Despite drought, majority of crops in good condition

For three months, Mid-Missouri has been dealing with a water shortage, as rain continues to remain scarce. The lack of rain has led to a severe drought that is quickly spreading across the state. The latest drought monitor shows that nearly 70 percent of the state is under some form of drought, with roughly 17 percent in a severe drought.

Since April, Mid-Missouri has seen a 7-inch rainfall deficit and a wild swing in temperatures, which is starting to put stress on crops.

A weekly report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows 15 percent of corn and soybean crops, two of Missouri’s chief cash crops, are showing poor conditions. While the majority of them are doing well, current drought trends are worrisome for the region. The drought is not only affecting crops, but cattle farmers across the state as well. Due to one of the coldest and driest Aprils on record, followed by the warmest May ever recorded, the region is experiencing a hay shortage.

While the precipitation outlook through the latter half of this month shows above-average rainfall, the forecast abnormally warm conditions will likely mean that precipitation comes in the form of spotty to isolated storms. It’s these storms that can be bad for crops, as hail usually accompanies the storms. A

Although the majority of crops are doing well for now, we need a sustained period of rain to lift us out of the drought, which is not looking likely as a heat dome continues to build across the nation.

Stay with ABC 17 Stormtrack as we continue to monitor the latest changes and follow us on Twitter @ABC17Stormtrack.