Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November. Additionally, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship provides a weather summary each week during this time.

“We approach Thanksgiving with a deep sense of gratitude for the hardworking farm families who produced yet another substantial crop, despite numerous challenges, including a record 176 consecutive weeks of at least D1 drought,” said Secretary Naig. “Weather conditions are expected to be colder and drier as Iowans hit the road to gather and give thanks with friends and family.”

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

Crop Report
Another dry and warmer than normal week statewide led to 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 19, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn, completing fall tillage, applying fall fertilizer, and hauling manure. Reports of tile work being done in fields were received this week.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 22 percent very short, 47 percent short, 31 percent adequate and 0 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 32 percent very short, 43 percent short, 24 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain reached 97 percent statewide, on pace with last year but 10 days ahead of the 5-year average. Farmers in South Central Iowa still have over 10 percent of their corn for grain crop remaining to be harvested.

Cattle continued grazing on stalk fields. Reports of more calves being weaned were received.

Weather Summary
Provided by Justin Glisan, Ph.D., State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

A warm and dry weather pattern persisted across Iowa for a second consecutive reporting period as temperatures were up to 12 degrees above normal; the statewide average temperature was 45.5 degrees, 8.2 degrees above normal. Preliminary rain gauge data indicates only five stations reported more than a trace of rainfall with 10 days remaining in a particularly dry November.

Gusty southerly winds gradually shifted to the west into Sunday (12th) afternoon under sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid to upper 60s. Clear conditions continued overnight as winds became light and lows dropped into the upper 20s northwest to mid-30s southeast. Spotty clouds were reported across southern Iowa on Monday (13th) with daytime highs in the upper 50s and low 60s. Southerly winds increased overnight into Tuesday (14th) with morning lows varying from the low 30s in eastern Iowa to mid-40s west. Winds increased through the afternoon hours as a low-pressure center pushed across the Upper Midwest. Low 70s were observed at several stations in western Iowa with 60s across the rest of the state. Cloud cover increased into the early hours of Wednesday (15th) as a quick-moving cold front moved through Iowa. There was a wide range of lows reported at 7:00 am with low 40s southeast to the mid-20s northwest. Daytime conditions were similar to the previous day though hazy skies were observed in southern Iowa. Light showers formed in western Iowa along a weak cold front after sunset and continued into eastern Iowa after midnight on Thursday (16th). Seven stations across northern and eastern Iowa reported a trace of rainfall with 0.02 inch at Oelwein Municipal Airport (Fayette County) and 0.04 inch in Lee County. Winds shifted to the northwest and then more westerly as the day progressed; high temperatures rose into the mid to upper 40s behind the fast surface boundary. Saturday (18th) began generally cloudless with morning lows in the 20s and light winds; afternoon conditions were sunny as temperatures jumped into the low 60s west to upper 50s east. Winds became light and easterly into Sunday (19th) morning with low to mid-30s statewide.

Weekly precipitation totals ranged from no accumulation at most of Iowa’s stations to 0.04 inch at Keokuk Municipal Airport (Lee County). The statewide weekly average precipitation was 0.00 inch, while the normal is 0.43 inch. Little Sioux (Harrison County) reported the week’s high temperature of 71 degrees on the 15th, 23 degrees above normal. Mapleton (Monona County) reported the week’s low temperature of 17 degrees on the 18th, six degrees below normal.

On November 19th at approximately 1:15pm, the Mt. Pleasant Police Department investigated a motor vehicle striking a pedestrian in the 600 Block of South Adams Place. After investigation, it was found that Randy Haynes of Mt. Union was traveling Southbound on Adams place when he struck Paul Maher. Maher was trimming grass from the roadway. He was then transported to Henry County Health Center and later released with minor injuries. Haynes was cited for failure to maintain control. Damage was estimated at $2500.

At 5:04 pm on November 16, 2023. The Burlington Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 217 Barret St. Burlington, IA. 52601. Burlington firefighters arrived approximately four minutes later and located flames showing from a second-story window.

217 Barret St. Is owned by Trenton Furnald who was not home at the time of this incident. Mr. Furnalds dog was rescued from the fire and taken to the local animal shelter. The residence had no working smoke or carbon monoxide alarms present.

The property was insured and damage is being assessed at this time.

At 1:57 am on November 17, 2023, Burlington firefighters responded back to 217 Barret St., and arrived approximately four minutes later to find flames showing from a second-story window. At the time of this fire, there were no occupants inside.

Ten firefighters responded to the initial alarm. Burlington Fire Department was assisted by West Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Police Department, and Alliant Energy and Gas.

There were no reported injuries by civilians or firefighters.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Additional information relating to this incident will be made available by the Fire Marshal.

Everybody has different pass times that they look forward to. Some enjoy watching football in the crisp fall air, others flock to concert halls to enjoy live music, and some find themselves listening to political candidates. Presidential candidates often make Iowa their second home as they go town-to-town in an attempt to win over voters. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is just one county shy of visiting all 99 in Iowa, and he spent the weekend in the Hawkeye state.

Supporters gathered in Ottumwa on Saturday afternoon to listen to the candidate speak on a variety of issues. While his wife, Casey, addressed the crown, Ron played football with his son in the parking lot. He recently received the endorsement of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, which many think will propel his campaign forward. He mentioned multiple times during his visit to Vine Coffee Shop that Iowa is a great state and has a great Governor.

One of the main current issues he discussed was education in our country, and how he believes certain schools indoctrinate children. “Universities should not be about indoctrination; they should be about education.” This was received by loud applause.

It’s hard to think about 2033, yet Governor DeSantis asked the crowd to picture his farewell address after two-terms of presidency. He wants to be able to say that the United States of America will be a sovereign nation once again, and that the government works alongside we the people. He rounded it off by quoting Ronald Reagan Farewell Adress, “[I]n my mind it was a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, windswept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace; a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity. And if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here.” Ron DeSantis believes it is our responsibility to carry this torch, and we should not pass up the opportunity.

Governor DeSantis reminded constituents in attendance that Former President Trump is restricted to just four years, since he already served one term. “It’s a low reward because he’s (Donald Trump) gonna be a lame duck on day one.”

Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way has launched it’s Inaugural United in Service Scholarship. This is a distinctive opportunity for high school seniors demonstrating exceptional commitment to community service. This scholarship aims to recognize and support up to five individuals who have made a positive impact through their dedicated volunteerism.

The award ranges between $500 and $2500, and the application deadline is January 31, 2024. Henry County students are eligible for this scholarship. For more information, visit burlingtoniauntiedway.org/united-in-service-scholarship.