Bad Weather...Good for Farms

Higher commodity prices and payments to farmers with crop insurance has led the U.S.D.A. to conclude that total farm profits will rise this year to $122.2 billion, up 3.7% from last year.

With half the country's croplands declared disaster areas due to drought, futures prices for corn, wheat, and soybeans are all higher, which is good news for farmers with yields close to projections.

For others, such as beef and dairy producers, who must pay higher prices for feed, federal crop insurance will help make up the losses.