Agriculture Roundup for Tuesday January 31, 2023

Feb 01, 2023

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has elected its first female president.

Jill Verwey of Portage, Manitoba farms with her family in a mixed dairy, beef, and grain operation.

Verwey won the election at KAP’s annual meeting over fellow incumbent vice-president Jake Ayre in the organization’s first contested election for president in several decades.

She replaces Bill Campbell who served the maximum four one-year terms as the head of KAP.

Agriculture in the Classroom – Canada (AITC-C) is extending its best wishes to its founding executive director.

Johanne Ross has served AITC-C for seven years. Her final day of work will be Feb. 9.

Ross was instrumental to the establishment and growth of the national organization.

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Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.