Drought
The start of summer has brought sweltering temperatures to the U.S. Corn Belt, where the corn and soybean crops are quickly fading.
Volatile weather patterns are likely to persist in 2012.
Above-normal temps expected across key growing areas into harvest.
With portions of the U.S. experiencing severe, extreme and exceptional drought conditions, farmers are posting photos showcasing just how much of an impact the lack of rain is having on their fields.
A punishing drought that stretches across much of the U.S. Northern Plains could cause farmers to lose 64 million bushels of wheat production this year, according to federal officials.
Crops and pastures continue to suffer in North Dakota as drought persists.
Northern Plains farmers harvest before kernels can fully form.
The drought plaguing eastern Montana and much of North and South Dakota came on quickly and is intensifying, leading ranchers to sell their cattle and farmers to harvest early whatever crops that have grown so far this summer.
Gov. Doug Burgum has further relaxed commercial driving restrictions to help drought-stricken North Dakota farmers and ranchers.
Extreme drought conditions throughout the Northern Plains have led to a shortage of hay and pasture