Planting 2022 finally began this week. We started on May 10, about 20 days behind our usual start date. Guys are still pushing the envelope as far as soil conditions. However, that is to be expected at this point in time.

Weather this week has been great. At the beginning of the week, we had some warmth, wind, and sun that helped get a jumpstart on drying fields out. The last couple of days highs have been running 15-20 degrees above normal. Currently the forecast shows a return to more moderate temperatures next week, with a chance of rain this weekend.

Start-up did not go smoothly. It was more than stressful jumping in and trying to start planting both corn and soybeans on the same day. The last few years, we have been starting with soybeans then a day or two later start corn. With the calendar creeping toward the middle of May, that wasn’t really an option.

Seed placement preference has once again gone out the window. Sometimes I wonder why we just don’t stock up the shed and grab something as we go. Getting a late start means we will probably lean toward shorter season corn maturities. If we don’t get the full season corn planted in the next few days, it will stay in the bag. I haven’t checked lately, but a month ago, the supply of shorter season seed was tight. I have a little bit extra seed on hand but not a huge amount. Nobody wants to be as risk of paying a huge gas bill to get corn dried in the fall. All that said, weather usually has a way of evening things out.

That is about all I have time for this morning. Be safe out there! We always appreciate those of you who pull over or find a driveway and allow the farm equipment to pass.

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Farm Progress.