Eastern Cornbelt:
Rain at midweek slowed fieldwork in many parts of the Eastern Cornbelt, but sources reported a brisk application pace before the precipitation.
Up to a quarter inch of rain was reported across central Illinois at midweek, along with 30 mph wind gusts. Highs in the 70s were reported in Illinois and Indiana during the week, but wet weather and cooler temperatures were in the weekend forecasts for many locations.
One Illinois source said the moisture at midweek allowed growers and retailers to “catch their breath” after a hectic pace during the first days of the month. “It’s a little early for corn and beans, but there has been some vegetable planting and alfalfa seeding,” he said. “Historically it’s April 15 before anyone gets too itchy about planting corn in this area.”
Record highs in the low-80s were reported in parts of Ohio during the week, which sparked a flurry of fieldwork. “It’s been crazy busy so far this spring,” said one Ohio contact at midweek. “I’ve never seen so much movement this early in my market area. I think the terminals are really starting to see some spot outages of product before resupply shows up.”
Western Cornbelt:
Highs in the 70s and 80s across Iowa during the week sparked a flurry of fieldwork in the state, although midweek thunderstorms were reported in the Cedar Rapids area. Local media said a tornado with 85 mph wind speeds touched down in Cedar Rapids late on April 7.
Rain showers were also reported across eastern Nebraska at midweek, along with cooler temperatures. Things were wet in central Missouri as well, with rainfall totals ranging from 1-2 inches on April 7-8. One Missouri source said highs only reached the low-50s in his location at midweek.
One Iowa source said early planting of corn and soybeans was already underway in some parts of the state.
California:
Highs in the 70s and 80s were reported across Southern California at midweek. Brief showers were reported early in the week in the Northern Sierra Nevada, but the light precipitation was followed by 70-degree temperatures and dry conditions in the northern counties for the remainder of the week.
The dry weather contributed to worsening drought conditions in California. The State Water Resources Control Board warned in late March that near-term water shortages are possible in parts of the state as much of California is currently experiencing moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
“Drought continues to be a big concern, and water shortages are resulting in cuts in open field ground,” said one California source. “Growers in many cases are using available water to care for trees, and fallowing ground. Some growers are selling water.”
Fertilizer application was described as heavy in the state in early April, although some dealers said they were “certainly feeling the effects of unsatisfactory nut pricing.” One contact said growers are “sticking to the more conventional fertilizer and cutting back rates” as a result.
Pacific Northwest:
Strong winds were reported across central and eastern Washington at midweek, causing dust storms in some locations. Breezy weather was also reported in parts of northern Idaho and western Montana, with a chance of winter precipitation as temperatures late in the week.
Forecasts called for 2-4 inches of snow in western Montana at elevations above 3,500 feet as the week progressed, with 3-6 inches likely at 5,500 feet. Much of western Montana awoke to a dusting of snow earlier in the week after a stretch of balmy spring weather over the previous weekend.
Cooler temperatures and widespread rain were also reported in western Oregon and western Washington at midweek, with as much as four inches of snow expected in the Cascades and the higher foothills.
Spring fieldwork and planting were underway in the Columbia Basin and Willamette Valley in early April, with sources also reporting a wide range of field activities in southern Idaho. The pace is expected to pick up rapidly in eastern Montana in early April as well.
Western Canada:
Highs in the teens were reported across the Prairies during the week, with lows dropping to the single digits. Sources described Saskatchewan and Alberta weather conditions as sunny and warm, although rain and colder weather was in store for parts of Manitoba over the coming weekend.
Despite the favorable weather, sources said it was still a bit early for widespread spring fieldwork in the region, although preplant ammonia was reportedly moving in parts of southern Alberta in early April. One regional contact said most areas were “still a week or two from really ramping up.”
Commented another source: “Dry weather in southern Manitoba is now creating some early concerns about a potential drought.”