Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies
In the week ending October 6, 2026, 41 US states experienced moderate (D1) to exceptional (D4) drought.
As of October 7, 2026, approximately 101.9 million people in the United States were affected by drought conditions.
As of October 7, 2026, 55.21% of the contiguous United States was experiencing drought conditions.
Winter wheat planting for the 2027 crop reached 36% across 18 states, 10 percentage points below the historical average of 46%. Weekly progress rose 9 points from 27% on September 27.
Soybean harvest reached 25% across 18 monitored states, 8 percentage points below the 2021-2025 average (33%), despite advancing from 17% the previous week. These states represented 96% of harvested soybean acreage in 2025.
Corn harvest reached 23% across 18 USDA-monitored states, 4 percentage points below the 2021-2025 average (27%) and up from 18% the previous week. These states accounted for 93% of harvested corn acreage in 2025.
International maize prices rose 5.6% in September 2026, supported by lower yields in the United States and reduced export availability in Brazil.
Brazilian beef export prices increased on stronger U.S. demand after a temporary expansion of the tariff-rate quota.
1.33% of the area of the United States and Puerto Rico was in exceptional drought (D4), the highest-intensity category of the U.S. Drought Monitor, based on data valid as of September 29, 2026.
66.42% of the area of the United States and Puerto Rico was abnormally dry or in some category of drought (D0-D4), based on data valid as of September 29, 2026.
