Despite timely rain, drought persists

Recent precipitation has given local crops a boost, but more wet stuff is needed as the calendar approaches August.

ISU Extension agronomist Joel DeJong, whose territory covers O'Brien County, said most fields are being "spoon-fed" as the growing season marches towards fall harvest. Extension's precipitation monitor near Primghar has tallied 9.34" of rain since April 1, a departure from average of -3.78". The monitoring station at Sheldon was better, recording 10.15" of rain so far, 2.58" behind average.

Still, DeJong noted last week's rainfall was a godsend for parched fields.

"These totals,...