Cool temperatures and dry conditions are having many farmers wait for a few extra days before they start with this year’s planting.  According to the latest USDA crop progress report, farmers are behind last year’s planting schedule, but generally are still on pace with the five-year average.  Joel DeJong serves as the Iowa State University Extension Crops Specialist for northwest Iowa.  He says despite the cold conditions, there have been a few planters seen crossing the fields.

DeJong says it depends on the farmer and the size of operation, but he recommends farmers wait a few days, hoping that temperatures will warm up, before they begin planting crops.