In southeastern Illinois, farmer Jeff Scates anticipates beginning planting by early April, with weather and commodity prices guiding potential last-minute alterations to his plans. “We’ll look at numbers again, and figure that out,” he remarks, highlighting the importance of analytics in farming decisions.
Improved soil conditions are thanks to a tough winter, as Scates explains, “In my area, we were extremely dry until we slowed things down with an ice storm, followed by 3-4 inches of rain. We are pretty wet now, but drying out some.”
Meanwhile, northwest Illinois farmer Mark Bunselmeyer faces the threat of drought as the season approaches, pointing out, “We have not had a lot of moisture over winter, which is always a concern with any farmer.” Though he has most fields planned, he remains open to adjustments based on economic factors between corn and soybean prices.
Bunselmeyer states, “We could always switch over and put it back in corn,” considering economic implications and the necessity of nitrogen application. Both farmers provide insight into their strategies amidst changing agricultural conditions, having been interviewed at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver.
Farmers Jeff Scates and Mark Bunselmeyer from Illinois are preparing for planting, adapting their strategies based on weather and economics. While Scates reports improved soil conditions, Bunselmeyer is concerned about potential drought and remains open to switching crop types based on price fluctuations. Both men emphasize the importance of analytics in their farming decisions, especially leading up to planting time.
The article paints a vivid picture of farmers in Illinois who are cautiously optimistic about the planting season, yet remain flexible in their strategies. As Jeff Scates and Mark Bunselmeyer navigate the uncertainties, weather and economic factors will serve as crucial variables in their planting decisions. Understanding soil conditions and commodity prices will be imperative for their success this season.
Original Source: www.brownfieldagnews.com
