From snow squalls in April, to 90-degree temps scorching the plains, spring weather for 2020 has farmers looking outdoors and hoping for the best. And according to a new Farm Progress Panel survey, most producers say it's too soon to say how this wacky weather will impact the planting season.
The new Farm Progress Panel smartphones survey asked a simple question: Given how the weather looks today, how will it impact your planting? But the answers were not so simple.
One fifth of those responding said they will finish right on time this season, which is pretty solid for a survey taken April 14.
A bulk of respondents, just under 45%, are in limbo right now reporting that it's just too soon to tell how the planting season will progress.
Just under a quarter of respondents say they'll be late this year. And 12% of respondents say the got started but stalled. That's just over a third who are already seeing some #plant20 troubles.
Essentially this spring season has brought as many weather questions as in 2019, but hopefully the wet pattern that greeted the Midwest in March will dissipate as April progresses.
The Farm Progress Panel is a new mobile, or smartphone, survey that subscribers can take part in whenever a question is posted. It's a simple way to take the pulse of farmers in the field, and a way for farmers to share on key topics presented regularly.
Early panel questions went to the larger Farm Progress mobile text list, but the aim is to develop a panel of thought leaders who want to be part of this special service. To do that you simply have to subscribe through your smartphone.
Just text PANEL to 20505, and answer the prompts to get started. Then, when panel questions are posted you can take part as a subscriber. Subscribers also get daily news items sent to your phone from the Farm Progress NOW! mobile service. Standard data rates and text fees may apply.
The Farm Progress NOW! mobile text service is a way for subscribers to get access to top information from the many publication brands of the company including the state and regional brands and Farm Futures, BEEF and National Hog Farmer. Daily top news items come straight to your phone and with the company's mobile-responsive websites it's easy to keep up right from your smartphone.
Text PANEL to 20505 to take part.