According to the latest USDA Drought Monitor, Marion County is still under a moderate drought. The drought is spreading across Iowa, the area under moderate drought has expanded, portions of western Iowa previously under normal conditions are now under abnormally dry, and a small portion of southeast Iowa is listed as under a severe drought. Justin Huebner (Hib-ner) at Two Rivers Cooperative in Pella, says that our area corn crops have been getting just enough rain to get them to the next rain, but a big rainfall is needed soon. He says from what he has seen, the dry conditions and the heat haven’t caused the crop to burn up and change color, but says if we don’t get rainfall within a few days that may begin to happen. Another concern he has is that the corn crop has not been able to cool down overnight like usual because of the high temperatures, and that could harm their growth.