Don’t Plant Too Early This Spring

Farmers are anxious to the season underway and nice weather throughout the Northwest and the country has many ready to start planting.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey said things are looking good.

“Most areas of the country should be in pretty good shape moisture wise. We’re at roughly a six-year low for overall drought in the United States.”

Still, Rippey warns against getting too far ahead of ourselves when it comes to planting.

“If things get too far ahead in terms of planting activities and crop development, such as fruit trees blooming out, there’s a huge risk that a single cold snap could take a significant toll.”

Rippey cited a 2007 example when, after a warm March, an early April freeze did damage to U.S. crops to the tune of $2 billion.