Latest News From Drought

The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?
The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?

From the intense heat in the South to drought blanketing much of the U.S., weather stole headlines again in 2023. What caused such extreme conditions? One meteorologist explains the culprits of the heat and drought.

USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses
USDA May Now Face Court Challenge in Its Implementation of ERP for 2022 Losses

 Some Republican House and Senate members have expressed their concerns to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, particularly regarding the new payment formula used for ERP in 2022.

Rebuilding the Herd Begins at Pasture Level
Rebuilding the Herd Begins at Pasture Level

Despite recent market declines, many factors point towards an overall bullish cattle market in the months ahead. Jeff Clark of Corteva Agriscience, suggests producers start the rebuilding process in the pastures first.

No Bumper Hay Crop, 44% of the Cattle Inventory In Drought
No Bumper Hay Crop, 44% of the Cattle Inventory In Drought

Dry conditions persist across parts of the U.S., with nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of the nation’s hay crop areas experiencing drought. Cattle producers could be forced to make more tough decisions.

Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry
Could Cattle Prices Soar Through Next Year? That's What Economists Think, And It Could Completely Change the Industry

The August Ag Economists' Monthly Monitor asked economists when they think cattle herd expansion will start to take place. The majority think cattle contraction will continue for at least another year. 

John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners
John Phipps: Why Water is the New Oil for Landowners

John Phipps says there are signs that water is the new oil as water rights turn into water fights across the western U.S. He thinks it's a battle that could only heat up in the coming years.

The Midwest is Set to Bake Under High Heat, Ag Meteorologists Now Worry About Severe Crop Damage
The Midwest is Set to Bake Under High Heat, Ag Meteorologists Now Worry About Severe Crop Damage

With heat forecast to top 100 degrees in places, combined with the expectation for little to no rain, crop conditions could deteriorate and the biggest risk in the western and central Corn Belt.

Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought
Midwest Rains Not Enough to Break Long-Term Drought, 67% of Corn Still Rooted in Drought

The National Drought Mitigation Center estimates 67% of corn and 60% of soybeans are still considered to be in drought, a slight improvement from last week when drought covered 70% of corn and 63% of soybeans.

Derecho Packs Punch of 100 MPH Winds, Flattens Cornfields and Crushes Grain Bins Across the Midwest
Derecho Packs Punch of 100 MPH Winds, Flattens Cornfields and Crushes Grain Bins Across the Midwest

Hurricane-force winds swept from northern Missouri and Iowa all the way east to Illinois and Indiana. The derecho brought wind gusts up to 100 mph, flattening cornfields, but it also drenched soils with crucial rains.

Recent Rains Didn't Put a Dent in the Midwest Drought, 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Hit by Drought
Recent Rains Didn't Put a Dent in the Midwest Drought, 70% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Hit by Drought

Even with rains sweeping the Northern Corn Belt last weekend, the latest drought monitor shows drought continues to spread across Illinois with D2 (Severe Drought) taking a 28-point jump in a week.

Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought
Drought Watch: 64% of U.S. Corn Crop Now Covered by Drought

Drought is deepening across the Midwest with 64% of the corn crop and 57% of the soybean crop across the U.S. now covered in drought, a sizable jump in just a week after NASS showed a historic drop in condition ratings.

Production Problems in the Eastern Corn Belt? A Look at NOAA's New Summer Drought Outlook
Production Problems in the Eastern Corn Belt? A Look at NOAA's New Summer Drought Outlook

The updated drought monitor indicates dryness will continue to expand across eastern Missouri, eastern Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought
Drought Concerns Grow as 57% of Corn, 51% of Soybeans in the U.S. Now Considered to Be in Drought

Drought continues to deepen its grip across the Corn Belt, with Iowa and Illinois seeing large jumps in the moderate and severe drought categories. Now, more of the U.S. corn and soybean crop is covered in drought.

Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought
Drought Watch: Nearly Half of the U.S. Corn Crop is Now Covered in Drought

Last week, 34% of the U.S. corn crop was covered in drought, and this week it jumped to 45%. The second crop conditions ratings of the season from USDA-NASS confirmed dryness is starting to deteriorate crop conditions.

U.S. States Reach Colorado River Water Conservation Deal
U.S. States Reach Colorado River Water Conservation Deal

Seven U.S. states along the drought-starved Colorado River have reached a deal with the Biden administration to conserve water in a "historic consensus" to prevent supply problems for big cities as well as farmers.

Drought and Forage Challenges Continue in 2023
Drought and Forage Challenges Continue in 2023

Persistent drought in major beef cattle production regions continues to have a significant impact on the cattle industry despite improvements in drought conditions in other parts of the country.

