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
Website providing drought condition maps and information for the U.S.
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
Map of drought tendency and forecast for the U.S.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Learn About the Types of Droughts and Their Impact
Learn about the impacts of drought on communities and the environment.
University of Nevada
Drought Preparedness Factsheets
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• Drought and Your Home (PDF) • Related resources for your home and drought |
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• Drought and Your Livestock (PDF) •Related resources on livestock and drought |
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• Drought and Your Crops (PDF) |
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Excessive heat conditions accompany drought. |
Key Resources for Droughts
Website with information on education, planning, and monitoring for drought.
University of Nebraska
Website with information and tools to assess impacts, prepare and mitigate effects of drought.
National Drought Resilience Partnership
General Information about Droughts
Website providing drought resources for the home, family, farm and ranch.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
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
Website with latest assessments and seasonal outlooks for drought situations in the U.S.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Website with information and resources about drought.
National Weather Service (NOAA NWS)
Website providing latest USDA drought announcements and drought disaster updates.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Drought Assistance Programs
Weekly LFP program eligibility maps
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Information on extension of livestock replacement.
Internal Revenue Service
Information on tax issues for livestock during drought.
North Dakota State University Extension Service
A list of available USDA drought programs and resources.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)