News

Snow, rain helps Iowa soil moisture

Improved soil moisture levels are leading to some optimism in Iowa ahead of planting.

The USDA says there were multiple snow and rain events during February, including a late-month blizzard, which has helped lessen drought conditions in parts of the state.

That has made some feedlots muddy and temperatures were wide-ranging, but livestock is reportedly in good shape with calving and lambing underway.

Poor gravel road conditions in parts of Iowa have hampered grain movement somewhat.
The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume in April.