Early April's warm temperatures and recharged soil moisture from snowmelt are en­couraging Iowa farmers that the 2023 growing season will be successful following three years rife with drought concerns.

As temperatures soar near 80 degrees this week, planters will likely start rolling in parts of the state, especially in southern Iowa where the topsoil has dried and there’s adequate subsoil moisture.

“We have two different theories,” said Jim Anderson, who farms in Decatur County near Leon. 

“Some are thinking ...