Year of the grasshopper?

I've noticed a real increase in grasshopper sightings this year; not something we see too often in Arizona. If you step out at the right time of day you'll see them all over the sidewalks and streets. Although grasshoppers may be interesting to watch they seem to be causing real problems for some farming communities.

The Tucson Community Supported Agriculture reported that they are canceling their Fall session Thursday pick ups due to increased grasshopper damage. Crops were devastated from grasshoppers at "biblical proportions" according to one local farmer. So what's causing the increase in these herbivorous insects? Apparently it's a seven year cycle; grasshoppers multiply until the seven year crescendo and then start a new cycle. It looks like this year they're at their peak; after this season we probably won't see them again for awhile. Although local farmers will be relieved some of us will miss the entertainment!