Drought Worsens Across Corn Belt

Map source: National Drought Mitigation Center

While recent rains fell in several areas of the U.S. Corn Belt, the moisture hasn’t put a dent in the worsening drought conditions. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a whopping 70% of U.S. corn and 63% of soybeans are in severe-to-exceptional drought conditions. The updated numbers reflect a 6-point expansion for both corn and soybeans.

Illinois drought conditions took a considerable jump, up 28 points at 59% of the state in severe drought. Missouri is 20% covered in exceptional drought, up 10% from last week. Hot temperatures and mostly dry weather have contributed to worsening dryness. USDA recently dropped the country’s corn condition rating to just 50% in good-to-excellent condition, a 5-point drop.

Read more on drought conditions here.