March 16, 2007

Douglas Anderson, Extension Educator in Keith, Arthur and Perkins counties: Things are warming up nicely and the ground is coming out of frost. Small ponds are still scattered over low areas in Keith and Perkins counties. Lake McConaughy's big lake is still ice covered, but the small lake is open. Some producers are concerned about the condition of wheat that has been covered with water and ice for the past month. Wheat that hasn't been covered is in good shape. There hasn't been any field activity yet.

Del Hemsath, Extension Educator in Dakota, Dixon and Thurston counties: Snow is melting rapidly and causing some minor flooding and erosion on frozen soil. Winter annuals will begin growth with vigor given the good soil moisture and nitrogen delivered with the snow. Unfortunately, wet conditions will delay getting into the fields for control. The area received close to 2 feet of snow over a three-week period. Cattle are still on some corn fields and will be causing some compaction problems. Most producers are staying with the normal corn/soybean rotation on the same acres, but a few are planning to increase their corn acres. The planned increases aren't as large as those suggested by news stories.

Paul Hay, Extension Educator in Gage County: Drying weather should get spring fertilizing of pasture and wheat started this week. Wet lots are improving and with some exceptions calving has progressed with normal losses despite wet conditions.