Despite a warm beginning to April giving farmers an opportunity to get an early start to spring planting, agronomists are cautioning the risk to a cold snap isn’t over yet. Iowa State University Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson says the optimum planting window for Iowa corn has been April 11 to May 18. She says growers need to pay attention to the weather before and right after planting.

She says although having a soil temperature of at least 50 degrees at planting is important, that soil temp should remain at 50 degrees or upward after planting to prevent cold injury to the seed.

Anderson says for those who decide to plant early, keep in mind that crop insurance will not cover a replant until April 11.

Early planting for soybeans would be anytime between April 11 and April 25. Anderson says growers wanting soil temperature information can access the Iowa Environmental Mesonet.