Weather remains one of the most challenging and unpredictable headwind to farmers. The Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index (AWSSI) published by Purdue University categorizes most of Iowa as average or moderate, with the exception of Waterloo and Iowa City which are categorized as severe (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Accumulated Winter Season Severity Index published by Purdue University (Current Season)

Weather patterns like La Niña play a significant role in...