Drought

The NWS’s forecast for above-normal temps means some areas could be in need of spring-time rains.

It could hit 100˚F in Des Moines next Wednesday. That in and of itself is not entirely abnormal, but it does help drive home a larger point – extreme heat is descending on large areas of the Corn Belt.

At a time when big Midwest grain crops are contributing to lower global food prices, the lack of rain in the nation’s biggest agricultural state is boosting costs for fresh fruits.

A lot of rain is needed to replenish the majority of farm country, according to a recent Farm Journal Pulse.

Kip Tom shares the impact the drought is having on his crop with the Weather Channel.

A big reason data from the Farm Journal Midwest Crop Tour is comparable to previous years is because of consistency. Scouts always travel the same routes, but pick fields at random. In South Dakota, scouts only take samples in the southeast corner of the state. But this year, the western and central portions of the state are facing drought.

When enrollment opened for the USDA disaster assistance programs this April, LaNelle Martin was one of the first to sign up at the Kimball County FSA office in Nebraska.

Federal officials have designated five Idaho counties as natural disaster areas due to recent drought conditions.

Livestock producers are eligible for USDA drought aid.

Some farmers may not participate if premiums are raised for the highest-income operations, as the Senate farm bill would do.