Farmers are hoping to get the 2023 crop off to a good start.

Pioneer agronomist Cody Pettit says the priority right now is planting into ideal soil conditions.

“This early window is non-typical and is a blessing, but it doesn’t allow us to forget the fundamentals of optimal planting conditions.”

He tells Brownfield that’s good soil moisture and a strong forecast.

“And when I say strong forecast I primarily mean a good 48-hour window of good soil temperatures and avoiding a cold rain 48 hours prior to planting.”

Pettit, who covers eastern Illinois, says correct seed spacing and depth during planting are also critical to crop performance.

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