I was talking to a couple of local farmers today about this drought. Old timers

[CoffeeCat]

57. I really doubt what these farmers are saying...

I live in Iowa and I see the cornfields that surround the area in which I live. There are so many cornfields in central Iowa, and no matter which direction I drive--I'd hit a cornfield within five minutes of my house.

I've watched these fields deteriorate throughout the summer. It's the worst that I've ever seen it. These fields are slowly turning from emerald green, to light green to light brown and worse.

I could see where farming short cuts may produce worse results in normal years or where you have mild weather challenges, but with extreme and roasting temperatures like this and no rain--I don't think prep work is a factor any longer. These crops are not getting any moisture, and although corn planted without "short cuts" may have longer roots, corn roots can only grow so deep. There is no water. AT ALL. The soil is bone dry very deep into the ground. We had a very dry winter, practically no rain in the spring and this summer is sweltering with rainfall being a rarity.

No way could any farmer "prepare" for this kind of drought. We've had temperatures of more than 100 degrees for most of July. It was 104 today. The extended forecast calls for 100 degree temps well into next week--and no rain in the forecast.

From what I've seen--every field around here is in jeopardy. A few weeks ago, Iowa wasn't even mentioned as one of the states hit hard by drought--with crops doing poorly. Indiana and Illinois were always mentioned. Well, you can add us to the list. If the forecast holds and the temps remain around 100, with no rain, then the corn here will be completely trashed.

Last week, one farmer said that his insurance man told him to "burn his fields" if this heat and drought held up for one more week. That was several days ago. I imagine in the next week or so, we will hear a lot of news about corn and other food supplies being seriously affected.

I'd expect prices to rise because of this. Anyone who wants to avoid price spikes might want to stockpile before these higher food prices hit.