Most of north-central Iowa now in moderate drought

DES MOINES — Most of north-central Iowa is in moderate drought conditions according to the new Iowa Drought Monitor report released on Thursday. The only exceptions to that are most of Mitchell and Worth counties as well as the far northeastern portion of Winnebago County, which are in the “D-0 Abnormally Dry” category.

USDA ag statistician for Iowa Melissa Couch says soil moisture numbers continue to worsen. “Topsoil moisture is 18% very short, 55% short, 27% adequate and 0% surplus; while subsoil moisture is 12% very short, 54% short, 34% adequate and 0% surplus.”

Couch says the dry conditions continue to be a concern for some farmers. “Combine and other equipment fires were reported as weather conditions increase the risk of such fires. Livestock water resources continue to be a concern.”

All of the state except for a small patch in southwestern Iowa is experiencing some level of drought conditions, and just over seven percent of the state is now experiencing the “D-2 Severe Drought” level conditions. Those areas include portions of Chickasaw, Bremer, Winneshiek, and Fayette counties in northeast Iowa.