http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

Below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures all year have the crops starting to stress. We have no moisture reserves and have been relying on very timely rainfall. Crops look amazing especially when you consider the low rainfall. Hay harvest was about half of the usual volume so cattle guys are nervous about winter feed. Streams and ponds are low (with the exception of the MO river which is high due to a lot of rain north of here) and wells are starting to become an issue. Corn tasseled and pollinated before July 4 which according to the 50+ producers I have spoken with - including some farming for over 60 years - has never happened before. We need the timely rains to continue as we are very close to a severe issue. How this plays out is totally depended on the weather the next few weeks. A few more timely rains and yields will be excellent. However, that will not help the livestock producers and will do nothing to recharge from the deficit. From Atchison County, Missouri, on July 9, 2018. Via the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter, the submitter of this report also noted the following at this location: Degree of dryness; Moderately Dry. Sectors impacted: Agriculture, Environment, Water