Reporting series is touring Midwest this week, publishing interactive reports on commodity yields amid drought

U.S. Drought Monitor map by Richard Tinker, NOAA/NWS/NCEP/CPC

Starting today, DTN/The Progressive Farmer will kick off its Digital Yield Tour to estimate commodity yields in the heartland and assess the drought's impact on different farming regions. They'll publish daily in-depth reports estimating commodity yields in 10 major corn- and soybean-producing states, combining interactive data displays with "boots on the ground" reporting. 

"The annual event, now in its fourth year, will start with Nebraska and South Dakota. Even though North Dakota isn't officially part of the tour, we will include information on its growing conditions because of its relevance to this year's commodity price picture," Katie Micik Dehlinger reports for DTN. "From there, coverage moves into Missouri and Kansas on Tuesday, Aug. 10; Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin on Wednesday, Aug 11; and Illinois, Indiana and Ohio on Aug. 12. National average yield estimates will be released on Friday, Aug. 13." Click here for ongoing coverage.

On the upside, scientists say drought stress early in the season isn't as damaging to corn and soybeans as drought that continues through or occurs later in the season, reports Emily Unglesbee of DTN.