Spencer, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — According to the newest USDA Drought Monitor update, the entire KICD nine-county area is now classified as D0, or Abnormally Dry. That includes Osceola, Dickinson, Emmet, O’Brien, Clay, Palo Alto, and Pocahontas counties.

However, conditions have worsened in the south. D1, or Moderate Drought, has been introduced for Cherokee, Buena Vista, and the southern portion of Clay County. In fact, all of Buena Vista County is now under Moderate Drought status.

This means soil moisture is running low, and farmers may start seeing stress on late season crops and pastures.