Drought worries enter the crop season

Jun 08, 2023

Dry conditions have caused early-season concern for farmers across the Midwest.

After many farmers were able to plant in good conditions, the rains have been few and far between, which could take the top off yield estimates despite the ability to get timely fertilizer applications in.

“If we hit the V5 or V6 growing stage, we are starting to determine yield,” said Eric Wilson, an Illinois agronomist with Wyffels Hybrids.

One aspect of the dry conditions is the impact of early-season herbicide applications not being activated.

“If you don’t have good, ideal growing conditions for those crops to metabolize that stuff in a timely fashion, you can get a little crop injury,” Wilson said. “It can make corn look a little sick, a little yellow, for the time being.”

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.