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Concerns of planting delays grow

The possibility of delayed planting looms over parts of the Midwest.

Iowa State University Extension economist Chad Hart says there could be challenges this spring farmers haven’t faced in years.

“The snowpack as we look across the Dakotas into Minnesota and Wisconsin, that will at least hamper the start of planting season as we look there. We’re seeing some wet conditions as we look over around Ohio (and) southern Indiana as well.”

Concerns about planting delays are building and he tells Brownfield it’s in contrast to mostly dry springs the past two years.

“At least the drought in the western side of the Corn Belt that’s made for easier planting conditions, at least in terms of timeliness. That’s no longer the case as we look forward.”

Hart suggests that type of uncertainty tends to lead to higher prices. And depending on planting progress, he says the market could hit seasonal highs between April and June.