Minnesota farmers have sown some oats and spring wheat, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture says cool temperatures and precipitation have limited any planting in earnest so far.
Excellent weather conditions over the Spring and Summer has farmers already hitting the fields for the fall harvest. Area farmers are preparing for what could be a record harvest. University of Minnesota Extension educator Dan Martens says even with the increased productions, market prices still remain low.
The recent rainfall this past week has been a good thing for central Minnesota farmers. University of Minnesota Extension educator Dan Martens says there is a lot of good looking crops around the state, which should help around harvest time.
A new state law is waiting for Governor Dayton's approval which will require farmers to install a 50-foot buffer between their crops and public lakes, streams and ditches. A conservation buffer is an area of permanent vegetation that helps control pollutants and manage other environmental concerns before they hit the water.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has been meeting with Minnesota turkey producers to hear their concerns about the bird flu outbreak, and says she plans to speak with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack soon to discuss the federal response to the crisis.
With winter hopefully at an end farmers are looking towards Spring and an early planting season. University of Minnesota Extension educator Dan Martens says with the recent mild temperatures some farmers have already started work in the fields.