How to Survive the Wheat Fungus UG99

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By WriterGig
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Fears of Wheat Fungus UG99 Mount

Also known as wheat stem rust, the UG-99 wheat fungus has taken hold in Africa and spread to Iran. Scientists call it a ticking time bomb, noting it has the potential to wipe out 80% of the world's wheat crops, devastate the food supply and cause mass starvation.

While wheat stem rust fungus has been in existence as long as people have been growing wheat, this new strain is resilient and overpowers wheat resistant to most other strains of the fungus. Discovered in Uganda in 1999, the UG-99 wheat fungus is named for its place and date of identification.

In case world wheat crops are as devastated as scientists fear they will be, preparedness is essential for survival.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Take stock of your family's typical diet and food sources. Whether or not wheat is a mainstay of your diet as it is for most Westerners, a serious wheat shortage will effect everyone as countries compete for corn, rice and other grains to make up for the loss of a staple grain.

Food sources are also key. If you buy all of your food from grocery stores, mass retailers and restaurants, you will be immediately affected by any interruption in the food supply.
Step 2

Look for local food sources and get to know nearby farmers and producers. You can best prepare for a wheat fungus UG99 outbreak by learning what food is available locally and when, and building relationships with these food producers.

Even if local is more expensive in some cases, it is crucial to support local growers now so that they can build up their infrastructure and produce more to meet the growing demand before a crisis hits.
Step 3

Grow some of your own food, as much as you can depending on your land and time resources allow. You can start small, with potted tomato plants in the spring, but realize that the knowledge you gain now may be critical in the future.

Backyard chicken flocks are an excellent and simple way to produce your own meat and eggs, two excellent sources of protein. Get started now while chickens and fencing materials are still cheap.
Step 4

Store freeze dried food, dry grains, canned goods, dehydrated foods and other long-term storage items in a cool, dry place within your home. Whether it's wheat stem rust, a natural disaster or a man-made crisis that strikes, having a store of food within your home may be critical to survival.