Because of La Nina conditions currently in place, Iowans will see extremes in weather conditions this winter, making it challenging for a farm operation to adjust quickly to the erratic swings.

“We can have a blizzard one week and hit the 50s the following week,” said Elwynn Taylor, Iowa State University Extension climatologist. “When you’re in a La Nina year, you don’t know if you’ll be planting or shoveling snow May 1. Historically, our heaviest snowstorms are becoming rare after March, but a La Nina means anything can happen.”

Taylor said a La Nina that persists into the growing season carries with it a 70 percent chance that crop yields will fall below the trend line. The opposite occurs with...