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Varying temps for FebruaryIowa February brought temperatures varying from below zero to near 60. Precipitation during the month arrived as both rain and snow. Although most farmers welcomed any precipitation--whether rain or snow--concerns remained about the level of moisture that will be available as the growing season begins. As February came to a close, topsoil moisture levels rated 45 percent very short, 41 percent short, 13 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. North Central Iowa is the driest area of the state with 66 percent very short. Over half the land is reported to be very short of moisture in 3 ofthe 9 districts in the State. North central, west central and southwest Iowa all report 57 percent or more of the land is very short of moisture. Grain movement rated 47 percent none, 38 percent light, 13 percent moderate and 2 percent heavy. February had a few snowstorms which caused interruptions to grain transportation in some areas. Availability of hay and roughage supplies fell to 50 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus with 31 percent of the remaining supply in good condition. Livestock conditions have been reported as normal. Hog and pig losses in February were 20 percent light, 79 percent average and 1 percent heavy. Cattle and calf losses were 23 percent light, 75 percent average and 2 percent heavy. For most of the winter farmers have been able to graze cattle on corn stalks which has helped stretch hay supplies. Calving has begun on some farms. Date: 3/11/2013
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