I think we had some years back in the 80s and 90s that we were in the fields early but can't remember it being dusty while plowing. However, I do remember things breaking. I went to lift the plows over a grass water way. It seemed fine on the left side, the one I was watching, right side, didn't lift. I think they are supposed to be one piece while in working order. I'm waiting for the replacement to get here, hopefully soon.
Last fall dug some post holes with post hole diggers, the sand at the bottom of the hole was like hitting concrete. Had to pour water in the hole so post hole diggers could pull up the dirt. Cylinder rebuildable or waiting on a new one?
We just a nice day long soaker in NW Iowa that the farmers were anxious to see. Hope things get better over there.
Last few years I’ve noticed a prolonged dry season mid spring followed by excessive moisture for weeks at a time during early planting season. We will see if the pattern continues.
Your draught chart looks like ours in NW Iowa but getting rain this week, 1.5 so far with more on the way.
I miss those days of plowing and fitting fields but especially I liked planting. When I was young some of the neighbors used to hire me to plant just because I could plant straight rows. This was back when planting was done with 2 or 4 row planters so it took much longer. It also was back when very few tractors had power steering. What a joy it was to finally get power steering too!
Dakotah Territory is really crispy dry ready to burn or blow away and we pray it isn't blowing when it burns. Already over 30,000 acres burned up this year. 1st pic is 2 weeks ago, 40 mph wind and 1/2 mile visibility because of the dust in the air. 2 is our drought map and the green dot is me.
The neighbor was working ground the other day and there was a little dust flying...we did get .6" rain then that night, and supposed to get more today, so that will provide a nice start for any seed that gets planted...seems a bit early for that, but I bet the soil temp is warm enough after having 75-80* all week (and 55-60* at night)
We go by lake temp for our ground temp. We like to see 52-54° for row crops. Oats or grass (hay) seeding is in the ground this year. Current temp off CLE is 43. If you get a cold-cool and wet stretch, seeds will rot in the ground.
We are always warmer than y'all in the springtime down here an hour from the lake...I've seen some hay drilled in, but nothing else, as of yet.