USDA Just Provided the First National Snapshot of Pasture Conditions, And It Hints at More Cow Culling Ahead
USDA Just Provided the First National Snapshot of Pasture Conditions, And It Hints at More Cow Culling Ahead

USDA’s pasture and range conditions shows 33% is rated good/excellent and 37% is poor/very poor. While the picture is improved from last year, a deeper dive shows one state is worse than 2013.

Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?
Is El Niño to Thank for the Recent Rains in the Drought-Stricken Plains?

Farmers in the Southern Plains are finally starting to see much-needed moisture hit their fields. It may be too late for winter wheat, but it’s a hopeful sign for those needing the rain to even plant summer crops.

Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road
Cattle Cycle Uncertainty Looms As Drought Kicks Expansion Down the Road

With persistent drought conditions across many states, indications show the current cattle cycle may not be nearing an end anytime soon. Here’s a look a historical trends and what we might expect in the coming months.

Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains
Punishing Drought Now Expected to Persist Through July Across Texas, Plains

The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.

Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State
Kansas Winter Wheat Crop Crippled by Drought that Covers 80% of the State

Kansas typically accounts for 25% of the nation's winter wheat production, but ongoing drought is weighing on overall crop conditions. Farmers are now facing the possibility of increased abandonment this year.

What Does the Drought of 2022 Mean for Lactating Pairs in the Spring of 2023?
What Does the Drought of 2022 Mean for Lactating Pairs in the Spring of 2023?

While some parts of the U.S. remain in drought conditions and the soil moisture profile is in a deficit due to months of below normal precipitation, grass growth will likely be impacted this spring.

'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm
'It Looks Like a War Zone': Texas Farmer Describes Wheat Crop Now Ravaged by Sunday's Derecho and Dust Storm

Scenes across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas resemble the Dust Bowl after winds topping 100 mph ravaged the area. Growers are dealing with a dryland wheat crop that could already see abandonment as high as 80%.

2017 Outlook
5 Crop and Livestock Charts to Ponder from USDA’s 10-Year Outlook

What will the next decade hold for your farm? What factors should you use to weigh investments or crop planning?  Here are five trends and data sets to ponder from USDA's latest Agricultural Baseline Projections.

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Cattle Inventory By Number: How Does It Compare?

It’s official. The 2023 cattle inventory report has been released. Here's a look at how the totals compare to previous years and what we may expect from the industry going forward.

Does All This Rain and Snow Mean La Niña Is Loosening Its Grip On the U.S.?
Does All This Rain and Snow Mean La Niña Is Loosening Its Grip On the U.S.?

The sudden switch from drought to too much precipitation in parts of California now begs the question: Is the weather changing, and will California start to dig out from three consecutive years of drought?

How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation
How the $1.7 Trillion Omnibus Spending Package Might Impact Your Operation

Text of the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package was released early Tuesday morning. The Senate will vote first and intends to pass the measure before Thursday, leaving the House no time to demand changes.

 Is the Historic Drought in the Western U.S. Now Moving East?
Is the Historic Drought in the Western U.S. Now Moving East?

More people are noticing the multi-year drought in the West, but is it spreading? John Phipps combs through the data and maps to answer a viewer's question on U.S. Farm Report.

Cow Herd Liquidation and its Tax Implications
Cow Herd Liquidation and its Tax Implications

Whether you sold cows earlier this year or plan to sell some before the end of the year, University of Nebraska experts share a few tax considerations to review.

Pasture Recovery from Drought
Pasture Recovery from Drought

There are three critical time periods that occur during drought, including immediately before, during and following drought. What happens to forage plants during and after a drought?

Exercise Caution When Grazing Cattle on Drought Stressed Cornstalks
Exercise Caution When Grazing Cattle on Drought Stressed Cornstalks

Considering grazing cornstalks this winter to help ease feed needs? Here's some things to consider before turning cattle out in the field.

Third AFBF Survey Reveals Stark Reality of Western Drought
Third AFBF Survey Reveals Stark Reality of Western Drought

Drought continues to hammer farmers and ranchers in Western, Central and Southern Plains states, with far-reaching implications for farmers’ and ranchers’ bottom lines, and also food availability and affordability.

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Is the Cattle Industry Set Up to Repeat 2014?

Dry Conditions. Unabated cow slaughter. High Prices. This list of known factors weighs on the unknowns of the future to be seen in the cattle industry. Scott Brown shares insight to what we may see in the coming months.

Cattle Producers Face Relentless Heat and Drought, Hard Decisions To Be Made
Cattle Producers Face Relentless Heat and Drought, Hard Decisions To Be Made

Challenging conditions continue to plague cattle ranchers as they run short of feed and are forced to make tough decisions for their operation.

