Drought Conditions Easing, But Not Over Yet

Farm belt still short of moisture

A cool, rainy spring is easing dry conditions in parts of the nation's farm belt that saw the worst of last year's drought.

But optimism is being tempered, as that weather pattern has kept anxious farmers in most of Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin from planting.

The latest drought monitor released Thursday shows snowmelt and rain replenished ground moisture in parts of eastern Iowa, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Central Iowa counties are improved but still short of moisture.