Local producers are in the homestretch as the majority of seeds are in the ground. Despite significant rainfall affecting much of the southeast, agrologist Edgar Hammermeister predicts all farmers to have wrapped up seeding operations by the end of the weekend.
“The seeding operations are nearing completion. [The percentage] will be in the mid-upper 90’s, I'm sure. We've had a good number of days since the big rain event that hit the southeast, and farmers, once field conditions were good to go, they've been hard at it.”
While the rain did disrupt seeding operations, Hammermeister says its conditions were ideal, as the steady rainfall over the course of a few days allowed the soil to fully absorb the moisture.
“The volumes varied; it was three to four, even five inches, but it was over a period of days rather than an afternoon. That really allowed the moisture to soak in and really recharge the whole soil profile compared to having a big rain event and have everything run off into the low spots.”
Alongside ideal conditions, he remarks on the timing of the precipitation accounting for the dry, windy conditions the soil has otherwise been subject to.
“Those dry, windy conditions were really starting to take a toll on moisture reserves, so from that perspective, it was a great recharge of the soil. As long as we don't have ridiculous heat and wind, then that's a great moisture inventory for the crop, and that gives us a buffer before the next rain is needed to maintain yield potential.”
A possibility of showers is forecasted for the beginning of next week, Hammermeister says if it does rain it will be well received and well timed, as weed control operations will yet be underway.
He is cautiously optimistic looking at the forecasted growing season. The early growing season is expected to be mild, which will be good for crop development and weed control operations.
“It's a little bit early to be really putting any focus on what the forecast is for July, but everybody will be watching the combination of just how hot it will get, and if we will be getting any moisture.”
Hammermeister bids good luck to local producers as efforts transition from seeding to the growing season.
"Good luck to the guys as they're wrapping up their seeding operations, everybody will be looking forward to a little bit of relaxation here before the next big activity on the farm, which is the weed spraying."