Heavy winter snows have temporarily eased the well-documented water crisis in western states including Colorado and California, but now Midwestern farmers in America's Breadbasket are worrying more about their crops as drought worsens across Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and Ohio.
While Midwestern dry spells aren't unusual, the current lack of rain is compounding existing problems with dry soils and streams, experts say, potentially raising the cost of cattle feed and ultimately the price Americans pay for beef.
"These are fairly serious drought conditions we're seeing right now," said Dennis Todey, the director of the Department of Agriculture Midwest Climate Hub in Ames in Iowa. "It's not a major national issue yet, but it can become a larger issue if things don't turn around soon."
What is happening with the Midwestern drought?
Many states are reporting drought conditions, ranging from "abnormally dry" to "exceptional drought." Those states include Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and farther east to Indiana and Ohio. Missouri Gov. Michael Parson has issued an executive order to help his state manage the dry conditions.
Source: usatoday.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-neenawat555
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Weather