Anything that's harder to grow in a drought costs more. But there's one item that has greater impact than any other: corn.
Corn has been the hardest hit from the drought. This year's crop is coming in about a third short of what's expected.
The latest forecast from the USDA predicts overall food prices will rise up to 4% next year and corn a major reason.
To the average American, that means spending about $250 more next year if you buy the same things because corn is used in so many food staples.
Dairy products will also cost more because animals eat corn.
Corn is partly to blame for an expected jump in beef prices as well. Beef prices are forecasted to go up as much as 5%.
Corn can also affect the cost of fueling your car. Federal rules require about 33% of U.S. grown corn to be made into ethanol, a component of gasoline.
With corn getting more expensive, there's a growing call for the Obama administration to waive the federal rule this year.
