Drought conditions covered 99% of the state as of June 28, with corn conditions rated as extremely poor. Agronomists expect much of the state’s corn crop to be a total loss.

North Carolina Department of Agriculture agronomist Willie Howell said the corn is very poor as it enters the reproductive stages. Low humidity, high temperatures and windy conditions are accelerating evapotranspiration. Howell said 50 to 65% of the crop in eastern North Carolina will be a total loss.

The June 24 USDA Crop Progress Report for North Carolina showed that 17% of the crop was in very poor condition, 38% was in poor condition, 21% was in fair condition, 23% was in good condition and just 1% was in excellent condition.

Read more on the impact of the South Carolina drought here.