Midwest Stricken by Worst Drought in Quarter Century

Just one year ago, heavy rains and swollen rivers led to historic flooding in the Midwest, yet this summer the worst drought in a quarter century is spreading across the region and threatening crops. More than 1,000 counties have been declared natural disaster areas. The drought comes in the midst of a record-breaking period of high temperature. According to statistics just released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the last 12 months is the warmest 12-month period in the US since record-keeping began in 1895. Correspondent Carey Gillam is based in Kansas City for Reuters, where she focuses on agriculture and food.