The 2012 drought pushed two thirds of the U.S. continental land mass into severe drought conditions cutting 2012 corn production by 27% from early season predictions. On January 3rd the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 42.05% of the continental U.S. was still in severe drought conditions and recent snows are not offering much relief. It will take about 16 inches, and in some areas 18 inches of rain to recharge the moisture in the soil for the next growing season. In Central Nebraska 300%-700% of normal precipitation is needed to eliminate the soil moisture deficit. Once climatologists know if 2013 will experience an El Niño or a La Niña weather pattern, they will be better able to predict the weather for the coming months. They hope to know by early February.