Nearly 3/4 of US farmers say this year's drought is hurting their harvest - with significant crop and income loss, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation, a lobbying group that represents agricultural interests. July was the third-hottest on record for the US and the AFBF estimates nearly 60% of West, South and Central Plains states are experiencing severe drought or higher this year. The effects of this drought will be felt for years to come, by farmers, ranchers and consumers. Many farmers have had to sell off livestock they have spent years raising or destroy orchard trees that have grown for decades. Key water sources in places like Lake Mead and Lake Powell - which are running below 30% of their full capacity - provide water to 5.5 million acres of land in seven western states according to the AFBF. Water levels are so low that there is not enough water for livestock - or people. As a matter of fact, if one were to observe Lake Mead at the famed Hoover Dam right now, they could see a drop in water level on the low mountain coasts equivalent to a 13-story building! We discussed how CA and other Southwestern state governments are responding to this issue. The federal government is monitoring and responding to this issue, as well. This is a national climate crisis and an excellent example of federalism - when states and the national government work together.