Drovers Drought Webinar is Wednesday – Register Here
Drovers Drought Webinar is Wednesday – Register Here

Drought has been a topic of conversation among ranchers for several months. Join us Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at 3 p.m. CST as we discuss drought and it's impacts on producers.

Managing Cows Through Dry Conditions: What Options Do I Have?
Managing Cows Through Dry Conditions: What Options Do I Have?

Hot, dry conditions have taken a toll on pasture growth this year. What should cattle producers consider to conserve grass in these dry areas?

Senators Call On USDA To Improve ERP Disaster Assistance For Producers
Senators Call On USDA To Improve ERP Disaster Assistance For Producers

Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) led their colleagues in requesting USDA to address ERP implementation issues. ERP helps producers offset impacts of natural disasters that occurred in 2020 and 2021.

Mile-Long Lines at Texas Livestock Auction: Drought Persists as Feed Costs Rise
Mile-Long Lines at Texas Livestock Auction: Drought Persists as Feed Costs Rise

The Emory Livestock Auction saw 3,494 head of livestock on July 9, drawing miles of trailer lines filled with desperate sellers, thankful for a sale while prices hold relatively steady.

What Would a Neutral Weather Pattern Mean for Harvest?
What Would a Neutral Weather Pattern Mean for Harvest?

UNL says heavy rains across the nation this week may have eased the drought conditions in the short-term, but they won’t be enough for the long run.

USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date
USDA Reveals Farmers Have Received More Than $4 Billion in ERP Payouts to Date

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced agricultural producers have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (formerly WHIP+), representing 67% of the $6 billion projected to be paid.

Texas Drought Approaching 2011’s Historic Levels
Texas Drought Approaching 2011’s Historic Levels

More than 45% of the contiguous US is currently in drought, with many parts of the southwest experiencing severe, extreme or exceptional drought. And no state has it worse than Texas.

Tools for Adjusting Stocking Rates during Drought
Tools for Adjusting Stocking Rates during Drought

With a high likelihood of drought continuing through the summer months, prepare for a shortage in forage production using these tools and strategies!

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The U.S. Just Broke a 27-Week Drought Streak, But Forecasts Don't Look Promising

Less than 50% of the continental U.S. is in moderate drought for the first time since November, but with another drought record still running strong, forecasts show drought could grow over the summer months.

Crucial Rains Finally Drenched Portions of Texas, Is It Enough to Save the State's Crops and Cattle?
Crucial Rains Finally Drenched Portions of Texas, Is It Enough to Save the State's Crops and Cattle?

Texas received crucial rains this week, reviving farmers’ hopes of producing a crop this year. A dire drought situation already robbed farmers of their winter wheat, but rains are now sprouting hope for other crops.

Late Frost and Freeze Warnings: What Does This Mean for Greening Pastures?
Late Frost and Freeze Warnings: What Does This Mean for Greening Pastures?

As tender spring forages begin to grow, what happens when a late frost occurs? How should cattle producers manage the impacts?

reduced forage due to drought in North Dakota
Dealing with Drought Webinar to Assist Cow-Calf Producers with Decision Making

Drought is not a new issue to cow-calf producers, but many factors make this year unique. Kansas State will host a webinar to help producers weigh options on May 19.

What You Need To Know About USDA Announcing Payments To Livestock Producers Hammered By Drought, Soaring Feed Costs
What You Need To Know About USDA Announcing Payments To Livestock Producers Hammered By Drought, Soaring Feed Costs

USDA says the launch of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) will address increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021. Phase 1 of the payments is expected to total $577 million.

In this May 18, 2015 photo, irrigation pipes sit along a dry irrigation canal on a field farmed by Gino Celli, who relies on senior water rights to water his crops, near Stockton, Calif.
Drought Coverage Now Rivals 2012, Wheat Belt and Cattle Country Conditions Continue to Crumble

Drought covering the continental U.S. grew by 2 points this week, now covering nearly 60% of the country. As the drought grips the Wheat Belt and key areas for cattle production, it's creating concern for 2022.

Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas
Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas

More than 70% of the country is still covered in drought. And while the latest winter storm was packed with needed moisture for some areas, it didn't blanket every area needing moisture to restore depleted soils.

California Sees Wettest Start to Water Year in 40 Years, Still Not Enough to Cure Concerns Over Drought
California Sees Wettest Start to Water Year in 40 Years, Still Not Enough to Cure Concerns Over Drought

As California farmers' try to battle back from extreme drought, hope is coming in the form of snow. The state's average snow water equivalent percentage of snowpack jumped from 19% on December 10 to 98% today.