18 July 2012 Last updated at 21:48

In pictures: US drought

Boats sit on the dry, cracked bottom in a dry cove at Morse Reservoir in Noblesville, Indiana, 16 July 2012

More than half of the US is in moderate to extreme drought conditions, the most widespread drought since 1956.

Drought-damaged corn grows on the farm of Jerry Kitowski in Waltonville, Illinois on 16 July 2012

A heatwave in the East and Mid-west portions of the country, as well as very low amounts of rainfall, has lead to the drought, affecting large portions of the country's corn and soybean crops.

Farmer Joe Fischer holds ears of corn showing the variety of kernel development Owensboro, Kentucky 12 July 2012

Nearly 1,300 counties in 29 states have been declared natural disaster areas in 2012, allowing farmers to access low-cost emergency loans.

Traders react in the Corn Options Pit at the CME group in Chicago, 11 July 2012

On Wednesday, US agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack said corn prices would rise because of the drought. On Monday a US crop progress report said just 31% of the corn crop and 34% of the soybean crop were in good to excellent shape.

Cattle wait in pens before an auction sale in Conway, Arkansas 17 July 2012

Many ranchers are selling livestock during drought conditions instead of paying higher prices for hay.

Marion Kujawa feeds corn to his cattle on 16 July 2012 near Ashley, Illinois

There is little relief in sight - temperatures are expected to hit 100F (37C) for the next several days in drought-affected areas, with little rain in the forecast.

US & Canada

In pictures: US drought

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