Derek Fuemmeler has been farming with family all his life. He farms in Howard, Chariton and Randolph counties, with a diversified farm operation. He also works as a certified crop advisor and provides crop consulting services.

Forty acres at a time. That seems to be the planting motto this year. Constant rain showers have been putting a damper on a consistent run. However, some corn and beans have both been put in. Some corn has emerged. Storms last week produced minimal to substantial rainfall. We did see some planters start up Sunday afternoon (April 19) while others, just a mile or two away, were waiting for the puddles to dry up. Wheat and rye are very lush and healthy but soon will look for drier conditions themselves. Pastures and hayfields look bountiful.

The week started off with a few planters able to get in the fields. More and more joined throughout the week until Thursday night (April 23). Then the rains hit. It wasn’t a gusher, so some were able to run Saturday and Sunday. But Sunday evening rain will definitely keep us out of the seat for at least the start-to-middle of this week. Seeing more corn emerging and some soybeans starting to emerge. Early wheat varieties are heading out.

Another wet week, but definitely not a lazy one. Many of us found ourselves in the basements Monday morning (April 27). Tornados and heavy winds caused damage across much of the area. Trees, limbs, buildings, etc. were scattered in fields and on fences. Cleanup will carry on into this week and the weeks to come. Fieldwork was only done by the flyers this past week. Many headed-out wheat fields were receiving fungicide applications. A few curious planters crept into the fields late Saturday and Sunday, but the future forecast looks to be a grim one for their continuance. Hefty rain chances throughout the week look to stall progress once again. Pastures are flourishing though!

Persistent showers kept field activity at bay throughout most of the week. On Thursday (May 7) some were, once again, able to make it back in. Aerial fungicide applications on wheat were in full swing hoping to protect what appears to be a promising crop. Many acres of corn are showing their rows, as well as a few scattered soybean fields. Talk of replant is in the farmer discussion throughout many gathering places. Fieldwork looks to be promising for the first of the week. Rains forecasted to move in midweek.

This past week was a busy one. Planters of all sorts transformed the landscape. Many either finished up or put a huge advance in their planting season. The sun and heat really progressed and greened up emerged corn. Some are now reaching V6. Many soybean fields are getting green as well. Replant of both crops is a reality in many places. Wheat is fully headed, flowered and filling grain. Most in the area looks pretty good so far. The coming week looks to start off wet once again.

Another wet week on the record. Showers moved in Sunday night and hung around until Tuesday evening. Thursday afternoon added some light showers to keep the saturation present. Cooler weather has slowed crop growth slightly, but the countryside is getting greener and greener with new crop emergence. Sun and warmer temps are on the minds of most to get this crop moving upward at a faster pace.

This week started out a busy one, with lots of sprayer activity posting corn. Spreader trucks were sidedressing as well. Planters were at it, too, in what seems to be an endless endeavor to beat a rain. Friday put many at a standstill once again. Rains hit and carried through the weekend. Corn growth is anywhere from emerging to V7. Soybeans are either in the bag or up to two trifoliates showing. Wheat is starting to show its greenish-amber wave and would benefit best with a drier forecast.