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Severe Drought Grips Three-Quarters of US, Farmers Fear 2026 Growing Season

Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 12:01 PM

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor, approximately 75% of the United States is currently experiencing drought conditions. Agricultural producers are expressing serious concerns about how these dry conditions could impact future crop yields.

New data from the U.S. Drought Monitor reveals that roughly three-quarters of the United States is currently experiencing drought conditions, sparking alarm among agricultural producers about the upcoming 2026 growing season.

Ken Franklin, who farms in Central Illinois, describes the current situation as critical for agriculture. “Our subsoil moisture is nonexistent right now and our topsoil moisture is pretty dry. In fact, I top dressed wheat the other day and I didn’t have to wait,” Franklin explained, highlighting just how parched conditions have become.

The extensive dry conditions across such a large portion of the country are raising red flags for farmers who depend on adequate soil moisture for successful crop production. The lack of both surface and deeper soil moisture could have lasting impacts on agricultural operations heading into the next planting season.

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