How 2025 Is Shaping Up for Farmers After a Dry Fall

Three months ago, the nation’s farmers were in the middle of harvest season. In Midwest states, many farmers were also in the midst of mild to devastating drought. At that time – about the middle of October – 30% of the Midwest was abnormally dry, 35% was facing D1 moderate drought, 16% was facing D2 severe drought, 2% was facing D3 extreme drought, and less than 1% was facing D4 exceptional drought.

Halfway through the first month of 2025, all Midwest states are in much better shape. Here’s a look at the improvement, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) report, along with how December precipitation in each state has helped.

Iowa

According to the USDM report released Jan. 16, just 1% of Iowa is in D2 severe drought. That’s much improved compared to three months ago, when 16% of the state was facing D2 severe drought.

“Soil moisture levels continue to be the primary concern as farmers look forward to the 2025 crop year, “ said USDA in its Crop Progress – State Stories report released Jan. 8. According to the report, Iowa as a whole saw near normal precipitation during the month of December.

Illinois

Three months ago, 4% of Illinois was facing D2 severe drought. As of the latest USDM report, however, none of the state is in D2 severe drought and only 15% is in D1 moderate drought. 

According to USDA, Illinois topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies were mostly adequate the week ending Jan. 5, and precipitation for the month of December was slightly above average. 

Minnesota

As of Jan. 14, 7% of Minnesota is in D2 severe drought. Three months ago, over a quarter of the state, 28%, was facing D2 severe drought.

USDA said precipitation for the state during the month of December was close to normal. 

Indiana

Although it’s 37% abnormally dry, for the first time since the end of August 2024, Indiana is drought free. Just three months ago, 33% of the state was in D1 moderate drought and 11% was facing D2 severe drought.

Statewide average precipitation was more than an inch above normal in December, said USDA. That abundance replenished topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to mostly adequate for the month.

Missouri

Three months ago, 14% of Missouri was facing D2 severe drought and 5% was facing D3 extreme drought. As of the most recent USDM report, 0% of the state is facing D2/D3 drought, and just 12% is in D1 moderate drought.

Precipitation in Missouri in December was just above average. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels the week ending Jan. 5 were over 75% adequate.

Ohio

Just 6% of the Buckeye State is in D1 moderate drought according to the USDM report. That’s drastically improved compared to three months ago. At that time, Ohio was facing devastating drought: 28% of the state was in D1 moderate drought, 17% was in D2 severe drought, 12% was in D3 extreme drought, and 8% was in D4 exceptional drought.

Much to growers’ relief, above-average precipitation was reported by USDA for Ohio for the month of December.

Wisconsin

Moderate drought is the worst level of drought Wisconsin is facing currently: 40% of the state is in D1 moderate drought. Three months ago, 21% of the state was in D2 severe drought.

According to USDA, precipitation in Wisconsin for the month of December was slightly below average.

Michigan

Three months ago, 20% of Michigan was facing D2 severe drought and less than 1% was in D3 extreme drought. As of this week’s USDM report, 18% of the state is experiencing D2 severe drought, with none in D3 extreme drought.

Precipitation statewide in December was about a half inch above normal, said USDA.

Kentucky

With 0% of the state even abnormally dry, Kentucky is the only Midwest state completely free of all drought stress. Three months ago in the middle of harvest, 4% of Kentucky was abnormally dry.

In its Crop Progress – State Stories report, USDA said of Kentucky, “For the month of December, Kentucky saw above normal temperatures and precipitation. After drought conditions throughout the fall, the State has seen two straight months of above normal rainfall.”