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Monitoring, Evaluation and Best Practices

Data or statistical facts on the situation and perspectives of agri-food systems and the impact of policies

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1.33% of area in exceptional drought

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.

49.78% of area is in drought

49.78% of the area of the United States and Puerto Rico was in moderate drought or a more intense drought category (D1-D4), based on data valid as of September 29, 2026.

66.42% of area dry or in drought

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.

Freight rises across all 7 key origins

7 of 7 key origins recorded year-on-year increases in grains and oilseeds freight rates in September 2026: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the United States, the European Union and the Black Sea.

Drought exposure rose sharply year over year across several U.S. agricultural commodities

Between September 2025 and September 2026, the share located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+) increased by 83 percentage points for sugarcane, 65 for sunflowers, 60 for sorghum, 39 for spring wheat and 34 for cattle.

Cotton and sunflowers show high exposure to drought

As of September 22, 2026, 72% of U.S. cotton and 66% of sunflowers were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+). Compared with a year earlier, the share increased by 23 percentage points for cotton and 65 points for sunflowers.

Drought affects more than half of several key U.S. grain crops

As of September 22, 2026, the share located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+) reached 80% for rice, 68% for sorghum, 66% for barley, 58% for winter wheat and 52% for spring wheat in the United States.

Drought affects 86% of U.S. sugarcane and 61% of sugarbeets

As of September 22, 2026, 86% of U.S. sugarcane and 61% of sugarbeets were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+). For sugarcane, the share increased by 83 percentage points from a year earlier.

More than half of U.S. livestock and forage are exposed to drought

As of September 22, 2026, 58% of U.S. cattle, 57% of sheep, 57% of hay and 58% of alfalfa hay were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+).

Corn and soybeans show lower drought exposure than a year ago

As of September 22, 2026, 22% of U.S. corn and 26% of soybeans were located in areas experiencing moderate or more intense drought (D1+). These shares were 4 and 11 percentage points lower, respectively, than a year earlier.