A number of storm systems brought rain and snow during early March, providing much needed moisture to parts of drought-stricken Iowa, but in general, dry conditions continue to be the norm in 2022 as farmers begin planning for the upcoming planting season.

While the severe storms that ravaged parts of Iowa in early March brought rainfall to the south central and northeast portions of Iowa, it was a narrow band of moisture, and much of the state remains relatively dry. That’s a concern for Iowa farmers.

Earling’s Steve Kenkel said his main worry is groundwater levels that continue to decline along with lower subsoil moisture going into spring planting. Pastures will be slow to take off if...