In this Aug. 3, 2012 in Tallula, Ill., a pond in the cattle pasture that serves as the water source for cattle has dried up the Tony Frost's farm. The Plains states where the production of corn and soybeans is key are being hit harder by excessive drought conditions in the wake of the hottest month on record in the continental U.S., contributing to a surge in global food prices. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)