Improved soil moisture levels are leading to some optimism in Iowa ahead of planting.

The USDA says there were multiple snow and rain events during February, including a late-month blizzard, which has helped lessen drought conditions in parts of the state.

That has made some feedlots muddy and temperatures were wide-ranging, but livestock is reportedly in good shape with calving and lambing underway.

Poor gravel road conditions in parts of Iowa have hampered grain movement somewhat.

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