Planting Is Rolling But Moisture Is Becoming a Factor

Planting season is beginning to ramp up across Farmward territory, with field conditions allowing growers to make steady progress.

Across all regions, soils are in good to excellent shape for fieldwork. Corn is starting to go in, along with sugarbeets and some early soybeans. Fertilizer applications, pre-emerge herbicide applications, and seed deliveries are all moving forward.

However, one theme is starting to surface:

Conditions are fit—but they’re getting dry.

That shift is starting to influence planting depth, herbicide strategy, and early-season decisions as we move into a critical stretch of the season.

What We’re Seeing Across the Region

Southern Region

Field conditions are very good, and planting is expected to increase significantly by midweek.

As soils continue to dry out, growers are paying closer attention to planting depth, making sure seeds are placed into consistent moisture where possible.

Herbicide performance is also top of mind. Pre-emerge products applied over the top will require rainfall for activation—and with limited moisture in the forecast, that may be delayed.

Because of this, we are recommending:

• Applying pre-emerge herbicides ahead of tillage when possible
• Considering incorporation to improve activation and overall performance

In dry conditions like this, how the product is applied can be just as important as the product itself.

Northern Region

Growers are reporting good to excellent field conditions, and we expect to see a strong push of planting this week.

Corn planting is beginning to ramp up, with sugarbeets and some soybeans already going in. Soybean treating is also expected to pick up as the week progresses.

One of the biggest messages in the north right now is the importance of planning ahead.

As planting begins, it’s easy to focus only on getting the crop in the ground—but staying ahead on the next steps is critical.

We are encouraging growers to:

• Schedule fertilizer applications early
• Line up spraying plans
• Coordinate chemical and liquid deliveries

Staying proactive now will help avoid delays as the season picks up speed.

Western Region

Field conditions remain favorable, and activity is steadily increasing.

Fertilizer spreading and pre-emerge herbicide applications are ongoing, and most corn has been pulled out of storage as planting continues to ramp up. Soybean treating is also increasing as growers prepare for the transition.

With continued temperature fluctuations, hybrid selection is becoming more important.

We are recommending:

• Planting corn hybrids with strong emergence scores first
• Waiting to plant slower-emerging hybrids until soil temperatures improve

There are also more conversations around soybean seed treatments this week. With earlier planting conditions, seed treatments can play an important role in improving emergence, early vigor, and disease protection.