Western Maryland
As I write we are receiving spring showers for which we are grateful. March came in like a lamb and went out like a lion. Both March and April thus far have been erratic with temperature swings and high winds. This rain is a blessing as we have been on the dry side. Wheat, barley and triticale are looking good after the first application of nitrogen which as everyone know is much pricier this year. Grass and alfalfa are slowly greening up and before you know it the corn planters will be in the fields. Manure applications are continuing as field conditions permit. So in short to quote a country song, “Sounds like life to me.” —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
There have been a few warm days over the last month, but temperatures were often down around freezing at night. Some manure applications and field preparations have been happening the past few weeks, but the rain this week has put a stop to field work for now.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.
Northern Maryland
Winter has been drier than usual; however, recent rains have provided adequate moisture. Small grains are coming out of winter looking good and wheat is just beginning to joint. The fluctuating weather conditions have made for sporadic periods of field work; recently, fields have been fit for lime and manure applications and other spring prep work but I’d say we are slightly behind our average for spring field work progress. Temperatures have been below normal and soil temperatures are running a couple of degrees shy of 50 °F. Early soybean and corn planting should start in a couple of weeks if temperatures warm up a bit and all goes as planned.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper & Mid Shore
As of April 5th, soil moisture has been ideal for spreading lime, fertilizer, and manure. First and second applications of nitrogen went on small grain very easily (with the exception of high winds). Small grain looks good and seems to be ahead of schedule for this time of year. Barring excessive rain, corn and bean planting will start next week. —Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.
Southern Eastern Shore
Winter wheat is looking good. Growers have been applying manure and working the land in some fields. Farmers are starting to terminate cover crops, while most of the landscape is still green. Fields without cover crops have a flush of winter weeds. Corn planting has not begun yet, but expected in the next few weeks. We had a recent cold snap that prevented early planting. Fields are now wet due to recent rains.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
Wheat crops are greening up and looking good this year. So good, in fact, that some are cancelling MACS contracts in favor of harvesting for grain. Two consecutive nights with high winds temperatures below freezing provided a scare for strawberry and tree fruit that were in bloom. Reports suggest strawberries fared well under row covers, but the impact on peaches and other tree fruit may be seen later in the season.—Alan Leslie, Charles 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 Arrundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s
