Spring and Early Summer Forecast

Planalytics updated their forecast for spring planting and there was little change from the original forecast issued in February. La Nina has finally moved to ENSO cool neutral after three continuous years. There is a good chance we will move into El Nino by September. During the transition, expect wide fluctuations with temperatures, resulting in high winds and frequent severe storms. Unfortunately, drought relief in the High Plains is not in the forecast.  

Planting Forecast (Normal is 5% of the corn acres planted). 

The south is early to on time for corn planting. The central Corn Belt will also be on time. The Northern Corn Belt will be 1-2 weeks late due to snowpack and flooding in North Dakota, western Wisconsin, and northern Minnesota. Eastern Wisconsin and Michigan should be close to normal, up to a week behind. 

Heading into May, most of the US is warmer than the 30-year average with rainfall on average for the month. Drought areas may see some relief from scattered showers moving through. 

June will see warmth shifting to the West with the rest of the country trending on average for rain and temperature.  

July will see warmer temps from Eastern Wisconsin through Michigan with the rest of the growing areas trending average in temps and precipitation.