Record-Breaking Dry September Leaves Southwest Minnesota in Drought

Issue #108

10 Oct

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 85

🗞️ Record-Breaking Dry September Leaves Southwest Minnesota in Drought

🗞️ Southwest MN's Schuster Shop Brings Organic, Sustainable Products to the Community

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Record-Breaking Dry September Leaves Southwest Minnesota in Drought

Marshall has experienced its driest September on record, with just 0.15 inches of rain, breaking a previous low from 1974.

Typically, the region would see around 3.06 inches for the month. This prolonged dry spell has contributed to worsening drought conditions across southwest Minnesota, including Lyon and neighboring counties, now classified as experiencing moderate drought.

Local farmers have benefited from the dry conditions during harvest, with crops like corn and soybeans drying more quickly than in past years. However, the lack of rainfall has made tasks such as fall tillage much more difficult.

Farmers are also taking extra precautions against fire hazards, using equipment like leaf blowers to clear dry, flammable dust from machinery as they work.

The soybean harvest in the region is about 68% complete, according to the latest USDA crop reports, while around 82% of Minnesota’s corn crop has reached full maturity. Although this is a promising outlook for crop yields, concerns remain about soil quality and long-term water availability.

Alongside agricultural impacts, the ongoing dry weather has heightened fire risks across the area. While the Marshall region is not currently facing extreme winds—which would significantly elevate fire danger—fire warnings remain in place.

Fire risks are especially high due to dry grasses and crops, coupled with harvest activities.

Despite these challenges, the National Weather Service's outlook offers some hope for relief later in the year. There’s a chance of above-average precipitation in southern Minnesota during the winter months, which could help replenish the region's water reserves and alleviate some of the drought's effects.

For now, farmers are pushing through the harvest, navigating the challenges of one of the driest falls on record. As the season progresses, all eyes remain on the sky, hoping for much-needed moisture to return to the region.

Southwest MN's Schuster Shop Brings Organic, Sustainable Products to the Community

Looking for solutions that combines sustainability with everyday essentials? We're here to introduce you to Schuster Shop - Amway, an online store run by Katie and Wyatt Schuster, based in Cottonwood, MN.

The couple launched this venture two years ago, focusing on products that are either good for you or good for the environment.

From vitamins and sports nutrition to skincare, body care, and cleaning products, their entire lineup emphasizes sustainability, traceability, and organic ingredients. Amway's plant-based cleaning products are biodegradable, and their skincare is infused with vitamins for a healthy, nourishing glow.

Katie and Wyatt, both Southwest MN natives, started Schuster Shop to diversify their income while promoting clean, chemical-free alternatives. They’re passionate about the impact these products can have, especially as more research highlights the hidden chemicals in everyday items.

When they’re not managing their business, you can find them working in their garden and preserving food for winter—another way they live their commitment to health and sustainability.

Schuster Shop will be showcasing their products at the SMSU Tailgating Event on October 12th and the Wood Lake Vendor Show on October 26th, so stop by to learn more!

You can check out their online shop to explore these eco-friendly, health-conscious products and join Katie and Wyatt in their mission to make better choices for a healthier future.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Thursday, October 10th
Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th

  • Fleet – Tune Into Magic at the Red Baron Arena & Expo from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

  • 21st Quilt & Trunk Show at the Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Saturday, October 12th from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM

    • Sunday, October 13th from 12:00 - 4:00 PM

    • $5 admission - included with your admission is a TRUNK SHOW Featuring Bev Krog

    • If you have a quilt you’d like to display at our show contact:

    • Iverson Tree Farm 6th Annual Fall Festival

      • MEA Friday, October 18th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

      • Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

      • Sundays from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Thursday, October 17th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at the Minneota Farmers Market from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th
Monday, October 21st
Friday, October 18th - Sunday, October 20th
Thursday, October 24th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at Knudson-Bosley Park (HWY 14) from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

  • Moonlight Madness in Downtown Marshall starting at 7:00 PM

Friday, October 25th
Saturday, October 26th
Sunday, October 27th
Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th (LAST TIME!)
Thursday, October 31st

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

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Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

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