By Talia Duffy
This summer, the Midwest has experienced a period of intense drought that threatens the health of the region’s cash crops.
The 12 Midwestern states are also the top 12 corn-producing states in terms of bushels produced, based on data from the 2017 Census of Agriculture. When corn grows in drought conditions, a variety of complications — smaller leaves, smaller ears and reduced number of kernels — can result in a lower overall yield, depending on what growth stage it is in.
Since the start of summer, the percentage of United States corn in drought areas peaked at 70% during the week of June 27, according to data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
While still at high levels, the drought has eased some in the region. Weekly Drought Monitor reports show a general downward trend in the overall percentage of corn in drought, landing at 59% during the week of July 25, a full month after the peak.
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