USVI Drought Update - Sep 2021
While drought conditions have improved, relatively strong winds have impacted soil moisture. St Croix remains in a moderate drought at D1.
St. Thomas and St. John are is experiencing no drought and abnormally dry conditions respectively. St. Croix remains in a moderate drought.
This map is from the U.S. Drought Monitor website and is updated weekly.
Territory-Wide Overview
Conditions are still very dry with sporadic rain across the territory
Intermittent rainfall Territory-wide is somewhat recharging ponds and collection containers
Soil moisture has increased but persistent high wind speeds are somewhat reducing this impact
Vegetation and trees are showing signs of improvement
Livestock farmers are buying hay and have done so since March
St. Thomas and St. John are is experiencing no drought and abnormally dry conditions respectively. St. Croix remains in a moderate drought.
In the past few weeks, the USVI has experienced infrequent showers. Farmers are continuing to report signs of vegetation return from dry and brittle to green. However, they also indicate that, because of high winds, soil is not retaining moisture as it should at this time of the year. The VI Department of Agriculture (VIDA) also reported that on St Croix, water deliveries to the agricultural community included more than 1,098,110 gallons in July, and in August water deliveries were listed as 1,567,990 gallons. Since drought conditions continue overall, livestock farmers are still planning mitigation efforts to feed livestock, and VIDA has ordered hay as farmers reported not having enough to get through at this time.
The Livestock Forage Program funded by Farm Service Agency provides funds to livestock farmers for feed. Thirty-six (36) farmers on St. Croix and one farmer on St. Thomas received benefits for a total of 37 applications receiving support due to long-term drought.
St. Thomas
Bordeaux farmland showing Green Ridge Guavaberry Farm taken on August 25th, 2021 (left) and on May 3rd, 2021(left) in Bordeaux in St Thomas. Aerial photos by Royce Creque.
Farmers are reporting intermittent and sporadic rain, and trees and vegetation are slowly responding. Poultry farmers who have had access to little or no grass are reporting a slight rise in grass and related vegetation for feed but hot, dry weather is still impacting overall production. Water conservation methods are still in place at this time.
St. John
Mary’s Point near Trunk Bay (St John) on June 9, 2021 (right). Drone video by Rafe Boulon.
Farmers are reporting that rain has quelled drought conditions, but it is still sporadic. Vegetation is slowly rebounding, but soil is not retaining moisture due to high winds. Farmers are continuing conservation practices, and have adapted their methods; they regulate irrigation practices in early morning and late afternoon to maximize water resources.
St. Croix
Two agriculture ponds located behind VIDA on St. Croix show signs of slow pond recharge and continued distress of vegetation due to ongoing drought conditions. Aerial drone images taken on July 28th, 2021 by VI Aerial of St Croix.
Drought conditions remain. While some rain fell, farms of all sizes are reporting that intermittent high temperatures and windy conditions affect their ability to retain soil moisture and water. One large producer reported an increase in water purchasing from 8,000 gallons of water per week up to 12,000 gallons per weeks. Livestock farmers on St Croix are also still seeking to purchase feed as chop as it is mildly available, and those seeking cut and carry to offset feed are concerned about purchasing hay. This is creating an underlying need for additional irrigation systems in their fields. Poultry farmers are reporting increased water in cisterns. As a result, they are experiencing an increase in egg production, which was previously impacted by extreme heat and drought.
Acknowledgements
USVI Reporting Input:
Several individuals contributed to this report and we are acknowledging the following for their support including the faculty, staff and collaborators of the UVI School of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, UVI Physics Program, UVI Etelman Observatory, UVI Agricultural Experiment Station, VI Department of Agriculture, UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center, as well as the USDA Office Chief Economist, National Parks Service in St. Croix, USDA Farm Service Agency, Coral Bay Community Council and the many volunteers, drought reporters and farmers from across the territory.
You can contact us by email christina.chanes@uvi.edu or by phone 340-693-1072 to be added to the UVI Caribbean Green Technology Center drought updates email list.
Also, please contact us if you would like to send photographs showing drought conditions on your farm. Photos may including distressed vegetation and/or livestock.
This September 2021 drought update was prepared by Christina Chanes and Greg Guannel of the University of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Green Technology Center.