(Le Mars) — Farmers have been able to take advantage of the recent nice weather and get a jump on this year’s planting duties. According to Iowa State University Extension Crops Specialist for northwest Iowa, Joel DeJong, many farmers have either finished planting, or are getting close to finishing
planting.
DeJong says soil conditions have been excellent for the planting, but he says we could use a nice significant rainfall in the near future.
Despite not having much rain, DeJong says many of the earlier planted crops have already emerged.
DeJong says there are some soybean seeds that are laying in dry soil, that could use a boost.
The extension crops specialist says conditions have been favorable as soil temperatures have hit 50 degrees and are rising. He says area alfalfa and oats crops are doing well, but like the corn and soybeans, a rain would be welcomed. DeJong says extension personnel have set up traps to determine the likely infestation of different crop pests.
DeJong says other areas of the state are also ahead of normal planting schedules, although in eastern Iowa, they have had some rains which has slowed down the planting progress.
