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As of mid-November 1999, drought continues across the western half of the Mid-Atlantic States and stretches westward through the eastern and southern Corn Belt. Analysis of satellite imagery through early November 1999 indicates that vegetation throughout West Virginia is much lower than in recent years. The link below is to a vegetation index difference map, comparing mid-October vegetation levels. Pasture grasses and emerging winter grains usually account for the measurable vegetation during this time period. As of November 14, 1999, the West Virginia Agricultural Statistical Reporting Service reported that 18 percent of the state's topsoil moisture was very short, 55 percent was short, and only 27 percent was adequate. Another consequence of the drought has been the need to haul water supplies to a growing percentage of the State's livestock population.
West Virginia Vegetation Difference Map - Comparing October 1998 to October 1999.
- The green areas on the map indicate the same or slightly less vegetation this year compared to last.
- The yellow areas are areas of a greater degree of less vegetation this year compared to last.
- The orange and red areas are much-to-very much less vegetation this year, compared to last.
For more information, you may contact the author, Carl Gernazio, of the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division of FAS at (202) 690-0136.
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