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More snow and ice slow grain movement, corn harvestIowa During the month of January, Iowa received more snow, cold temperatures, and ice which caused problems for everyone, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Iowa Field Office, Feb. 1. The snow and ice storms brought power outages and road closures lasting several days. The winter weather slowed the progress of grain movement and the harvest of corn still standing in fields. The extreme temperatures caused stress levels for livestock to increase along with their need for feed and hay. Chopping ice to keep water available for livestock and removing heavy snow off barn roofs continue to keep producers busy as January comes to a close. The average depth of snow cover for the month of January was 12 inches, above last year's average of 9 inches. Frost penetration averaged 10 inches compared to last year's 19 inches. Soil moisture availability rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 25 percent surplus. Grain movement for the state was 31 percent none, 48 percent light, 19 percent moderate, and 2 percent heavy. Availability of hay and roughage supplies was 19 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Quality of hay and roughage supplies was 10 percent poor, 55 percent fair, and 35 percent good. Utilization of stubble fields for grazing rated 57 percent none, 33 percent light, 9 percent moderate, and 1 percent heavy. Hog and pig losses in January were 6 percent below average, 88 percent average, and 6 percent above average. Cattle and calf losses were 4 percent below average, 87 percent average, and 9 percent above average.
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