Planting seeds when the wind blows

Strong winds have been the norm this spring, but blustery conditions aren't slowing farmers as planting season hits its stride.

Regional agronomists reported steady progress with corn planting across the area over the past week. According to Leah Ten Napel, an agronomist with ISU Extension whose territory includes O'Brien and Osceola counties, farmers are making a big push to get their fields planted thanks to warmer weather.

"Planting progress around my territory started slow in the middle of April, as growers were waiting for soil temperatures to rise," she explained. "Now that soil temperat...