The two highest categories, Extreme and Exceptional drought increased to 22.3 percent of the Midwest in
the week ended July 31, up from 20.6 percent. The prime growing areas of Illinois had already been wiped out so no change to yield forecasts, now under 130 Bu/acre for the first time since the '90's.
Areas reporting drought were 52.7 percent of the U.S.,
down from 53.4 a week ago.
The major grains are down 1 to 1 1/2%.
From the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS):
