The planting season has begun in Iowa and a representative from Iowa State University Extension sheds light on how the moist conditions present a challenge.

Dallas County ISU Extension Field Agronomist Meaghan Anderson tells Raccoon Valley Radio that planting season started a little earlier this year thanks to an abnormally warmer winter. She says that farmers were able to get a leg up on planting, explaining that the month of April was a great time to get going. However, with the recent rainfall, she identifies that being an obstacle for farmers.

“I think the rainfall has presented a few challenges. So for crops in the ground, we’re obviously to the point where those soils are pretty saturated. We’ve seen a little bit of water hanging out on the service. Nothing like the ponds that we maybe saw back in the late 2000s.”

Anderson believes that Dallas County is sitting in a good position currently with a lot of crop in the ground. She is thankful that the planting season is off to a good start, even though it is unusual with warmer temperatures.