North Dakota
Unstable spring weather poses challenges for corn, soybeans
FARGO — North Dakota’s recent stretch of erratic weather has some farmers wondering whether the cool temperatures and heavy rain will hurt spring planting.
The North Dakota Corn Growers Association says corn and soybeans are particularly sensitive to soil temperature and don’t thrive in cooler conditions.
After a stretch of 90-degree days left soil dry, many farmers were hoping for rain. But now they’re being urged to keep an eye out for a crust that can form after heavy precipitation.
“When it dries up, there will be, like, an inch, half-inch layer of crust,” said Ben Bakko, secretary and treasurer of the ND Corn Growers. “Some guys will go out there and do some very, very light tillage to try to break it up, to allow their crop to come up. So that’s something to monitor for sure.”
Bakko also reminds farmers to consider putting in crop hail insurance to protect against extreme weather-related yield losses.