Drought Continues in Midwest

The worst drought in 17 years is taking a toll in the Midwest, as reported by the Irrigation Association. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports drought conditions in a wide band from northern Michigan to northeastern Texas. The most severe consequences have been seen in Illinois and Missouri. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates corn production in Illinois will be down 28 percent over last year and soybean production will be down 25 percent. Forecasts for Illinois winter wheat, apples and peaches are also way down.

Drought is also having an impact on landscapes. At least seven Illinois jurisdictions have enacted lawn watering bans. In Missouri, the USDA is providing emergency federal aid to agricultural producers in 22 counties and is considering the governor’s request to declare drought disasters in 109 counties. In Nebraska, a 75-mile stretch of the Platte River is dry, which is bad news for irrigators who rely on the Platte to recharge groundwater.