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gradations, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. In addition to the new Exceptional Drought area, regions of three other categories expanded as well.
• "The area of Extreme Drought also grew by nearly 20 percent this week. Over the last three weeks, the southern half of the state has been steadily accumulating rainfall deficits and more impacts are being reported," Edwards said.
• She says temperatures topping 110 degrees last week did not help matters. The counties now in this worst category on the U.S. Drought Monitor include Bon Homme, Yankton, Clay, Union, and parts of Lincoln, Turner, Hutchinson, Charles Mix, and Shannon.
• Severe drought also progressed northward in the west and moderate drought crept into some northeastern counties.
• "There is no question that the drought of 2012 has taken its toll on the corn crop and hay/pasture in the region. Now, as soybeans, sunflowers, and other minor crops

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