The West continued to see an expansion and intensification of drought conditions through May and into the start of June. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

The Southern Plains region received some needed moisture over the past month, relieving drought conditions and benefitting agriculture. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

U.S. meteorologist, Brad Rippey, discusses some ag commodities in drought over the past month.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, notes specific commodities grown in the West and Northern Plains currently covered in drought, per the June First U.S. Drought Monitor.

Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist, talking about some of the areas of potential drought concern.

Dry areas outweigh wet areas, according to USDA's latest look at topsoil moisture. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

There have been some improvements in pasture and rangeland conditions around the country. (Stephanie Ho and USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a detailed look at where in the country pasture conditions are either in good or poor condition.

One expert says potential buyers and sellers of farms and farmland are paying close attention to all the talk about possible changes to things like farm estate taxes and capital gains. (Gary Crawford and Randy Dickhut with Farmers National Company)

Drought is still maintaining a stranglehold on most farming areas of Brazil. (Gary Crawford and USDA Chief Meteorologist Mark Brusberg)