Farmers have put their spring planting progress on hold after severe storms ravaged some parts of the Midwest. On the other hand, growers in other corners of midwestern farm country are taking full advantage of planting windows whenever they arise.
Iowa
A fifth-generation farmer in western Iowa says she has never seen devastation like this firsthand, and pictures don’t even describe how devastating the storms last weekend were. However, she said there has been one silver lining for her: seeing farmers helping farmers during this time of need.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Crop Progress Report shows 24 percent of Iowa’s corn and 13 percent of soybeans are in the ground.
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) spoke about the devastation on his weekly call with industry news media:
Illinois
Growers in Illinois are taking advantage of planting windows.
An agronomist based in Williamson County told Brownfield Ag News that several acres have been planted over the past few weeks across the state. The rains slowed down the planting pace a little but welcome for the boost in soil moisture. The agronomist says they are a long way from being late on getting anything in, and planting into proper field conditions should be the top priority right now.
So far, 34 percent of corn and 32 percent of soybeans have been planted in Illinois.
Michigan
Sporadic rain and frosts have kept Michigan producers out of the fields.
Farmers say the soils have been too cool and wet for any major planting progress. They told Brownfield Ag News they hope to get planters rolling this week. If not, they will feel like they are behind. Two percent of corn and 5 percent of soybeans are in the ground.
Fruit growers are concerned about possible frost damage with apples, tart cherries, and the peaches in bloom.
