The U.S. Department of Agriculture compared areas in drought according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map with areas planted in various crops to determine that:
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Crops and cattle in drought continued to rise. Overall, drought has shifted toward the north and west in recent weeks.
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U.S. corn in drought stands at 85 percent, up a percentage point from a week ago. The corn harvest is underway, 26 percent complete nationally by September 16.
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Soybeans in drought also rose a point – to 82 percent. The soybean harvest has accelerated, and stood at 10 percent complete nationally as of September 16.
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Hay in drought likewise rose 1 point to 67 percent, eclipsing the 66 percent high set on July 17 and 24.
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Cattle in drought reached a new high, rising 1 point to 75 percent.
- Winter wheat in drought was added last week, as planting is underway (11 percent complete). Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of winter wheat areas are in drought.
- Due to expansion of drought in the nation’s mid-section, contiguous U.S. drought coverage reached a record-high 64.82 percent on September 18, eclipsing last week’s mark of 64.16 percent. The former record of 63.86 percent had been set earlier in the summer on July 24.
- The forecast features little if any rain over the next five to seven days in most of the severe-to extreme drought areas, particularly the Great Plains.
See supporting pdf.
-- From Eric D. Luebehusen, meteorologist, World Agricultural Outlook Board, Office of the Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture