Western Maryland
Recent rains have given us hope, but more showers are needed. Corn planters are running. Tritcale and the first cutting of alfalfa are in windrows across the county. Barley heads are emerging, and FHB risk is low so far. As soil and air temperatures warm, soybean planting will follow.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
Rain has been spotty throughout Howard, Montgomery and Frederick counties. Despite this, even the most dry areas seem to have received enough timely rain so that there are adequate levels, or perhaps only a slight deficit of soil moisture. Temperatures are rising with most days in the last week having lows hovering around 50 degrees and highs between 75 and 85 degrees. Burn down programs have been implemented for the most part, or the fields are being tilled and prepped. Corn is being planted, and some are already switching over to beans.—Nathan Glenn, Howard Co.
Northern Maryland
A few welcome rain evens came in April but we are still very dry. Cool soil temperatures delayed the start of planting by about 10 days compared to a normal year; however, planters have been running wide open for about two weeks now and a significant proportion of the corn and soybean crop is already planted. If the weather forecast holds true, we may get some nice rain next week that will really benefit the newly planted crop. Barley is heading out and wheat is getting close to flag leaf emergence. First cutting alfalfa is just around the corner and alfalfa looks good. Small grain chopping for forage started last week.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper & Mid Shore
The cobwebs have been cleared from the farm equipment, and tractors are once again a common sight on our back roads as #Plant2025 kicks into gear. Cover crops are being terminated, and steady progress is being made with corn planting. April brought timely rains, providing enough moisture for germination without causing major delays to fieldwork. Soil conditions have been mostly favorable, allowing planting and other spring operations to move forward on schedule. Meanwhile, small grains are heading, with some barley beginning to flower. Here’s hoping this season’s crop turns out much better than last year’s.—Dwayne Joeseph, Kent Co.
Lower Eastern Shore
We have had a stretch of dry weather and farmers are busy planting corn and starting to plant soybean. Manure is being applied ahead of planting. Most cover crops have been terminated. Cover crops this year had a rough start due to fall drought conditions. However, I’ve seen quite a few fields of cover crops growing into mid-April or May that really pulled through with impressive spring growth and ground coverage. Wheat is heading and looking good.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
The region received widespread rain showers 3 weeks ago. We need more. Corn planting is behind schedule but good progress was made in the last 10 days. Soil conditions are very dry in most areas and planting will become challenging soon. Soybean planting is also continuing. Spraying has been difficult with the windy conditions. Wheat is heading out and early varieties are beginning to flower now. Most growers are waiting for rains forecasted later this week to pass before re-assessing the need for scab fungicides. A lot of good quality first cutting hay has been made.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.
*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s
