Record-setting weather conditions with above normal temperatures have raised soil temperatures to the point where crop growth can begin, but in many cases in the Midwest, the earliest planting dates relative to the crop insurance program have yet to be reached.

Key is that crops planted before the earliest planting date are not eligible for replant payments under the crop insurance program, but several regional offices of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) indicate "the insurance guarantee is not impacted as long as producers follow good farming practices." The latter obviously is key for growers opting to put crops in the ground early.

Following is a recap of the earliest planting dates in key states:

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