Farmers behind on planting corn

By JOE LOFARO
Special to the Press
Jeff Lannom, the Weakley County agriculture extension agent, said local farmers are now behind on getting their corn crops planted.
“We are as behind this year as we were early last year,” Lannom said.
This past spring, local farmers enjoyed several 80-degree days and were able to plan corn in mid-March. This year farmers are waiting for the weather to warm up and stop raining.
“Last March was unusual,” said Keith Fowler, who farms in Weakley and Gibson counties. “This year is closer to normal. When it dries up and warms up, we will be ready to go.”
Lannom said March, 2013, was the fourth coldest March on record.
“Farmers are usually planting corn the first week of April,” Lannom said. “Some might get a jump on it and start the last week of March.”
Not this year. Winter weather and  light snow lingered around in March, and although Monday’s temperature was near 50 degrees, it was sleeting in and around Martin.
Lannom said most farmers are not complaining about the rain. “We will need the moisture,” Lannom said. “We need to recharge the ground water. The largest percentage of our crops are watered by rainfall.”
Lannom said about 150,000 acres of crop land was certified in 2012.
“We are chomping at the bit to get started,” Fowler said.

Published in The WCP 4.4.13