This past week found very hot and dry conditions, with four of the days with Extreme Heat Warnings.  There has been only 0.18" of precipitation in the last 21 days.  No rain so far for the month of September, however, YTD and WYTD remain on the plus side of NOAA Norm.  Grass has stopped growing and is turning brown.  Area corn has continued to dry down with some corn in fields looking completely dried down.  Beans have begun turning also and are yellowing.  My neighbor's cottonwood tree is shedding its leaves. Area rivers remain low.  Have not heard anything about barge traffic on the Mississippi River being affected as of yet, however, I did not venture out of the channel on my days out there.  It's low!  Daily battles continue at the hummingbird feeders.  Those feisty fellas are fun to watch.