Despite the hot, dry weather in many parts of Iowa in July and August, farmers will likely see grain stored outside at local elevators again this fall. How much will be in bunkers and piles, and where, depends on where rain fell in a timely manner in July and August.

"We are pretty much assured there will be tight grain storage again this fall," says Charles Hurburgh, grain quality and handling specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. "With a two-billion-bushel surplus, there is no way it can be moved out in time.

"The percentage of grain in on-farm storage at the end of July was the highest I’ve ever seen," continues Hurburgh. ...