Drought

October is a big month for barge transportation on the Mississippi River, but restrictions are in place and the weather forecast shows little promise for improving water levels.

The crop is drying down rapidly, given the weather conditions across much of the country. Agronomists are concerned farmers will combine fields too late and advise starting at 13% moisture or even higher.

The Dakotas saw a mix of drought improvement and drought degradation, but today’s update didn’t fully account for this week’s rains.

“Reports indicate much of this week’s heavy rains was immediately absorbed by the severely dry soils, with no runoff into empty dugouts or ponds,” according to today’s Drought Monitor Summary.