Recent weather has had an adverse impact on local farmers not only in Adair County, but across the state. The rain and flooding has delayed farmers from planting crops, spraying herbicides and fertilizing soil.
Statewide only 3 percent of corn has been planted as opposed to 10 percent on average at this time of year for the past four years. Soybean planting is down from 8 percent at this time last year to 4 percent.
According to Nick Roy, Adair County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, corn planting is less than 1 percent in Adair. To his knowledge, there are no soybeans planted at this time.
“We’re behind” said Roy. “We are basically at 0 percent progress on planting and preparation for corn and soybeans”.
Farmers are getting a late start, but a lot can be accomplished in a short time said Roy, but there will need to be near perfect weather conditions, no equipment breakdowns or other issues.
There is still a lot of hay ground and pasture ground that has not been fertilized, which is a process that generally begins in mid-March and is completed by the beginning of April.
There have been some farmers that were able to make applications in between the rainfall. However, there are still many who have yet to make applications.
David Claycomb, USDA farm service agent, said that fortunately the fall wheat crops have not been seriously impacted. As for the grain crops, the farmers need the fields to dry out so they can get started. Some of the fields will dry quickly, where others will take awhile. Bottom land along rivers and creeks will be more seriously impacted.
Motorists should also be aware that this is the time of year where farm machinery will be on the roadways. Be aware that tractors and other machinery operate at lower speeds and remain conscious when traveling.
By Amy Pike
newsroom2@adairvoice.com
