COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nearly six million Ohioans are living in areas of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

What You Need To Know

  • Drought can create a variety of challenges for farmers
  • The U.S. Drought Monitor includes four main classifications, including Moderate Drought, Severe Drought, Extreme Drought and Exceptional Drought
  • Each week, Spectrum News 1 anchor Chuck Ringwalt and agriculture expert Andy Vance discuss an aspect of the state's agricultural landscape

“Obviously, this has a huge impact on farmers. We've got crops in the field and the amount of moisture and heat that is available to those crops to grow and pollinate and create the food that we eat is really, really important,” agriculture expert Andy Vance said.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Ohio farmers reported dry conditions in the southern portion of the state.

"As things get drier and hotter, it becomes more dire for the crops, so those upper tiers — Extreme [Drought] and Exception Drought — that's do not pass go, do not collect $200 type territory," Vance said.

To learn more, you can visit the U.S. Drought Monitor.

If you have an idea for the Ag Report, a question for Chuck and Andy or you’d like to send a photo of your farm and the work you do, email charles.ringwalt@charter.com.

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