Map from the U.S. Drought Monitor, June 30, 2020. [yellow=abnormally dry, orange=severe drought, red=extreme drought]. Source: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu

Drought

All areas in the United States are at risk of drought. A prolonged drought can have a serious impact on agricultural communities, affecting crops, livestock, families and businesses. Families and businesses can be impacted by limited or restricted water sources during drought situations.

Decreased water supplies also result in the loss of crops and reduced forage growth and availability, impacting livestock. Plants can concentrate toxins under drought conditions, making them more lethal when ingested by livestock. Drought conditions can also increase the level of disease and insect infestations for plants and livestock. Dry conditions also lead to wind erosion of top soil and increased risk for fire hazards.

The following resources will help you prepare for and protect your family, farm, livestock and crops during drought situations.

Determine the Risk of Drought In Your Area

U.S. Drought Monitor
Website providing drought condition maps and information for the U.S.
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook
Map of drought tendency and forecast for the U.S.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)

Learn About the Types of Droughts and Their Impact

Drought Impacts
Learn about the impacts of drought on communities and the environment.
University of Nevada
Types of Droughts
Information on the types of droughts.
National Weather Service
Understanding Drought
Information on the five types of drought.
University of Nebraska

Drought Preparedness Factsheets

Drought and Your Home (PDF)
Related resources for your home and drought

Drought and Your Livestock (PDF)
Related resources on livestock and drought

Drought and Your Crops (PDF)
Related resources on crops and drought

Excessive heat conditions accompany drought.
Find tips to keep safe during extreme heat situations.

Key Resources for Droughts

National Drought Mitigation Center
Website with information on education, planning, and monitoring for drought.
University of Nebraska
National Integrated Drought Information Center (NIDIS)
Website with information and tools to assess impacts, prepare and mitigate effects of drought.
National Drought Resilience Partnership

General Information about Droughts

Drought Information and Resources
Website providing drought resources for the home, family, farm and ranch.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
Drought Resources
Website of resources for dealing with drought conditions, includes weather maps and reports, information on crops, livestock, your home and yard, and personal stress.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Living with Drought
Website with drought-related resources and tools.
University of Nevada
NWS Climate Prediction Center: Drought Information
Website with latest assessments and seasonal outlooks for drought situations in the U.S.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Understand Drought and Know How To Respond
Website with information and resources about drought.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
USDA Drought Resources Page
Website providing latest USDA drought announcements and drought disaster updates.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Drought Assistance Programs

Disaster Assistance Programs: Livestock Forage Program
Weekly LFP program eligibility maps
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA)
IRS Relief Provides Drought-Stricken Farmers, Ranchers More Time to Replace Livestock
Information on extension of livestock replacement.
Internal Revenue Service
IRS Tax Issues for Livestock Sales in Drought Years
Information on tax issues for livestock during drought.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
USDA Drought Programs and Assistance
A list of available USDA drought programs and resources.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)