Widespread improvement in drought conditions across the U.S.

The June 16th drought monitor shows 72.8% of the U.S. is experiencing abnormal dryness or drought, down 2% from the previous week, with 55% in D1 level drought or higher, down 1.2%.Currently 23% (down 1%) of corn acres are in D1-D4 drought with 23% (down 2%) of soybean acres, and 23% (up 1%) of spring wheat acres also impacted. For livestock, 53% (down 1%) of the U.S.cattle herd is in D1-D4 drought conditions with 34% (down 1%) of dairy cattle also in drought.

Rainfall was heavier than normal for the time of year in Illinois and Indiana this week, with areas receiving 4-5 inches of rain. Even heavier totals were noted in the Gulf Coast regions. Drought generally eased across most of the country as temperatures were also near normal or slightly below average for most of the country.

The National Weather Service 7-day forecast expects rainfall to be widespread in the south and Midwestern U.S. in the coming week. Moisture from tropical storm Arthur, located off the coast of southeast Texas, will bring moisture to the south with residual precipitation seen as far north as Tennessee. Rain chances are also expected to remain high in the Corn Belt. No major deviations from temperatures are expected over that time.

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