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Midwest climatologist expects early to average planting dates, concern for post-planting drought

Based on current weather outlooks the director of USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub anticipates early to average planting dates this year, but there is greater concern for drought-stricken areas three months out.

Dennis Todey tells Brownfield recent and upcoming rainfall in the southern and eastern Midwest might delay planting a little. 

“Missouri and over towards the Ohio Valley, they have had some decent amounts of precipitation tat may be slowing down field work and planting a little bit in that area.”

He says Michigan and Wisconsin are experiencing abnormally dry conditions, but nothing severe, and are currently on track for an early to average start.

He says the one positive of drier areas further west may be an early start this year, but forecasts don’t show much rain in those areas after crops are in the ground. He says crop and livestock farmers in parts of Iowa, Minnesota and westward should be thinking ahead.

“Can I reduce plant populations, reduce fertilizer, things like that. Livestock folks definitely be evaluating right now your feed and water situation, making decisions on herd size or acquiring additional feed.”

He says warmer than average conditions may cause crops to absorb water faster, so even if those areas see some post-planting rain, it will disappear quickly.