How to farm in a drought

Many advancements and improvements have been made over the last 200 years, in the farming realm, in order to create better crop yields and, more importantly, make farming a whole lot easier for the typical farmer (typical meaning a 750-1500 acre farm). Technology has come a long way in the farming industry which makes the farm and the equipment used on the farm nothing like what it started out as, the seed is also very different than originally used. The farmers and the crops they produce are an important part in maintaining the economy because they feed America efficiently. However, it can be very difficult to raise a sufficient crop in areas of hot and dry climate. Within the past 5-10 years we have also seen record heat temperatures in the summer season, and little rainfall throughout the year. NRCS National Agronomist Norm Widman states, “Without a plan in place, you’re left crossing your fingers for rain. Farmers and ranchers may suffer some loss, but their loss is greatly minimized,” (USDA). There are three options famers have, other than sticking with conventional farming, that will help produce larger crop yields in a drought. No-till farming, irrigation systems, and the use of Genetically Modified Organisms in the place of conventional seed.
According to Andrew Freedman, in his recent article “2012 Drought Will Probably Last Through Winter In The Midwest, Says U.S. Monitor”, drought monitor statistics showed that moderate to exceptional drought covered a new high of 64.16 percent of the lower 48 states as of September 11, 2012 (Freedman, 2012). This drought has been the worst to strike since the Dust Bowl era in the 1930‘s, and the droughts of the 1950‘s. This drought has cost the U.S. economy billions in damage. In 2012, the corn crop was the smallest in six years, and down 13 percent from 2011 (Freedman, 2012). According to the USDA, in August 2012 Illinois was in the D3 level of drought which is considered Extreme drought (Freedman, 2012). A