The 2012 drought has resulted in one-half of all of U.S.
counties being declared federal disaster areas, a number that is
likely to grow as the drought worsens. More than 80 percent of
corn and soybean crops are in drought-affected areas. Crop
losses for 2012 are likely to be catastrophic, and economists
are predicting that the resulting crop insurance payouts to
those farmers that hold policies could top $40 billion. Dairy
and livestock farmers who lack such insurance policies are faced
with impossible choices between buying increasingly expensive
and scarce feed, or selling off their livelihood into a sinking,
captive market. Food prices are likely to spike in the coming
months as speculation and price gouging take hold of the market.
The drought doesn’t respect borders. Countries around the world
are experiencing the same extreme weather patterns. The force of
Mother Nature combined with global warming brought on by
industry has called the bluff of half-hearted responses to
climate change. The time for cha