This is unusual for Ohio, where corn typically reaches maturity in late September or early October. The drought has also impacted livestock, causing them to lose weight and become weaker. The drought has been ongoing for several months, with no signs of improvement. The Ohio Department of Agriculture has issued a drought watch for the entire state, and the National Weather Service has issued a drought watch for the entire state as well.

The Gallia County Commission has issued a disaster declaration. “It’s like rolling the dice, gambling. You are at the mercy of the weather,” McKean explained. “If the weather doesn’t cooperate, then you are not going to have much of a product. Poor pollination. Poor growth. The quality is not there.” The family farm is more than 400 acres with the drought effecting 90% of operations. McKean believes the impact of the drought will also be felt by consumers. “If that product isn’t there, you are going to have a low supply and a high demand which means an increase,” he said. “I wouldn’t doubt you will see a significant increase in grocery stores again this year.”

In the meantime, farmers have no choice but to find a way to deal with the dry conditions, hoping a significant rain come sooner rather than later.