Warmer temperatures have melted away much of the snow cover and that has farmers to starting think about getting into the fields. Iowa State University crops specialist, Joel DeJong says it the temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s have started to warm the soil and clear out the frost.
DeJong covers northwest Iowa and a survey shows soil moisture levels are, for the most part, adequate to begin spring field work.
DeJong says the timing of spring rains will impact the start of planting, but he says if things stay warm, it may not be long before the planting season gets going.
DeJong says they will be watching manure applicators to see if they can get into the field as the season to apply manure was short last fall and there is a lot left to be spread this spring. DeJong says if the ground can handle the equipment to spread manure, that’s an indication the ground can handle other equipment too.
