DEALING WITH DROUGHT A REVIEW OF OUR PROFESSIONS' RESPONSE AND IDEAS FOR IMPROVING IT

The droughts of 1988 and 1989 were a challenge and an opportunity for agricultural economists. Ag economists have in the past and continue in the present to address the information needs of producers and public policy makers that arise during a drought. Considering the role of the Land Grant Universities and the unique history of our discipline, agricultural economists might be expected by their clientel to develop a variety of programs to address both the micro and macroeconomic consequences of the 1988 and 1989 droughts. This paper addresses three issues. First, it will review and evaluate the drought programs implemented by ag economists in 14 states. Second, it will describe the drought programs implemented by ag economists at Kansas State University (KSU). The paper will also will discuss how KSU's drought impact study helped shape the policy making environment. Finally, it will present ideas for designing future drought programs that will provide timely information to producers and policy makers.