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
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
China still has a long way to go before it meets its commitment to buy 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this year.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
Brooks York with Agrisompo joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report with some guidance on how producers can navigate their crop insurance claims for unsold grain crops.
Strong U.S. yields and steady demand leave most major crops well supplied, keeping price pressure in place unless usage strengthens or weather shifts outlooks.

Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.