Valley under moderate drought conditions - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

BAZETTA TOWNSHIP - There's no immediate end in sight to the steamy summer and dry conditions in the Valley. In fact, conditions are worsening when it comes to rainfall.

Experts who monitor the U.S. climate have updated their map to show nearly 80 percent of Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties are under moderate drought conditions.

Up until recently, the Valley was only considered abnormally dry. The drought is having an adverse impact on recreation and farming in the Valley.

Because of the dry conditions at Mosquito Lake State Park in Bazetta Township, the Army Corps of Engineers has closed the boat ramps off Route 305 and the 88 causeway. The main boat ramp is still ready for use with a caveat to use caution and to keep motorboats in the main channel until after you pass the island then you can go right or left.

The drought has water at an average of six feet, well below the normal average depth of nine feet. At six feet, swimming, camping and fishing can still be enjoyed.

At Berlin Lake, swimmers and those with motor boats are being asked to use caution since the water level is down. At Lake Milton, water is down by about one foot, but there are no restrictions. The water at the Meander Reservoir, which supplies water to residents in Mahoning County, is not affected at this time. The Army Corps of Engineers says the 16 million gallons of water it provides to the city of Warren each day is not at risk.

The lack of rainfall could be disastrous for corn farmers, not sweet corn, but the grain that is used to feed dairy cows, beef cows and chickens.

"It is in the pollinating stage right now. It's in a critical time where we need cooler temperatures at night, and definitely more rainfall. The rain has been lacking not only here in Ohio, but the entire Midwest," said Ralph Wice, Agland Co-op grain buyer.

That lack of rain could translate into higher prices at grocery stores. But that will still depend on upcoming rainfall and what stage of growth farmers crops are at.

"When it comes to buying pork, chicken, beef, whatever it may be, it may be a little higher price. I think it will still be affordable, but I think it will be at a little higher price," Wice said.

Wice says it hasn't been this dry in Ohio since about 1988. He said Pennsylvania is doing better in rainfall than most states.