GRAPHIC: Which region’s growing season has increased the most?

by Sky Chadde, Investigate Midwest November 3, 2021January 19, 2023 Why you can trust Investigate Midwest

A soybean field in Central Illinois during Fall of 2018. Over the past two decades, a growing number of weeds have become resistant to glyphosate, the most popular weed killer in the world, sold as Monsanto’s Roundup. In response, agribusiness companies have created different herbicides to help combat glypohsate-resistant weeds. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting

Over the past century, the length of the U.S.’s growing season — when crops are planted and cultivated — has increased by about two weeks, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Only two states have seen their growing seasons get smaller.

The West has seen the largest increase, with California leading the way.

The EPA identified a few problems associated with an increased growing season. It could limit what kinds of crops are grown, or it could breed weeds. It might also disrupt a state’s ecosystem, according to the EPA.

Hover over the state in the graphic below to see the change in its growing season.

_{Top photo: A soybean field in Central Illinois during fall 2018. Photo by Darrell Hoemann, Investigate Midwest}