Drought Worsens in Midwest – MS Delta Receives Rainfall

The once-in–a–lifetime drought that affects most of the U.S. Corn Belt got worse as August draws to a close, according to a new Agriculture Department report.

The U.S. Drought Monitor showed that just over two-thirds of the nation’s biggest corn producer, Iowa, was in exceptional drought as of Tuesday, August 21. That’s up more than 5 percentage points from the previous week. Nearly all of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri and Illinois were in extreme or exceptional drought. More than 63% of the contiguous U.S.A. is experiencing some level of drought. More than 23% is under exceptional or extreme drought.

In contrast Tropical Strom Isaac recharged MS Delta wetlands and brakes which were already at the best end of summer levels that we’ve seen in recent years as well as providing moisture to produce a stand on additional end of the summer millet and natural seed grasses.

We like the predictions of Delta Waterfowl Scientific Director, Frank Rohwer. “I’d suspect we won’t see the ducks held in the Midwest like we have in the past,” Rohwer said. “It’ll be good for coastal hunters and hunters in the South.”

Exceptional corn and soybean yields in the MS Delta should translate into abundant supplies of waste grain. The ever increasing popularity of no till farming provides a tremendous boost to leftover grain in the field. Fall rains wash the grain into lowlying areas where floodgates are closed to create open field duck holes.

We at MS Delta Ducks are getting excited about the upcoming season and hope that you share our enthusiasm. Come hunt with us – we’ve got a place for you!