The latest state crop report shows a desperate need for rain across the state. The state Agriculture Department report shows topsil moisture is rated 55-percent very short, 38-percent short with only seven-percent adequate. Subsoil moisture is rated 48-percent very short and 41-percent short with just 11-percent adequate. The report says many farmers are holding off on doing any fall work to fields due to dry compacted soil. The dry conditions are leaving little good grazing areas for cattle and cattle in feedlots are suffering respitory problems due to dust. The bean harvest is complete and only two percent of the corn remains to be harvested, mainly in the southern third of the state.
Iowa's Radio News Network
