Delayed planting resources help farmers mitigate weather issues

Throughout Michigan and the Midwest, the prolonged wet weather and flooding in spring 2019 put farmers in a difficult financial position.

Throughout Michigan and the Midwest, the prolonged wet weather and flooding in spring 2019 put farmers in a difficult financial position. Unprecedented rainfall forced farms to delay planting and greatly adjust management practices — just 68% of the corn crop and 70% of the soybean crop were planted. MSU Extension’s statewide network of agricultural educators were quick to respond to this situation by tracking growing conditions, working individually with farmers, hosting crop update sessions and writing educational articles. Information detailed how farmers could adjust to inhospitable conditions, make difficult choices and apply for crop damage assistance. Since this issue has the potential to greatly affect farm income, educational efforts included programming dedicated to assisting farmers under stressful conditions.

  • Online delayed planting educational materials were viewed nearly 25,000 times between June and August 2019.
  • More than 600 participants attended in-person informational sessions discussing strategies for handling delayed planted acreage between June and August 2019.
  • Weekly virtual breakfast meetings were amended to discuss delayed planting strategies. Nearly 600 participants attended the live webinars between April and July 2019. Others viewed the webinars on YouTube more than 1,000 times and Facebook posts reached almost 5,000 people.

Did you find this article useful?

Other Articles from this Publication

Educating the public on new marijuana laws

Educating the public on new marijuana laws
Taking on a spreading deer disease

Taking on a spreading deer disease
MSU looks to lead way on PFAS research

MSU looks to lead way on PFAS research
Producing industrial hemp in Michigan

Producing industrial hemp in Michigan
Helping veterans access food benefits

Helping veterans access food benefits
Launching new fruit and vegetable processing program, mobile lab

Launching new fruit and vegetable processing program, mobile lab
2018-19 Legislative Report cover

2018-19 Legislative Report

The 2018-19 MSU AgBioResearch-MSU Extension Legislative report contains stories on the latest developments in MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension.
View the rest of the articles from the publication
Tag List
  • accomplishments & impacts,
  • msu extension
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).