Drought conditions now cover more than half of the United States.

The Department of Agriculture has declared that 1,000 counties in 26 states are disaster areas, making it the largest natural disaster area in U.S. history.

Colorado and Arkansas have the country's worst drought conditions, but 56 percent of the 48 contiguous states are in the disaster zone.

The disaster declaration makes it possible for farmers and ranchers to get federal assistance, including low-interest emergency loans.

Half of the nation's pastures and ranges are in poor or very poor condition, according to the Drought Monitor.