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Iowa Ag Secretary concerned about historically low soil moisture levels

Iowa’s top ag official is concerned about soil moisture going into 2024.

Ag Secretary Mike Naig tells Brownfield the state has set a record with more than 180 consecutive weeks of at least D1 drought.

“We have historically low moisture levels in our soil profile, though we did see some very beneficial fall rain that actually caused some issues for harvest but did start to replenish that soil moisture.”

He’s hopeful El Nino weather conditions will bring much needed relief.

“That we’ll see a little warmer temperature and a little more precipitation.”

Extreme drought persists throughout eastern Iowa down into the southcentral part of the state.