The U.S. National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the average temperature for the contiguous U.S. during July was 3.3°F (1.8°C) above the 20th century average, marking the warmest July and all-time warmest month since national records began in 1895. High temperatures combined with exceptional drought conditions are affecting crops and livestock production throughout the United States. By the end of July 2012, about 86 percent of the Primary Corn and Soybean Belt was experiencing moderate to extreme drought (based on the Palmer Drought Index), surpassing all previous droughts except those in 1988 and the 1930s. On Aug. 16, 2012, a Reuters article quoted Climatologists reporting drought affecting 87 percent of the
U.S. corn crop, 85 percent of soybeans, 63 percent of hay and 72
percent of cattle.