The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 75 percent of the country is facing drought conditions.
Central Illinois Farmer Ken Franklin says the situation is dire. “Our subsoil moisture is nonexistent right now and our topsoil moisture is pretty dry. In fact, I top dressed wheat the other day and I didn’t have to wait for frost, it was that dry.”
Greg Anderson in northeast Nebraska says the lack of moisture is concerning with planting less than 2 months away. “Over the last six months, I’ve had less than six inches of precipitation and that includes rain and snow. Last week we had about four inches of snow and that was the most snow we’ve had all winter.”
North-central Kansas farmer Brett Grauerholtz says he has several concerns. “We’ve seen very low snowpack in the Mountains and like it or not it runs off into our rivers and affects us in Kansas.”
Sandy Lunderman in southwest Minnesota says his operation needs spring rains to help recharge the soil profile. “It’s been a pretty nice open winter, but there is not a lot of moisture and snow.”
Central Iowa farmer Grant Kimberly said he had adequate moisture last year, but “We would like to see a little bit moisture soil going into planting season to make sure we have a full recharge.”
The farmers say they’re closely watching weather forecasts ahead of the planting season.
