Drought throughout the U.S. is expanding.
The high plains and western U.S. are seeing higher levels of exceptional drought, while much of the corn belt is improving.
USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey breaks down the impact on commodities: “As a result we actually saw net decreases in overall drought coverage in U.S. corn and soybean production areas during the month of September. Corn production area in drought currently stands at 29 percent, down from 32 percent on September 1st. Soybeans in drought now 22 percent at the beginning of September that number was 23 percent. You look at the nation’s hay production areas and cattle inventory we’ve seen increases during the month of September. Hay in drought, 28 percent of the U.S. production area and cattle in drought 35 percent of the inventory on September 29th.”
Drought coverage is also increasing in winter wheat areas of the high plains and Pacific Northwest.