Statewide Iowa — As spring nears, farmers are starting to worry again about moisture levels, because the latest US Drought Monitor map for Iowa shows almost a fifth of the state is in extreme drought, with more than half of Iowa in severe drought.
Angie Rieck-Hinz, a field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says it’s been 190-some straight weeks of drought for the state, and planting season is just a few weeks away.
Even with several heavy snows in January, now February is wrapping up warmer and drier than normal, which is worrisome for farmers.
Forecasters say there’s a chance for a mix of rain and snow, but it likely won’t be significant enough to make a dent in the drought.
March 19th is the first day of spring.
