THE DROUGHT'S HEAVY WEIGHT: Prices for corn, soybeans and wheat continued to rise on Wednesday as a devastating drought across the Midwest hobbles the crop supply.

GOVERNMENT WORK: The higher prices are raising questions about whether the government will step in more decisively, perhaps by paying to help farmers bring water to their farms.

WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture will release updated predictions about the production of corn, soybeans and other crops, which should give investors more clarity.