Midwest Grapples with Worsening Drought, over 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Impacted

Jun 30, 2023

The Midwest region of the United States continues to face escalating drought conditions, with the latest update from the National Drought Mitigation Center revealing that over 70% of the country's corn crop and 63% of soybeans are now affected. Despite recent rainfall in the Northern Corn Belt, drought expansion persists, particularly in key agricultural states like Illinois and Missouri.

Illinois has witnessed a significant surge in severe drought coverage, with almost 59% of the state now impacted. In Missouri, exceptional drought now encompasses nearly 20% of the area, accompanied by severe drought affecting more than half of the state. Throughout the Midwest, the Drought Monitor indicates that around 64.71% of the region is facing abnormally dry conditions, while severe drought affects 24.65% of the area.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that the corn crop has achieved historically low ratings, indicating that these dry conditions have had a negative impact on crop conditions. Only 50% of the corn crop is currently classified as good to excellent, a decline of five percentage points within a week. Soybean crop conditions have also deteriorated, marking the second-worst ratings on record, with 51% rated as good to excellent, reflecting a three-point drop.

Farmers are growing increasingly concerned about the potential impact on overall crop production and yields. A recent survey conducted by AgWeb revealed that 61% of respondents are becoming increasingly worried about corn yields. The upcoming USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report on July 12th will provide an opportunity to update yield forecasts.

While there is a glimmer of hope with better chances of rainfall on the horizon, topsoil moisture remains a critical concern, particularly in Illinois and Missouri. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey anticipates improved rainfall prospects for the southern part of the Corn Belt, potentially bringing relief to drought-stricken areas. However, the accumulated moisture deficit during this pivotal stage of crop production necessitates sustained and substantial rainfall to alleviate the long-term impacts of the drought.

As the Midwest grapples with persistent and worsening drought conditions, the agricultural community eagerly awaits the much-needed rainfall that will play a pivotal role in supporting crop development during this crucial reproductive stage.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.