Northern Plains Farmers Seize Early Planting Window, Aiming for Longer Season

Farmers across the Northern Plains are taking advantage of favorable weather conditions to make significant progress in their spring planting. USDA data shows corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops being planted far ahead of the typical pace, a strategy to lengthen the growing season and potentially mitigate drought risks.

“Up here, it’s crucial to plant early,” says Tom Hoverstad, a scientist in Minnesota. “Our short season means maximizing every growing day.” Minnesota farmers have already planted 8% of corn (4% average) and a surprising 5% of soybeans (typically none at this point).

Iowa echoes the trend, with 13% of corn planted (8% average) and 8% of soybeans (2% average). While North Dakota’s progress is slightly slower, planting of various crops still outpaces historical rates. South Dakota shows mixed results but is still ahead of schedule for many crops.

Experts point to potential benefits of early planting. “Dry summers are a risk, and planting early helps us hedge against that,” Hoverstad explains. “If pollination happens during dry weather, yield can suffer.”

Laura Edwards, state climatologist for South Dakota State University Extension, notes that while spring holds the promise of more moisture, drought is a looming threat later in the season. “There’s potential for drought to redevelop in late summer,” she warns.

Despite frost risks in May, both Hoverstad and Edwards encourage farmers in the region to take advantage of the current planting window.