The recent rainfall broke a string of dry days for us. Spencer received about 0.7 inches of rain. Storm lake, Spirit Lake and other areas in the highway 71 corridor received a similar 0.4 to 0.7 inches. However, areas east of highway 4 did not receive much rain and are returning to the field today.
I did a quick text message survey of some ag professionals in my area and they reported that corn planting progress was 10 to 35% complete in areas of Clay and Dickinson counties.
I am a little surprised as to the amount of corn that was planted. Last year farmers were mostly cautious on corn planting – waiting until late April/early May to plant corn. However, this year has a different feel to it – with some recent warm weather and more warm weather predicted. Hopefully the predicted warm weather will occur as forecast.
I had the question a few times – is it windier than usual this spring? The windy conditions have made it real difficult for herbicide and fertilizer applications. A check of the Mesonet confirmed that – with the exception of 1999 and 2001 – this has been a windy spring in Spencer.