Across the Corn Belt, dry weather prevails, except in westernmost corn and soybean production areas from the Dakotas southward. By June 18, topsoil moisture was rated more than one-half very short to short in all Midwestern States, except Ohio and North Dakota, led by Michigan (89%) and Illinois (87%). On the same date, Michigan also led the U.S. in very poor to poor ratings for corn (28%) and soybeans (32%).
On the Plains, record-breaking heat across much of Texas and portions of neighboring states is severely stressing summer crops entering reproduction.
