Iowa weather and frost potential
Row Crop farmers in northern Iowa may benefit from a killing freeze to kill off remaining green soybean leaves, but a frost of 32°F can also damage specialty crops.
Basil is particularly tender and can show damage at warmer temperatures, so covering or harvesting early is recommended.
Sweet potatoes can take damage from frost, especially if the vines die and break down, so digging them up beforehand can help prevent damage.
Dan Fillius explains how grading of produce, including sweet potatoes, has shifted towards smaller sizes due to changing consumer preferences.
Unseasonably warm autumn weather in Iowa
Unseasonally warm temperatures are expected in Iowa, with a slight chance of precipitation in the eastern part of the state.
Des Moines area received little rain, with up to half an inch of rain in western Iowa.
1963: Unseasonably hot autumn weather in Iowa in 1963, with some stations setting or breaking temperature records.
Growing winter vegetables in Iowa with tips for pest management
Farmers are seeing faster growth in overwintering crops due to warm temperatures.
Dan Fillius advises on timing for harvesting and replanting cool-season crops, and addresses pest management for aphids and voles.
Dan Fillius discusses the challenges of growing sweet potatoes and squash, including damage from rodents.
Fillius recommends using traps, nematodes, and other methods to control pest populations.
Soil moisture, frost, and farming strategies
Justin Glisan explains how dry soils freeze faster and deeper, with implications for spring thaw and infiltration of moisture.
Dan Fillius asks questions and seeks more information on the topic, highlighting the importance of understanding dry soil conditions for farmers.
Justin Glisan suggests covering soil with a tarp to retain moisture during winter, but Dan Fillius wonders if this prevents water recharge.
Dan Fillius questions the effectiveness of using a tarp for recharge, given the dryness of the winter season
