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Mixed outlook for Corn Belt as planting conditions improve but drought lingers

A climatologist says extended forecasts show favorable conditions for planting season in some parts of the Corn Belt.

Justin Glisan is the state climatologist for Iowa and says, “What we are looking at warmer chances through the April, May and June timeframe for most of the ag belt. Not a clear signal on the precipitation side. We are seeing some semblance of a drier signal across Nebraska into Kansas.”

He tells Brownfield an active storm track in April could be beneficial for growers later in the season.

“Banking soil moisture right now will provide some low-level moisture for thunderstorms to feed off of.”

Glisan says the drought monitor shows moderate drought coverage in southeast Iowa into northern Illinois. He says Nebraska has been heavily impacted by drought with a large portion of the state under the D3 extreme category on the monitor.

Justin Glisan: