(Atlantic) Drought conditions in parts of west-central and southwest Iowa continue to intensify.
Aaron Sauegling Iowa State Extension agronomist for southwest Iowa says the hot and dry conditions that continued into August took its toll on area crops, especially in the extreme drought conditions. “We are seeing crops continue to deteriorate,” said Sauegling. “Our growers are aware of this, they see it every day. Honestly, it’s kinda like watching an ice cream cone melt. ”
Since April 1 for example; Guthrie Center, received just 8.9 inches of rain nearly 12-inches below average. Audubon, 10.30 inches, 10.50 inches below normal, and Atlantic, received just 8.72 inches of rain which is 11.80 below normal.
Mount Ayr is actually above normal at 20.65 inches of rainfall, which is .70 tenths of an inch above normal.
The following is the rainfall amounts from April 1 to date:
Atlantic-8.72, 11.80 inches below normal
Audubon-10.38, 10.50 inches below normal
Bedford-16.14, 6.48 inches below normal
Corning-15.10, 6.95 inches below normal
Creston-16.64, 4.74 inches below normal
Glenwood-14.88, 6.53 inches below normal
Greenfield-13.05, 7.64 inches below normal
Guthrie Center, 8.97, 12.80 inches below normal
Harlan, 9.60, 10.74 inches below normal
Logan, 11.55, 8.76 inches below normal
Mount Ayr, 20.65, .69 above normal
Oakland, 13.59, 7.51 inches below normal
Red Oak, 16.69, 5.36 inches below normal
Shenandoah, 16.43, 5.08 inches below normal
Sidney, 16.24, 4.39 inches below normal
