Dry spring concerns Upper Midwest farmers

This year is starting out dry again in many parts of the Upper Midwest — for the eighth straight year.

Still, the Wausau Daily Herald reports that, “Despite a spring that brought no snow in March for the first time in modern record-keeping, the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service reported that soil-moisture conditions last week were mostly adequate for farmers eager to start planting.”

Ag experts and farmers hope timely rains arrive to produce good-quality forage and grain crops this summer. A crop failure could be the final nail in the coffin for many dairy farms given the recent economic stresses.

Full story.

Check out the latest Drought Monitor maps and information.

Source: Wausau Daily Herald

1. Workshop to discuss nutrient application, management, stewardship
2. Help for flood affected farmers
3. Ag markets diverged significantly Friday afternoon
4. Vilsack: Food, Farm and Jobs Bill critical for U.S. producers
5. Ag markets decidedly mixed on Friday morning
6. Dairy among best snacks for diabetics

1. Beware of the soy milk after-taste face
2. Monsters love milk, too
3. Salma Hayek: Milk part of 'perfect' breakfast
4. What sick day? Farmers take just three a year
5. Activists at the door
6. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts

1. Analysis: Dairy Security Act better for farmers, taxpayers
2. IDFA: Opposition to Dairy Supply Management mounts
3. World food supply depends on character, virtuous leadership
4. Commentary: Slanting the statistics
5. Buffet concerned about soil and starvation
6. Cold spring stunts upper Midwest hay crop