Minnesota farmers are starting to put the 2020 crop in the ground. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Jared Goplen says both wheat and corn have been planted in the Morris area. “This is the first time in a couple years we’ve been able to get small grains in the ground before May,” says Goplen. “I know there has also been a little bit of corn planted, but certainly soil temperatures are still quite cold.” When deciding between when to plant or not to plant, Goplen’s recommendation is to take soil temperature and the forecast into consideration. “I think a lot of farmers learned some lessons last year with the poor planting conditions in 2019. I think they’ve be more cautious of getting into fields before they are fit to plant, making sure they’re not in muddy conditions.” Goplen has more information on planting and evaluating alfalfa stands in this RRFN interview.