U.S. late-December ag outlook: alternating cold/dry and milder/wet spells driven by Pacific storms, Arctic clippers, and Gulf-fed systems. Expect Western rain/snow and snowpack gains; frost/freezes, wind-chill stress, mud, and mixed rain/snow elsewhere. Monitor regional windows for fieldwork, livestock protection, pruning, grain aeration, and power contingencies with local NWS forecasts.
Microbial fuel cells turn living soils into tiny power sources, enabling batteryless sensors to intermittently measure moisture, temperature, EC, and emerging nutrients via LoRa. Best in moist, carbon-rich fields, they promise multi-year, low-maintenance monitoring and lower lifetime costs, though data rates and performance vary with soil conditions and disturbance.
Holiday week brings limited federal agriculture activity, but agencies may post quick administrative updates. Monitor official sources for moves on farm policy, disaster aid, labor, trade, biofuels, pesticides/biotech, water, and nutrition. Expect sparse releases around Dec 25; prepare for January deadlines, market risks, labor costs, and conservation opportunities.