Dry conditions will stick around through spring in Western Corn Belt

USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub says moderate to exceptional drought will stick around through spring across the Western Corn Belt.

Director Dennis Todey says dry conditions could encourage earlier spring planting in southern Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa.

“Unfortuately, there is extremely dry soils. One example is in northwest Iowa, where Iowa State Extension did soil sampling in the fall. In the 5 foot profile, field capacity is going to be around 10 to 12 inches.

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