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Severe drought continues in eastern Iowa

East-central Iowa farmer Dallas Tomlinson says drought persists on his farm and it’s having an impact on crop conditions.

“Right at the moment we are at that pivotal time when we need a drink and it’s kind of crunch time right now.”

He tells Brownfield it’s been abnormally dry for three straight growing seasons, but this year has been different.

“We always had some reserves down deep in the soil and I’m afraid we’ve diminished that,” he said. “We are living dangerously.”

Tomlinson says he remains optimistic despite the ongoing dryness.

“For the beans, we’ll see what August brings,” he said. “If we can snag a couple of rains it’s sure going to help them.”

He farms south of Waterloo near Traer.