Over half of all U.S. corn and soybeans are in moderate to severe drought conditions. Conditions have worsened in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The National Drought Mitigation Center shows drought now covers: – 57% of corn – 51% of soybeans – 64% of sorghum, and – 50% of wheat. Conditions had worsened dramatically since last week when corn was 45%, and 39% of soybeans were in drought. The western Corn Belt has some pockets of extreme to exceptional drought.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says high pressure remains in place at higher latitudes, continuing the unfavorably dry weather pattern across much of the Midwest. Growers are now experiencing declining crop conditions, with only 61% of the U.S. corn crop rated good to excellent. Illinois remains exceptionally dry, with less than half of its corn rated good to excellent, a whopping 21-point fall in just two weeks.
Read more on drought conditions and the growing season here.
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