VOICED: US drought woes ripple across food chain

The video discusses the severe drought affecting cornfields in Oakville, Illinois, and the broader US cornbelt. Farmers face stunted or dead crops, with only a small percentage of fields being irrigated. The drought, the worst since the 1950s, has led to soaring prices for corn and soybeans, impacting food costs and exports. The US Department of Agriculture predicts a rise in supermarket prices, and the effects are expected to ripple globally. Farmers are trying to salvage crops, but the drought's impact may last for years.

What is the primary cause of the crop failures in Oakville, Illinois?

• Excessive rainfall

• Severe drought and high temperatures

• Pest infestation

• Poor soil quality

What percentage of US cornfields are irrigated, according to the video?

• 50%

• 30%

• 15%

• 75%

How has the drought affected the prices of corn and soybeans?

• Prices have slightly increased

• Prices have soared to near record levels

• Prices have remained stable

• Prices have decreased significantly

What is the predicted increase in food prices at the supermarket due to the drought?

• 7-8%

• 5-6%

• 3-4%

• 1-2%

How might the drought in the US affect international markets?

• It will lead to a decrease in global food prices

• It will have no impact

• It will only affect local markets

• It will substantially impact other marketplaces due to exports