Farmers Business Network released advice on Apr. 13 for growers facing wet field conditions, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation to maximize yield potential.
Planting during less-than-ideal conditions can impact crop growth and final yields, making it critical for farmers to address specific challenges posed by wet weather. The organization outlined four main considerations: nutrient availability, seedling diseases, early insect threats, and equipment usage.
Nutrient uptake is affected by environmental factors such as soil moisture and temperature. For example, zinc becomes less available in cold soils despite its importance for root development. Saturated soils can slow or halt root growth, reducing overall nutrient absorption and hindering plant performance. Seedling diseases like phytophthora and rhizoctonia thrive in warm, wet soils while pythium and fusarium prefer cooler conditions; fungicide seed treatments are recommended to protect emerging crops.
Early season insects including wireworms and seedcorn maggots may overwinter in crop residue or nearby areas. Because there are no rescue treatments once subsurface pests strike, the use of insecticide-treated seeds or in-furrow applications is advised at planting time.
Proper equipment maintenance also plays a key role when working with wet fields. Farmers are encouraged to check planter levelness from left-to-right and front-to-back to ensure uniform seeding depth; monitor down force settings on planters equipped with springs or air bags; maintain correct tire pressure on ground-driven planters; use row cleaners appropriately; and adjust closing wheels to optimize seed-to-soil contact without causing compaction or excessive firmness that could hinder germination.
Farmers Business Network supports family farmers’ long-term sustainability through educational resources as well as mental health support according to the official website. The organization operates fulfillment centers for direct-to-farm deliveries according to the official website and affiliates with entities such as FBN Inputs LLC for product distribution according to the official website. Financial backing from investors like GV and Temasek has enabled Farmers Business Network’s technology development efforts while providing nearly $3 billion in financing to growers according to the official website.
The network includes over 120,000 farmer members managing more than 185 million acres worldwide according to the official website, aiming “to empower family farmers through data sharing, direct access to manufacturers and competitive markets” according to the official website.
