500 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



November was mild and dry, but in spite of favorable condi- 

 tions for drying, the husked corn, though carefully sorted, heated 

 in the cribs so badly that it had to be spread out to dry. Husk- 

 ing ceased generally the last week of the month with 43 per cent 

 of the crop still in the fields. Because of the cold in October 

 and drought in November winter wheat made slow growth and 

 is not entering the winter in resistant condition. 



The mean temperature for December, 14.5°, is the lowest of 

 record. Zero days were the most frequent of record. Sunshine 

 was deficient and also the precipitation except in the northwest- 

 ern and north-central counties. The ground was snow-covered 

 about 25 days in the extreme northwestern portion of the State, 

 and less than 15 days in the southwestern and east-central coun- 

 ties. Corn husking progressed, and not more than 15 per cent 

 of the crop remained in the fields at the close of the month. 

 Though severe temperatures prevailed for considerable periods, 

 they were preceded and accompanied by porous snow covering, 

 so it is believed that such winter wheat as was well established 

 at the beginning of winter is in good condition. 



WEATHER AND CROP BULLETINS 



Summaries of Weekly Bulletins issued during the season of 1917, for the 

 weeks ending on dates given: 



Bulletin No. 1, April 10, 1917 — 



The severe drought that prevailed over the central and southern coun- 

 ties during the summer and autumn of 1916 continued in those districts 

 during the whole of the winter, but abundance of moisture, in the form of 

 snow, prevailed in the northern sections. The winter was also unusually 

 cold, which, in connection with dry soil and lack of snow covering in the 

 southern counties was very injurious to winter wheat, alfalfa and clover. 

 At present the indications are not favorable for more than 60 per cent of 

 a crop of winter wheat, and in some localities there will not be more than 

 half of a crop of hay, on account of so much clover being winterkilled. 

 However, with favorable weather — higher temperature and abundance of 

 warm rain — the condition of those crops will improve materially. Some 

 wheat ground has been reseeded already to spring wheat or oats, and if 

 conditions do not improve, more of it will be planted to corn. Oats seeding 

 is nearly finished, early potatoes have been planted and more than the 

 usual acreage of spring wheat has been sown in the southern districts. 

 Over the northern counties, where the snow remained on the ground until 

 near the end of March, farm work is not as far advanced, but the soil is 

 In fine tilth in all sections, and, with favorable weather during the com- 

 ing week, work will progress rapidly. All live stock wintered well and 

 the spring pig crop is receiving favorable mention. More than the usual 

 amount of gardening has been and will be done. While the ground Is dry 

 and cold, and considerable damage has been done to grass and winter 



