The 2012 planting season has experienced some unexpected growth, as the terrific weather meant crops could be planted earlier than usual. While that's true in Nebraska, the lack of rain in recent weeks is causing some farmers to show concern for the early life of the crops already in the ground.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 98 percent of the corn crop and 83 percent of the soybean crop are already in the ground in Nebraska. That's well ahead of the normal pace for this time of year, which is closer to 54 percent, according to The Grand Island Independent. In addition, farmers are planting more crops than in previous years. Altogether, the state plans to use 10.3 million acres, which is a 5 percent increase from 2011 and the largest acreage since 1933.
Unfortunately, the weather has not cooperated with farmers thus far when it comes to water for the crops. The temperature has been on the rise and there's been little natural moisture for the crops to soak up. In addition, the weather throughout the state has also been quite windy, which sucks up the natural topsoil moisture.
Moisture relates directly to whether or not land is considered "adequate" for farming. Over the past five years, approximately 80 percent of Nebraska's farmland has been considered adequate at this point in the year. For 2012, the soil adequacy is at just 49 percent.
This could mean a greater reliance on irrigation and agricultural equipment like sprayers to ensure the fields are quenched. Out of last year's crop of 1.536 billion bushels of corn produced in the state, 1.008 were produced on irrigated land, so fortunately Nebraska farmers are prepared for this situation.
The online auction site IronPlanet offers a wide array of agricultural equipment related to irrigation, including sprayers, water pumps, landscaping equipment and much more. The site's IronClad Assurance also allows interested buyers to view full inspection reports before they bid.
