INVESTING CHECKOFF DOLLARS
A
NEW
NORMAL
Justin Glisan, Ph. D.
I OWA’ S C L I M ATO LO G I ST D I S C U SS E S T H E C LO S E LY I N T E R T W I N E D S C I E N C E S O F C L I M AT E A N D AG R I C U LT U R E BY LAUREN HOUSKA
S
top at any rural Midwest coop, coffee shop, gas station or community bank and weather will likely be a lively topic of conversation. For Justin Glisan, Ph.D., state climatologist within the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, weather is much more than chit chat — it’s his passion. “I’ve always been interested in weather,” Glisan says. “This is my dream job.” As state climatologist, he compiles and processes Iowa climate data for research needs. This includes preparing the weekly weather summary for the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report and the monthly Iowa weather summary.
24 | DECEMBER 2019 | IASOYBEANS.COM
The third person to ever hold the position, Glisan began his role as Iowa’s climatologist in May 2018. He was preceded by Harry Hillaker, who retired after three decades in the position. The first was Paul Waite, who was also on the job for nearly 30 years. “It is a longevity job, and no one day is the same as the previous day,” Glisan says. “I hope to be here for 30 years, much like my predecessors.” That 30-year mark is important when studying climate data. “Climatological normal” is the 30-year average of weather variables in a given location. Atmospheric scientists use it as a baseline to evaluate climate events and provide context for year-toyear variability.
Glisan sheds light on what “normal” really means when it comes to weather in Iowa, how weather patterns are changing, and how farmers are adapting.
Why choose to study Iowa weather? “Given the variability of weather we have seen in the last 100 years and the exciting weather patterns across Iowa, how could you not want to study it? Iowa is situated in the middle of a country that has varying topography and is flanked by two oceans. This setup brings every type of weather — sometimes all within 48 hours. Iowa is one of the only states in which its east and west borders are drawn out by rivers, making flooding a concern.
