Drought concerns could loom over the 2025 growing season

This week, widespread precipitation affected much of the U.S., with the Pacific Northwest and southern U.S. seeing significant rainfall.

Coastal areas from Washington to northern California reported up to 15 inches, while parts of the southeast and Ohio Valley saw totals between 2 and 10 inches.
The rain helped improve drought conditions across the south, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. However, drought worsened in the southwest and parts of the high plains. Temperatures were largely high than normal, especially from the west to the Midwest.

The northeast and parts of the southeast experienced cooler-than-usual conditions.

As we start a new year, Ag Web reports that 70% of the U.S. faces drought.

The dry fall could signal the possibility of a dry planting season for key crops like corn and soybeans. Deep soil dryness is particularly concerning in the Corn Belt and Southwest.
One meteorologist warns that unless weather patterns shift, drought conditions could worsen across the plains and Midwest, creating significant challenges for the 2025 growing season.

Related Stories
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.