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Drought enters fourth straight year for growers

A northern Iowa farmer says she’s concerned about drought conditions heading into the growing season despite a strong finish in 2023.

April Hemmes tells Brownfield last year’s crop was a pleasant surprise. “I got eight inches of rain last year, which is half of what I usually get, and I still had a record crop.”

She says the region is entering a fourth straight year of drought. “I’m looking at how to best manage my acres that way.”

Hemmes, who is also a leader on the United Soybean Board, says Soy Checkoff investments have been critical during this dry period. “Improving the technologies and how we manage our land is really paying off.”

She spoke to Brownfield from USB’s recent February board meeting held in Louisville, Kentucky.