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Planting ahead of more bad weather in Minnesota

A south-central Minnesota farmer decided to start planting corn despite an expected return of cool and wet weather this week.

Harold Wolle of Madelia says after more than two inches of rain since the beginning of April, field conditions are finally fit.

“We had some sunshine over the weekend and that dried things out, and we actually started planting (Sunday).”

He tells Brownfield about a quarter of his intended corn acres are planted, but anticipates fieldwork will come to a halt as an extended stretch of below-average temperatures and additional moisture blanket the forecast.

“If it were just for a day it would not be a big deal, but when you get four to five days put together of cool, damp weather with maybe a little snow thrown in, it’s cause for concern.”

The USDA says just six percent of Minnesota’s corn crop has been planted, compared to 40 percent last year and 17 percent normally.

Wolle, the president of the Minnesota Corn Growers, points out many farmers have large machinery which will allow them to catch up quickly once the weather cooperates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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