IOWA – Iowa farmers had 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 8th, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities included cutting hay and spraying crops. Topsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 21 percent short, 71 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Corn emerged reached 92 percent, four days ahead of last year’s pace, but two days behind normal. Corn condition rated 85 percent good to excellent, up one percentage point from last week. Ninety-seven percent of the expected soybean crop has been planted, with 88 percent emerging.

IOWA – Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night, mainly across the northern half of Iowa. According to the National Weather Service, this will come as many communities have temperatures reach 90 degrees for the first time this season as well. Large hail and strong winds will be the primary severe weather threats, with heavy rainfall also possible. Additional thunderstorms are forecast from Thursday into the weekend, and severe weather and heavy rain may continue to be possible at times.

PALO ALTO COUNTY – A week long fire in northwest Iowa is being investigated as an arson. WHO-13 reports a blaze at the POET Bioprocessing Plant in Emmetsburg burned for seven days. The facility is an ethanol plant, with an estimated $5 million in losses reported. The Palo Alto County Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.