358 December 1995
Journal OfAgricultural and Resource Economics
advantage of a mesoscale network in providing more localized weather information can only
be realized when the time between observations can be measured in minutes rather than
hours, that is, real-time or near real-time reporting. Mesoscale networks record weather
events which would be missed by synoptic observations (Fujita). A mesoscale network can
also supply agricultural users with new variables such as solar radiation, soil temperature,
soil moisture, and wind gusts (important for spraying and controlled burning) which, due to
differentials in local conditions, are not meaningful when provided on a synoptic scale.
In the longer run, mesoscale information can be used to establish local climatological
data bases which can be used to determine variables such as first and last frosts, rainfall
patterns, and other information which helps to determine the feasibility of specific agricul-
tural enterprises in a given area (Thomson). Mesoscale weather data also provide potential
for improving weather forecasts, although the development of mesoscale-based forecasts
has been hampered by inadequate data availability and computer resources (Smith et al.).
Like many improvements in technology, the development of mesoscale weather networks
is costly. A mesoscale network requires a large number of stations, high quality automated
measuring systems, and the computer capabilities to compile and analyze the data (Thom-
son). Realizing the full benefits of improved mesoscale weather information and forecasts
will also require that new systems be developed to disseminate information to users in a
timely fashion (Smith et al.). Despite the potential benefits of a mesoscale weather network,
agricultural producers will incur costs, in terms of time and money, in gaining access to this
improved weather data.
The Oklahoma Mesoscale Network
Because of Oklahoma’s diverse climate, currently available (synoptic) weather data often
do not reflect the local conditions faced by agricultural producers. Rainfall varies from 16
inches in the western portion of the panhandle to over 54 inches in the southeastern region.
Elevations range from 300 feet above sea level in the southeast to over 4,900 feet in the
western panhandle. Crop and forage varieties range from gulf-coastal, warm-season types
to cool-season varieties. Irrigated crop production is substantial in several regions while
dryland crop production occurs throughout the state. Cattle production systems range from
extensive cow∕calf operations in eastern and central Oklahoma to small-grain grazing of
stocker cattle in the wheat-producing areas and intensive feedlot operations in the western
panhandle (McNew et al.). Because of this variability in climate and agricultural enterprises,
Oklahoma provides an ideal location to assess the benefits of a mesoscale network.
The Oklahoma mesoscale network, which was officially dedicated in March 1994,
consists of 111 automated observing stations with an average separation of 19 miles. The
stations record 15 weather parameters at five-minute intervals and relay the information to
a base station located in the Oklahoma Climatological Survey in Norman, Oklahoma. The
base station employs a mainframe computer to compile, analyze, and check the information
from the various stations. Weather data and weather information products are then distributed
to paid subscribers via computer networks and computer bulletin boards.
The Oklahoma Mesonet also provides the opportunity to develop “value-added” weather
information products which are based on the mesoscale weather data. An irrigation sched-
uling program, for example, determines potential evapotranspiration values based on 15-
minute weather data averages, the stage of crop development, and soil wetness. The grower