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Western Illinois farmer sees little planting progress in his area

A western Illinois farmer says planting progress is limited in his area.

Brady Holst, who grows corn and soybeans in Hancock County, says he’s not started yet, but neighbors in the area did put some seed in the ground before April turned rainy.

“Even with the rain earlier in March, it was still pretty dry here.”  He says, “So, I think a lot of people started getting out there because they saw the forecast and there was going to be some rain available and it ended up raining, so I think they’ll probably be all right.”

He tells Brownfield that he’s waiting for more stable temperatures.

“We’re trying to not do anything if there’s a frost chance.”  He says, “We use liquid on the planter and it’s a biological, so we want to make sure those lines aren’t going to freeze. It’s still pretty early.”

Holst says he fall-applied his nitrogen, so he won’t be switching any acres when the time comes to plant.

The USDA says statewide, 1 percent of the corn crop has been planted.  

AUDIO: Brady Holst – Illinois farmer