Author: Yorke Prough

While students may be enjoying their summer, in which they still have nearly two months to do so, the Mount Pleasant school district is working to move forward with projects in June and July. One such project is the proposed bus barn/central receiving/buildings and grounds at 1515 E Monroe St, which will be brand new construction. The superintendent, John Henriksen, spoke on KILJ Radio to announce the winner of the bid for construction. Jean C. Wiley and Sons had the lowest bid, which sat right around 3 million dollars.

There will be a special session on Wednesday evening at 5:30pm in the central office to move forward on this.

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) has opened registration for its upcoming webinar, “The Economic Outlook and Your Farm,” that will dive into current economic pressures stifling the ag economy and factors for farmers to consider when planning ahead for a possible recession in agriculture.

IFBF’s Economic Outlook webinar will be held July 16 at 1 p.m.  Dr. Robert Dieli, president and founder of RDLB, Inc., an economic forecasting and management consulting firm, will offer insights into inflation and higher borrowing costs contributing to the downturned ag economy and provide helpful insight for farmers to consider while making long-term decisions for their farms.

“Declining commodity prices and ‘higher for longer’ interest rates continue to impact purchasing power and on-farm profitability, raising concern across the ag sector,” says Zach Brummer, Iowa Farm Bureau farm education program manager. “As farmers grapple with higher borrowing costs and inflationary pressures hitting close to home with layoffs in the meatpacking and manufacturing sector with companies such as Tyson, Firestone and John Deere, we want to provide as much insight as possible to help members navigate these turbulent waters.”

To register for the webinar, visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/events and select “The Economic Outlook and Your Farm Webinar.”

Northwest Iowa farmers received substantial rainfall with flood conditions while some Southeast Iowa farmers had minimal precipitation.  Statewide there were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Spraying and other field activities were limited in some areas due to wet field conditions.

Mike Naig, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, commented, “Northwest Iowa is experiencing historic flooding not seen since 1993. While the forecast is showing a reprieve from additional rainfall, those downstream need to be prepared as this water heads south,” said Secretary Naig. “Our hearts go out to all the Iowans affected by this devastating flooding. We do not yet know the full picture of damage to homes, businesses, farms, crops, livestock, communities and public infrastructure, but we know that it is likely to be substantial and costly. Iowans are resilient and we will get through this together, but this recovery will certainly take some time and require considerable resources.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 74 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 17 percent surplus. Excessive rain fell in northwest Iowa with over 50 percent of the area reported with surplus topsoil and subsoil moisture.

Corn emergence neared completion. Corn condition rated 77 percent good to excellent. Soybeans emerged reached 95 percent. Seven percent of soybean crop was blooming, 1 day behind last year but 2 days ahead of the 5-year average.  Soybean condition rated 74 percent good to excellent. Eighty-six percent of the oat crop was headed or beyond, 6 days ahead of the average. Twenty-eight percent of oats were turning color, 9 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 73 percent good to excellent.

Ninety-five percent of the State’s first cutting of alfalfa hay has been completed, 6 days ahead of last year. Hay condition rated 78 percent good to excellent. Pasture condition decreased two percentage points to 73 percent good to excellent. Feedlots remain muddy due to excess rainfall.

Thunderstorms are expected this morning and again later this afternoon and night. Some storms could be severe with damaging winds to 70 MPH and brief tornadoes. Torrential rain is expected with any storm, which may result in flash flooding. A Slight Risk, or level 2 of 5, for severe storms covers areas along and south of Highway 30.

Make sure to stay weather aware today, and have multiple ways to receive warning!

The timing of severe storms today will most likely be around 2 PM to 11PM today. Storms will generally be moving towards the southeast, around 30 mph.

It will be another hot start to the week, especially throughout today with triple digit heat index readings possible in our area. Highs will be in the 90s, and with high humidity, expect a very hot day. There is a slight risk for some storms to become severe after midnight, with damaging winds and large hail.

Thankfully, cooler weather is on it’s way. Highs in the mid to low 80s, Wednesday through Saturday, with increasing chances of rain.

If you plan to spend time outdoors this afternoon and evening, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in shaded areas or in an air conditioned building. Also, be sure to look before you lock! Don`t leave your pets or kids in parked vehicles.