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Southeast Indiana farmer gearing up for planting season as heavy spring rains impact much of the state

A southeast Indiana farmer says the start of spring fieldwork is just around the corner.

Roger Wenning says while much of the state has been in extreme drought, his area has had significant rainfall.

“We had a six-inch rain a couple of weeks ago and another couple inches of rain last week,” he says. “The ground is in very good condition with good soil temperatures. We’re going to plant anytime now.”

He tells Brownfield high input costs remain one of his biggest concerns.

“We’re not planning on using any dry fertilizer this year,” he says. “It’s just outstandingly high. We’ve been able to get our nitrogen down to about five or six tenths of a unit per bushel.”

Wenning says rapid temperature swings have kept him out of the field, but once soil temperatures warm up, he will start planting soybeans.

He raises corn and soybeans in Decatur County.

AUDIO: Roger Wenning