A southeastern Illinois farmer says he expects to start planting in early April.

Martin Barbre of Carmi tells Brownfield a 4-inch rain last week caused some nearby river flooding, but the ground is drying quickly and field preparation could begin later this week.

“I wouldn’t say we are abnormally wet, but we are plenty wet right now. And with the cooler temperatures we’ve got, I think we are at least two to three weeks away from planting.”

With weather experts predicting a wetter than normal spring, Barbre says they are prepared for a tight planting window.

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