More than half of all U.S. counties have been designated disaster zones, the Department of Agriculture reported, blaming excessive heat and a devastating drought that's spread across the Corn Belt and contributed to rising food prices.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Wednesday declared disaster zone designations for an additional 218 counties in 12 states because of damage and losses caused by drought and excessive heat.The states are Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming.Nearly three-quarters of the nation's cattle acreage is inside a region hit by drought, as is about two-thirds of the country's hay acreage, the agency reported.USDA researchers added that an average of 37% of the nation's soybeans were last week ranked from very poor to poor, the lowest quality recorded since a massive drought in 1988.Nearly half of America's corn crop was also rated very poor to poor, while 57% of its pastures and range land were similarly graded.This year's harsh conditions suggest food prices next year could surge by as much as 4.5%, the agency reported.
And considering how much high fructose corn syrup goes into junk food, well the price of that stuff will skyrocket too. 4.5% more at the grocery store seems awfully low compared to how widespread this drought is, and there's no relief in sight, temperatures across the country continue to be sizzling well into the 90's and close to triple digits for the third straight month now. 2012 will absolutely be the hottest year on record in the US, but I can almost guarantee you this year's record will be shattered again and again in the coming years.
Get used to it, America. Water shortages, food inflation at double digits yearly, do you think the one percent at the top are going to suffer or even care?
You're on your own.
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