Agriculture is the economic engine that powers the Great Plains, the vast stretch of treeless prairie that covers parts of 10 states – and where the next drought can appear with little warning.
Now there's a powerful new tool that can provide farmers and ranchers in this arid region critical, early indications of oncoming droughts.
![A new tool developed by NOAA will help farmers, ranchers and water managers recognize oncoming drought. (Image credit: NOAA) A new tool developed by NOAA will help farmers, ranchers and water managers recognize oncoming drought.](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2019/Jun/PHOTO-EDDI-A%20new%20tool%20developed%20by%20NOAA%20will%20help%20farmers%2C%20ranchers%20and%20water%20managers%20recognize%20oncoming%20drought-%20NOAA%20photojpg.jpg?h=ce034c88&itok=bKPG0Ln1)
EDDI, a tool developed by NOAA, helps farmers, ranchers and water managers recognize and prepare for oncoming drought. Learn more at https://psl.noaa.gov/eddi. (Image credit: NOAA)