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Dry conditions start to weigh on crop conditions

An atmospheric scientist says the dry conditions are starting to lower the good to excellent crop condition ratings in USDA’s weekly reports.

The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor says 89% of Midwestern states are experiencing dryness and more than half of High Plains states are dry.

Aaron Wilson with the Ohio State University says corn, soybeans and winter wheat conditions vary in different parts of the country, but winter wheat is taking the biggest yield hit so far.

“It’s another tough year for winter wheat, projected to be the fourth consecutive down year in the United States in terms of production. U.S. winter wheat abandonment is forecast at 32.6%, the second highest on record.”

Wilson says ponds, streams and alfalfa fields are struggling across several states.

“The reduced water and flow and not being able to grow a productive second cutting of hay is a struggle in many states.”

Wilson says temperatures are getting warmer and rainfall will vary through the end of June.