Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Historically delayed planting season, commodity prices rising, U.S.

Posted by Teo Blašković on June 1, 2019. Watchers.news

Catastrophic floods affecting the United States since mid-March 2019 are resulting in what experts are calling historically delayed planting season. The situation is already having a big impact on commodity prices but the full extent will be known by the end of the year and into 2020 planting season.

From January to early March, average temperatures in the Midwest remained in -6 to -1 °C (20 to 30 °F) range, with record snowfall in many areas, including the early March blizzard which dumped up to 0.9 m (3 feet) in some areas.

Temperatures rose to 15 °C (60 °F) from March 11 to 13 and combined with 38.1 mm (1.5 inches) of rain to quickly melt the snow and cause unprecedented runoff into local streams and rivers.

Many of the rivers were still frozen over with a thick layer of ice, which the powerful flow of water broke up and dislodged, creating massive chunks of ice that traveled downstream, acting like a plow.

Catastrophic flooding is having a huge effect on 2019 planting season, leading to what experts are calling a historically delayed planting season.

According to data released Tuesday, May 28 by the Agriculture Department, 18 states that produce the majority of the United States’ corn crop had an average of 90% of their fields planted by the end of May over the past 5 years. As of May 26, 2019, 58% of the corn crop and just 29% of soybeans were planted. 

Among the top six corn-producing states (Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana and South Dakota), Iowa is standing relatively good with 76% of planted crops but is still behind its 96% of 2014-18 average. Illinois is catastrophically low, with 35% planted, down from 95% of its 2014-18 average; the same as South Dakota with 25% planted, down from 90% of 2014-18 average; and Indiana with 22% planted, down from 85% of 2014-18 average.

Another wet week is expected across much of the Corn Belt but the first week of June looks like 70% of it may by dry for five or six days – something farmers haven’t seen so far this year, AccuWeather meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

“Many U.S. farmers face an impending decision regarding their planting plans,” Nicholls said. “Farmers with crop insurance can receive payouts instead of planting their crops, which helps the farmer but cuts into U.S. agricultural supplies.”

“Historical data shows that corn yield could drop roughly 22% if corn is planted on June 4. If the corn hasn’t been planted by next Tuesday [May 4], the yield will really drop off,” said Nicholls.

The next Crop Progress report is due Tuesday, June 3.