Nearly two thirds of the U.S. is in moderate to exceptional drought and half of the nation's corn is poor to very poor. This diminishing supply has raised the prices dramatically which affects the livestock farmers who need to buy the crops to feed the animals. The agriculture industry appears healthy this year, except much of the impact the drought has had will be felt next year especially in farmer revenue. Lawmakers are expected to pass a farm bill after the November election which may be too late for livestock producers because of the price to feed their animals. Most farmers are calm about this drought because it is their way of life and a part of them, but it will affect their whole family. Cancelled family vacations, delayed doctor visits, selling off land intended to be handed down through generations, and children having to forgo preferred colleges for cheaper ones closer to home are just some of the effects this drought has had on farmers this year. Although they are not in danger of losing their homes or going hungry, this is threatening their way of life and there is no chance of knowing if conditions will get better. A year of drought can be sustainable, but multiple years in a row could be devastating to these farmers and the U.S. as a whole.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/04/us/widespread-drought-threatens-way-of-life-for-farmers.html?pagewanted=all
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