Drought monitor shows minor relief from last week

The November 4th drought monitor shows 68% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 1% from the previous week, with 43.7% in D1 level drought or higher, up .1%.

Improvement in drought condition was noted in the Pacific Northwest, with some areas receiving over 6 inches of rain in the past week. Drought conditions also eased slightly in New England and the mid-Atlantic regions on smaller rainfall totals. Precipitation in the Midwest was mostly spotty, but more consistent in lower Indiana and along portions of the Ohio River. The deep south and lower Mississippi saw much drier conditions prevail over the past week, with drought conditions beginning to intensify around the Florida panhandle.

Currently 30% of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought (unchanged), with 32% of soybean acres (down 2%), and 38% of winter wheat acres (down 2%) also impacted. For livestock, 26% of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions (unchanged), with 36% of dairy cattle also in drought (up 1%). Generally drier conditions should assist in what little harvest is remaining to be completed.

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