The USDA – Midwest Climate Hub says there is important weather information for farmers in Minnesota and Iowa to keep in mind going into the growing season this April.
Due to the above average temperatures this winter, which in Minnesota was one of the warmest on record according to the National Weather Service, the soil is also drier than it otherwise might be during this time of year.
According to the Hub, without at least several precipitation events this spring, it may be drier than what corn, soybean and alfalfa growers prefer going into the growing season.
While it is too soon to make any drastic changes for planting season at this point, one way farmers could account for a potential lack of moisture this year is through reduced tilling and reduced applications of fertilizer.