Several offsetting regional changes within the latest U.S. Drought Monitor led to a significant month-over-month increase. (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

How much has drought coverage grown in major corn and bean growing areas of the country over the past month? (Rod Bain and USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey)

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses the month-over-month changes in the U.S. Drought Monitor and their net effect on total domestic drought coverage over the past five weeks.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey notes the dramatic changes in drought coverage in the Midwest over the past two months.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey discusses some of the states where extreme to exceptional drought coverage is noted for the U.S. Drought Monitor period ending July 4th.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey looks at cotton, hay and cattle producing areas in drought for the period ending July 4.

Many experts say a further look into USDA's acreage report shows that it should not have been as big a surprise as it initially was. (Gary Crawford and USDA Outlook Chairman Mark Jekanowski)

We are just days away from having a much better feel for the size of this season's beleaguered winter wheat crop. (Gary Crawford and USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski)