This year’s hot and dry weather has many old-timers pointing to the drought years of 1934 and 1936 as a reference. Even State Climatologist Harry Hillaker said this has been the hottest start for July and the summer season since 1936.

Jasper County does not appear to be in dire straits yet, but without rain soon, conditions will get a lot worse.

Roger Zylstra farms about 700 acres with his son and this year planted 400 acres in corn and the rest in soybeans. Zylstra said he’s expecting about half a crop this year.