For many farmers Easter, even when it's as late as it is in 2022, is kind of that last break before the start of the new cropping season. To get a handle on how the spring season is shaping up we had a little fun with our latest Farm Progress PANEL question.

We asked: How is your Easter Weekend shaping up? The aim was to have a little holiday fun, but also get a sense of what's happening in farm country.

And it looks like for some Easter dinner plans were put on hold. About 6% responded they weren't having that special meal. These respondents selected the response: "No Easter dinner here, we're planting." With crop prices where they are, taking advantage of the weather, when offered, can drive those to move away from the holiday.

But we did have some fun with the responses for this week's poll. Just over one- quarter (29%) shared they were looking forward to their annual Easter egg hunt. Given that rain and snow were pummeling much of the upper Midwest, perhaps that response isn't a surprise. If you can't plant because it is too wet or too cold, why not an egg hunt.

The next larger group is also taking a break, with 31% saying they were prepping that Easter ham. We'd put them in the same category of the egg hunters, taking the time they have now to enjoy family before the real work begins.

Yet the biggest group was probably slipping out a little early from that Easter dinner. Just over one-third – 34% - shared they were doing final prep on their planter. There's that annual sense of anticipation to get rolling as soon as the soil is warm and dry enough. There's warmer weather in the upcoming forecast so we wish you all good luck and a safe #Plant22. And glad to see many respondents had a good Easter.

Thanks to everyone who responded to these PANEL questions.

Let your voice be heard

The Farm Progress PANEL is your chance to share your thoughts on key issues. To take part, start by signing up for our daily mobile text service Farm Progress NOW. To do that text FARM to 20505, and be sure to respond to the text that follows we have a double opt-in system to make sure you're signed up.

Later in one of our daily update texts we'll provide information about how to sign up for the PANEL. And thanks to the respondents for helping us out.

Note: The Farm Progress PANEL is an opt-in SMS-based group. If you are a part of the panel, you may text STOP to unsubscribe.