Warmer weather and mixed precipitation are forecast over most major U.S. growing regions the last half of April.
Vaisala Xweather senior ag forecaster Donald Keeney says temperature swings should give way with a warmup soon.
“And we’re going to be consistently warm across all the Central Plains, most of the Midwest and Delta over the remainder of April. In fact, the warm forecast goes out through most of May as well.”
He says recent precipitation has helped alleviate moisture deficits in parts of the Plains and Midwest. “In the far west-central Plains, not so much. I’m not optimistic for a significant increase in precipitation across the west-central Plains. So that would be western Nebraska, the western half of Kansas, western Oklahoma, eastern Colorado, those areas.”
Keeney is forecasting rather wet conditions across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, eastern Iowa, and northern portions of Illinois. “We will see on and off rain in those areas throughout the next three weeks, so we’re certainly going to see some fieldwork delays there.”
He says planting is off to a fast start in the Delta, where rain is expected to ramp up later next week.
“So, Arkansas, southern portions of Missouri, and southern reaches of the Ohio Valley, that’s where we do expect the rain to really intensify late next week and into the following week.”
Keeney anticipates a break in rainfall during May and says temperatures should be consistently warm.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Not ideal weather conditions for planting season in many crop production areas. Delayed planting can cause reduced yield come harvest time. Similarly, too wet or too dry can cause severe crop damage as well. Mother Nature is typically the primary risk factor in most crop production. It appears that this year is no different. We will pay attention to what impact weather is having on crops as the season progresses and report back to you with any major developments.
Most farmers/ranchers take advantage of crop insurance these days. Likewise, be sure to promote CAD Protect when closing a deal with a farmer/rancher. Most OEM warranties are either void or have severe restrictions when the truck is used for agricultural purposes. CAD Protect is designed specifically to warranty the truck used on a farm or ranch.
