Years ago farmers would want the soil temperature to average at least 50 degrees before they would plant corn. That is because corn needs a soil temperature of about 50 degrees before it will germinate. With today's corn hybrids and the genetics we do not worry so much about soil temperatures. The seed companies have done a very good job of selecting hybrids with very good cold tolerance.

Today there are two factors that most farmers consider as to when to plant corn. The first is if the soil is dry enough or "fit to plant" without causing side wall compaction. The other factor is the calander date. That is the earliest date you can plant corn and have it covered by crop insurance. I believe this year is it April 15 so it does not really matter this year because of the snowstorm last week. So, lets hope that the rain they are predicting tonight and Monday does not amount to much!

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