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Iowa farmer prepares for “dry” growing season

A northeast Iowa farmer says he’s concerned about dry conditions heading into the growing season.

“We’ve had maybe two inches of snow in my yard all winter,” said Mark Mueller of Waverly.

Mueller says November was when his last measurable rain event occurred. “Just as quickly as we got out of that drought, we went right back into it in September, October, and November. Now, about 100% of Iowa is in some level of drought.”

He tells Brownfield the dry soils will make for a quick planting season, but timely rains will be needed in the early growing stages. “I am cautiously optimistic. We’re looking at another dry year. We’re in the fourth or fifth year of at least a mild drought in some areas and a severe drought in other areas.”

Mueller produces no-till corn, soybeans, alfalfa, specialty beans, forage rye and corn for silage. He also serves as vice president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.