Editors' Notebook

There's no one happier than a farmer who's been waiting to start spring fieldwork who finally gets in the cab. Let's hope the joy continues.

USDA reported 19% of the nation's corn and 2% of the soybeans were planted as of April 26. Fourteen percent of Iowa's corn was reportedly in the ground and some of that belongs to Pete Bardole, of Jefferson.

"We planted corn on the 16th and the 23rd of April," he told DTN in an email. "The corn planted the 16th has a 1.5-inch root sprout and a 1/2-inch stem sprout. The corn planted the 23rd is just sprouting.

"We have had over 3 inches of rain in the last two weeks. It gets dry enough you can run one day and it rains again. I am not worried about getting the corn planted yet; we have 1/3 of our corn planted and only planted for a short day and a half.

"Now we just need to wait for it to dry out. The fields that people were on when it was too wet in the fall are not drying out as good. I think we will be back in the field by Wednesday."

That's tomorrow.

Twenty percent of Missouri corn was planted as of Sunday, according to USDA. Bob Birdsell of Stanberry hopes to start his planting before the calendar turns to May.

"We should be able to go this week," he wrote DTN. "There was some planted last week, it looked plenty wet. You could still see black in the anhydrous tracks. ... Everyone have a safe week."

In Minnesota, 38% of the corn is planted, compared to 3% last year and a 20% average. "Lots of corn will be going in the ground this week," wrote Dave Tollefson in west-central Minnesota. "Small grain is poking through."

Only 3% of Indiana's corn is planted, according to USDA. That compares to a 26% five-year average. "Fieldwork started again last Thursday and Friday," wrote Scott Wallis of Princeton. "This area got between 0.1-.5 inches of rain Saturday. Would expect lots of planting and fieldwork going on by midweek."

USDA says Illinois corn is 31% planted, compared to 28% last year and a 37% average. "Near Decatur, Illinois, corn is probably over 60% planted in spite of very cold soil temps," reported Jeff Stocks. "My April 7 planted corn is emerged and surprisingly even, although the color is that of endive rather than corn. I expect the large green parades of equipment to plug the county highways this afternoon after the weekend rains as the Massive Big Boys have only moved mud around here a few weeks ago and did not plant."

In Alexander County, Illinois, Kenton Thomas was planting corn Monday morning. "Supposed to be dry all week," he wrote DTN. "Will be lots of corn planted this week. How much corn ground will be switched to beans really not sure yet. We should be done by week's end."

Ohio corn is 2% planted, USDA reports. Jan Layman who farms near Kenton wrote, "Not much happening here yet, but getting close."

Kansas corn is 32% planted, but not much happening in Doug Zillinger's area near Logan where up until recently it had been very dry. "We are working on machinery and looking out the shop door at the wet ground," he wrote. "Over the last two weeks we have had 3 inches that came right and we are thankful."

In Michigan, 4% of the corn is planted. "Here in west-central Michigan, we have been planting fruit trees -- apples, cherries, peaches -- and asparagus. This is somewhat later than average (define normal or average) but no corn or beans yet," wrote Phil Carter of New Era.

"Some carrots have gone in but we're behind in that arena as well. The big news is the freeze on Thursday night\Friday morning. Reports are showing temps anywhere from 22-24 degrees. Damage to fruit is evident but too early to quantify. Lots of frost fans ran all night and big round bales were also burned to try to raise the air temperatures. The reality is that we ONLY THINK we're in charge," Phil quipped.

In New York State, farmers are still waiting to get into the fields. "NOTHING is going on," wrote Crawford McFetridge from the Finger Lakes area. "Some of the dairy guys are spreading. That's if they are drag lining. The mud is to where you can drive on it if you stay away from known wet spots. We need warm breezy days. It's supposed to rain today (Monday) so we will see how that works out. ... I wish everyone good planting. Plant corn like there is no tomorrow. Leave no field unplanted. Why? I want to be able to say I sold corn for $2.00 a bushel and survived it."

If you'd like to join DTN's email reader consulting group, send me an email at cheri.zagurski@dtn.com

(SK)

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