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Driest parts of Iowa receive rain

Portions of western Iowa, the driest part of the state, received some welcome rain this past weekend.

Rainfall totals ranged from one to three inches in many parts of southwest and west central Iowa.  Heavier amounts, up to 6 inches or more, fell in eastern Iowa.

“The rains that much of the state saw this weekend were generally welcomed as it is still early,” says Iowa secretary of agriculture Bill Northey.  “The northwest corner did miss much of the rain and remains in need of moisture.”

Statewide, topsoil moisture supplies rate 31 short to very short, 57 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies are 55 percent short to very short, 43 percent adequate and two percent surplus.

“If it warms up and fields dry, farmers will be ready to start planting,” Northey says.