Central Valley dairy farmers are keeping a close eye on the “epic” drought in the Midwest that is killing off crops and driving corn prices up in a spiral that will eventually affect every consumer.

Corn is the major component for feed for most cattle. Rolled corn was selling for $265 a ton on June 18, but by July 23 it was selling for $365 a ton, said Stan Fail, dairy sales director of Associated Feed and Supply in Turlock.