Just a few weeks ago, farmers across Illinois and the Nation were gearing up for spring planting. Final decisions were being made on seed, chemical, fertilizer and equipment, and then the rain started to fall… and kept on falling. With the heavy rain, producing flooded and muddy fields, Illinois farmers have had to hold off on planting.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that as of April 29, “there’s been no significant planting done in Illinois because many fields are simply too wet for farmers to work them in tractors.” Specifically just 1 percent of the state’s corn crop has been sown. When last year at this time, three-quarter of the state’s cornfields were planted, more than double the five-year average of 36 percent.

These statistics have not skipped over Spirit Farms, as we are dealing with the same flooding & wet fields throughout the 15 different counties that we farm. Last year after we planted we were waiting for the rain & this year before we plant we are waiting for the sun. What a difference a year makes.

2013 will bring a diversity of crops for Spirit, from Rice on our Mississippi fields to a 50/50 split of corn & beans in Illinois. We’re excited about the road ahead and our growth in acres this year. After the wettest planting start in 126 years, we know that this year will bring its own set of challenges, and we are ready. Our fields are prepped & our staff is anxious to get to work. When the time is right we will be planting in full force.