Files
Abstract
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.