The USDA has released its first planting report for 2020. Even though their are some positive numbers in the report, it is important to note that the report was done before the full affect of COVID-19 was felt.
Todd Hultman, a lead analyst from DTN, says, “These are planting intentions; the survey was taken in the first two weeks of March...so needless to say there could be some changes between what we see here and what actually gets planted.”
Another factor that will influence the planting season is the increased likelihood of heavy rain.
Experts have predicted that this spring will see a rise in rainfall which spells flooding for parts of the nation.
Bryce Anderson, DTN’s Senior Ag Meteorologist, concludes, “There still is going to be a limited period where field work is available, and I think we are going to have some acreage questions.” Anderson goes on to state farmers may have to switch up their planting strategies: “Producers are really going to have to push the envelope on planting speeds, field work speeds, and equipment inventory.”
