It is April 17, and it is snowing. I know for most people that is depressing, but for farmers, those falling snowflakes mean falling profits as well. I am trying to remain optimistic, but the odds of a good wheat, corn and sugarbeet crop decline with every day our equipment sits in our yard.
I keep reminding myself that spring weather is just ONE determinant of final yield, not the only determinant. Last year we had very dry conditions, but with early planting and great temperatures, the crop was much better than expected. Maybe we can be lucky two years in a row.
So to my other fellow farmers in the Northern Plains, keep your chin up, and remain optimistic. I have decided to stop watching the USDA Crop Progress reports because that will just add to my frustration. Perhaps this late planting will help give prices a bit of a boost, and I can make some 2013 sales, and wrap up my remaining 2012 sales. There is still plenty of work to be done, even if it isn't fieldwork.
I keep reminding myself that spring weather is just ONE determinant of final yield, not the only determinant. Last year we had very dry conditions, but with early planting and great temperatures, the crop was much better than expected. Maybe we can be lucky two years in a row.
So to my other fellow farmers in the Northern Plains, keep your chin up, and remain optimistic. I have decided to stop watching the USDA Crop Progress reports because that will just add to my frustration. Perhaps this late planting will help give prices a bit of a boost, and I can make some 2013 sales, and wrap up my remaining 2012 sales. There is still plenty of work to be done, even if it isn't fieldwork.
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