Rain, Rain, Rain

There has been a lot of rain coming down this spring and not a lot of acres getting planted. Heavy and frequent rains have soaked many fields. We have managed to get about 2/3 of the crop in, but we will preventive plant some acres as well. If we can get in the field at all this week, we will be trying to seed soybeans, but it has been slow-going. Today, the planter got stuck 4 times just trying to seed 40 acres. Here is Chad about a week ago trying to get into a field:

The tracks have been helpful, but it is so very wet out there. We will not be able to plant a good portion of the corn we were hoping to get in because it has gotten so late in the season now. The corn that has been planted is just starting to come out of the ground now after being planted weeks ago. The cool temperatures have not been favorable. We are, however, thankful for what we have gotten in and will look ahead to what will hopefully be a good growing season!

The Tractors Are Rolling

There was a lot of hustle and bustle around the shop yard this morning. Tractors, seeders, sprayers, and a plethora of other equipment is out in the yard as the guys get ready to put the first seeds in the ground. Here's to a safe and productive spring planting season!

More Snow

We received lots of wind and snow last night through early this morning. The closest estimation I can figure is around 12 inches. Bismarck saw over 18" of fresh snow, breaking several records for this time of year. Another 4-6" is being predicted for our area later this week.

It doesn't look like we will be in the field any time real soon; however, once the ground does start to thaw, things will move quickly.

Wetland Management and More Snow!

I'm a little sad to report that since I last posted way back at the end of December, our view hasn't changed much (ok, so there's more snow):

These were taken during a winter storm last weekend.

Mother Nature seems in no hurry to usher in spring, so we'll live with it a while longer.

I wanted to post today about HCR 3017, which is (I'm paraphrasing) "a resolution urging US Fish and Wildlife and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) to fairly administer water management laws and regulations in a manner that allows landowners and tenants certainty and cooperation in the management of these laws and regulations."

Chad and Terry are at the capitol today testifying in support of HCR 3017. They have seen an acute need for better administration of the water management laws and regulations in North Dakota. At risk is the productivity of the very land we farm. Varying interpretations of water laws and a generally inflexible and uncooperative environment have caused much frustration in our situation as we try to identify and mitigate wetlands in order to make the most of the land we are farming.

If HCR 3017 passes, it will hopefully send a message to Washington, D.C. that North Dakota farmers are seeking a vastly more efficient and helpful USFWS and NRCS that will truly act on what is best for the people and the land.