Learn how drought impacts the agriculture sector. Drought can lead to production losses, lower water availability for crops and livestock, and more.

4 days ago · Drought affects nearly every facet of USDA, reducing water quality, quantity and devastating the communities, farmers and ranchers we serve and the resources we protect.

Mar 25, 2025 · The Drought Monitor summary map identifies general areas of drought and labels them by intensity. D1 is the least intense level and D4 the most intense. Drought is defined as a moisture deficit bad enough to have social, environmental or economic effects.

USDA offers programs that can help with drought recovery and also help you manage risk and build resilience on your operation.

1 day ago · Last summer, Brice Acton watched drought devour the fields of his small family farm in southern Ohio. It took just a matter of days. First, the corn stalks in sandy soils dried out. Within two ...

Dec 9, 2021 · Drought causes losses to agriculture, and affects domestic water supply, energy production, public health, wildlife, and contributes to wildfire. If drought has impacted your operation, USDA can help you recover from your losses, mitigate risk, and prepare for future natural disasters.

Mar 27, 2025 · Farmers and ranchers getting ready for planting season might also need to prepare for another year of drought. Some parts of the Midwest and Great Plains are currently experiencing a combination ...

Users can view statistics, time series, and maps for both row crops and livestock & forage, as well as drought monitoring, risk management, and planning resources for speciality crops. In addition, users can view current and historical crop progress reports from the U.S. Department of …

Drought affects agriculture differently depending on location, severity, and length. While lack of precipitation can trigger droughts, in some places, rising temperatures have become a bigger factor in drought severity in recent decades.

Jan 4, 2022 · Saving water on your farm can help during drought and can offset rising water costs; reduce expenditures for energy, chemicals, and labor; and enhance revenues through higher crop yields and improved crop quality.