Drought May Cause Increase in Food Prices at Grocery Stores

(KNSI) – Farmers across the area need rain now before it’s too late.

Almost all of Minnesota is experiencing moderate to severe drought this year. University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator Jim Salfer says corn and soybeans are the largest crops in the region, and both are critical.

He says crops in sandy soil are getting stressed the most. The drought is leading to high prices for feed and hay for livestock, especially for dairy and beef farmers.

Salfer says you can expect the drought to cause a 2% or 3% increase in prices at the grocery store on top of inflation.

He’s expecting small grain yields to be lower this year because of the drought as well.