A devastating drought gripping the Midwest and nearly 80 percent of the country is proving catastrophic for America’s agriculture industry, according to a report released Monday by the National Drought Mitigation Center. It’s the most widespread drought since 1956, and experts say it rivals the infamous Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Natural disasters have been declared in more than 1,000 counties in 26 states, and weather-related crop losses could hit a record. As temperatures continue to soar, here’s a look at how the drought is ravaging the land, crop yields, and farmers’ livelihoods across the country.
Seth Perlman / AP Photo









