(Le Mars) — Spring field work is running ahead of schedule, according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach agronomist Paul Kassel. Kassel, who is based out of Spencer,
says due to the mild autumn and winter, many farmers in his region were able to get a lot of the field preparation done last fall.
Temperatures reached the 80’s during the weekend, and is forecast to be in the 80’s again today (Monday) and Kassel says soil temperatures have also followed the air temperatures trend.
Many areas of northwest Iowa are listed as being in some form of a drought, but Kassel says it may still be too early to be concerned about the short moisture levels. He says conditions could still show signs of improvement.
Rain is being predicted for many areas of Iowa beginning later evening and continuing through Thursday. Kassel says that rain will no doubt help the situation.
Kassel says the window for planting corn is normally from April 15th until May 15th. He says some studies indicate a possibility of higher yields when corn is planted early. However, he says farmers should wait to plant their
corn until after April 11th when crop insurance coverage begins.
