JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
The drought is the most extensive the U.S. has seen in more than 50 years.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
The US is the world's largest exporter of corn, soy beans and wheat, so production is crucial to global food markets. The impact of the drought will be felt across the globe.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
The prices have already shot up since June. Corn prices leaped by 40%, soy bean by 30% and wheat has jumped by a huge 50%.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
Corn and soy beans are also used to feed livestock, so the rising prices will ultimately cause the price of meat to rise. However, in the short-term the price of meat is likely to fall.
LIZ MARTIN/AP
A large number of livestock are being rushed to the market because there is not enough to feed them. Therefore for the moment, meat prices should fall.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
Analysis say that there is also a likelihood that gas prices will rise, because corn is used to produce ethanol, an ingredient in gas production.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
River levels everywhere are dropping. In the southern half of the Mississippi, the levels are so low that cargo barges are running aground.
JIM LO SCALZO/EPA
As the boat docks dry up, the situation is being compared to 2008 when high food prices sparked a wave of riots in 30 countries across the world, from Haiti to Bangladesh.