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Drought Continues

Harvest Nearing Completion, But There Are Some Concerns

(Le Mars) — Harvest is nearing completion, especially for northwest Iowa farmers, but Iowa State University Extension crop specialist Joel DeJong says there are still some concerns.     

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DeJong says we are still in a drought and the window of opportunity to recharge our soil moisture levels is closing.  He says if we get snow before the ground freezes, then our soils will benefit.  However, if it happens to freeze and then we get snow, that moisture will just run off.  DeJong says it would be best if we could get some autumn rains.

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DeJong says there has been a wide variation with yields just within Plymouth County.

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DeJong says test weights of crops have been fairly decent for this drought-stricken harvest.