Although more rain and snow have been forecast for areas of the United States affected by severe drought throughout much of 2012, growers are still concerned that increased precipitation may not be enough to avert further damage o 2013 crops.

Wetter weather, which is expected to last until the end of the month at least across much of the Great Plains and Midwest, is allowing soils and groundwater resources to recharge, but much of the area worst affected in summer 2012 remains in drought.

The US wheat crop fared well last year, in spite of the aridity, and meteorologists with Commodity Weather Group said this week that 2-3 cm of rain over the Great Plains, followed by up to 30cm of snow will help replenish soil moisture. In the EU on the other hand, the after-effects of wet weather in late 2012 have led to downgrades for Western states including France and the UK.

Over summer 2012, the US grain belt suffered its worst drought in over 50 years, the effects of which were felt around the world; as a result of panic caused by the drought, grain rallies saw maize and wheat prices reach record levels in July 2012.