Cold spell allows extra time for checks

LEXINGTON – Since it is too cool and wet to start planting, an area technical agronomist suggests using this time to get equipment ready.

Dan Froelich with Brandt Consolidated says to thoroughly check over planters by lubricating chain drives and adjusting hitch height. With tillage equipment, growers should check tire pressure and look for any broken parts or cracked frames. The most important thing is to make sure the ground is in good condition before heading to the field.

“The worst thing we can do is work the ground wet,” Froelich told The Central Illinois Farm Network this week.

Soil temperatures have been plenty cool and it doesn’t sound like much relief is in sight anytime soon, although temperatures could rebound to the 50s at some point next week.

“We’ve got a little while until we get consistent 50 degree soil temperatures at the four-inch level,” Froelich noted.