Some federal research centers around the country will be focusing on helping farmers and foresters deal with climate change, including one in El Reno, Okla.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is to announce Wednesday designation of seven regional climate hubs.
The hubs will be at U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities, such as the U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station in Corvallis., Ore. Others will be in Iowa, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.
They will assess local climate risks, such as drought and wildfire, then develop plans for dealing with them, such as improved irrigation techniques.
The Grazinglands Research Laboratory in El Reno, Okla. is focusing on the effects of drought and pests in the region.
Bill Hohenstein, director of the Agriculture Department's climate change program, says the hubs will work with county extension agents and others to get the mitigation plans out to farmers, ranchers and foresters.
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