A Dry Summer

Drought conditions persist in much of western U.S. Besides the headlines coming out of California, some other key areas are experiencing drought. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows severe and extreme conditions in much of the mountain region.

Of importance for domestic crop production, note that much of Iowa is experiencing drought. The State is the nations top producer of both corn (17% of U.S. production) and soybeans (14%). Also, west Texas and the panhandle regions are dry. Texas produces 42% of U.S. cotton, much of it grown in the panhandle area.

Even my home region of New England is experiencing moderate and severe levels of drought.