds... Posted by US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly on Friday, November 8, 2024 Here's the updated status for each of the five wi…
House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey
House Evacuations Ordered For Evesham Twp. Wildfire In Drought-Stricken South Jersey Crews were battling a 200-acre wildfire in Evesham Township, the second one burning in a very dry South Jersey, officials said. As of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 7, 104 structures were threatened and 12 were evacuated due to the fire in the Kettle Run section of Evesham, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said. The Forest Fire Service has responded with fire engines, bulldozers, ground crews, a helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water at a time, an observation chopper, and more, the agency said. There was also a 300-acre wildfire burning in Jackson Township. The…
Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials
Drought Conditions Declared In 35 PA Counties: State Environmental Officials Drought conditions have been declared in 35 Pennsylvania counties as of Friday, Nov. 1, according to state environmental officials. Thirty-three of those counties are under a Drought Watch while two others are under a Drought Warning, the state's Department of Environmental Protection said in a news release. The following counties fall under the Drought Watch: Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Bucks, Butler, Carbon, Chester, Clearfield, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, North…
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires
Burn Ban Issued In Rockland County Due To Red Flag Warnings, Numerous Fires In response to ongoing dry conditions and an increased fire danger, Rockland County Executive Ed Day has issued an executive order for a countywide burn ban, effective immediately.  This action was issued for Rockland County on Friday, Nov. 1.  Day said the ban was made in consultation with the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services in light of the National Weather Service's red flag warnings indicating heightened fire risk. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including but not limited to the burning of brush, leaves, and other yard debris, along with…
Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties
Drought Watch Remains In Effect For These NY Counties Drought conditions have improved in New York State since the summer but a drought watch remains in effect in seven counties. The State's Drought Management Task Force updated the drought status to "Normal" from "Drought Watch" for multiple regions including most of upstate New York because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water.  "Despite the encouraging hydrological conditions, all New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures," the New York State Department of Environmental Conservatio…
'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions 'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions
'Please Continue Those Efforts': County In Hudson Valley Gives Update On Water Restrictions Officials in a Hudson Valley county have given an update on water usage in the weeks since mandatory restrictions were changed to voluntary. Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency was in effect on Thursday, Aug. 18, due to the dry conditions at the time, causing unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River, which limited the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field. Water Emergency: Rockland County Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use The restrictions, which mainly impacted outdoor water usage, were made voluntary on Wednesd…
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley are currently experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. The map of drought conditions across the country, which is released every Thursday, classified a number of New York counties as experiencing severe drought conditions as of Thursday, Sept. 1. The website reported that drought persisted or expanded across much of the Northeast since the previous update, with increases in severe drought conditions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. According to the update, the following areas are experiencing sever…
Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions
Nearly All Of CT Under Severe Drought Conditions Severe drought conditions are being felt throughout Connecticut, leading to dried-out lawns, brittle trees, and lowered water supplies. The US Drought Monitor's map of drought conditions across the country, which is released every Thursday, classified all Connecticut counties as experiencing severe drought conditions as of Thursday, Sept. 1, except for a portion of New London County which is experiencing extreme drought. The website reported that drought persisted or expanded across much of the Northeast since the previous update, with increases in severe drought conditions in Connecticut, …
Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says
Breakheart Reservation Fire In Saugus Ignited By 5 Fires, Mass DCR Says A multi-acre brush that has been burning for a week started from five individual fires, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) said. The fires at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus were ignited on Wednesday, Aug. 17, DCR said. Two of the fires later merged into one larger fire and another fire also started, DCR added.  In total, the blaze has burned through 79 acres. Monday rainfall did bring some temporary relief, but the persistent drought conditions in Massachusetts have made it extremely difficult for crews to contain the flames.  Lynnfield Fire Squad 1 …
Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (PHOTOS) Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (PHOTOS)
Breakheart Reservation In Saugus Still Closed As Crews Battle Massive Brush Fire (Photos) Breakheart Reservation in Saugus has been closed for several days because of a multi-acre brush fire that has shown no signs of stopping.  The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) originally closed the park on Wednesday, Aug. 17 but has since extended the closure until Wednesday, Aug. 24.  UPDATE: @MassDCR has issued the following recreational advisory for Breakheart Reservation in Saugus: pic.twitter.com/J6B6jjuRN9 — MassDCR (@MassDCR) August 21, 2022 While the cause of the fire is under investigation, A DCR official told NBC Boston that these fires are "suspi…
Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use
Water Emergency: County In Hudson Valley Implements Mandatory Restrictions On Water Use A county in the Hudson Valley is implementing mandatory restrictions on water use due to dry conditions.  Rockland County Executive Ed Day announced that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency will be in effect in the county beginning Thursday, Aug. 18. Earlier report: Drought Watch Expanded To Include These NY Counties The water emergency is the result of unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River, which limited the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for residents. Officials said the water-saving measures apply to all residents and busin…
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions With about 25% of Massachusetts now experiencing extreme drought conditions, many cities and towns in the Commonwealth are limiting outdoor water use to reduce water consumption.  The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) says these restrictions could vary but often include:  Limitations on the hours of the day you may water Limitations on the number of days per week you may water Restrictions to automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems A complete ban on outdoor watering There are about 160 cities and towns that have issued restrictions and a majority of them ar…
Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water
Village In Capital District Asks Residents To Conserve Water Authorities are asking some residents in the region to conserve water until further notice. In Greene County, the Village of Coxsackie issued a notice Tuesday, Aug. 9, asking customers served by its system to conserve water Village officials cited a recent report from the National Weather Service that listed Greene County as abnormally dry due to the recent lack of rainfall. “Because the water system is affected by this, all residents served by this water system are asked to do their part to conserve water during the above period,” reads the notice. If voluntary conservation efforts are u…
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
List Of All Massachusetts Cities, Towns With Outdoor Water Use Restrictions With all of Massachusetts now experiencing noticeable drought conditions, many cities and towns in the Commonwealth are limiting outdoor water use to reduce water consumption.  The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) says these restrictions could vary but often include:  Limitations on the hours of the day you may water Limitations on the number of days per week you may water Restrictions to automatic sprinklers or irrigation systems A complete ban on outdoor watering There are about 160 cities and towns that have issued restrictions and a majority of them are m…