Plant Your Independence Tour
Sponsored by Wyffels Hybrids
Profitability is at stake in 2026 as U.S. farmers hit the field for planting season. Between questions about commodity prices, tariffs, trade, input costs and drought concerns, this year is one to watch. Over the six weeks, from mid-April through May, Farm Journal will focus on planting, including a series of reports called the “Plant Your Independence Tour”. Our team will follow 6 Midwestern growers through the planting season and make a stop at a different farm each week. Healthy farm finances start with the planter and in 2026, every pass counts.
Farmers might have wrapped up planting at a rapid pace this year, despite cool temperatures and frost concerns, but high fertilizer costs discouraged some from switching soybean acres to corn.
Spotty spring rains have slowed planting in southwest Iowa, leaving farmers slightly behind. Despite delays, strong planning, good moisture, and a favorable forecast has Pat Sheldon optimistic for the 2026 crop season.
Former NFL player Cody White applies his athletic experience on the field to rising input costs and market volatility in DeWitt County, Illinois.
The nation’s corn crop is currently 11% planted, sitting 2 points ahead of the five-year average. Although many Illinois farmers are waiting to plant because of wet conditions, much of the latest national crop progress comes from Illinois and Indiana.
Matt McCarthy just started planting this week. He kicks off our Plant Your Independence Tour. Our team will follow 6 Midwestern growers through the planting season and make a stop at a different farm each week.
According to USDA’s latest Crop Progress Report, 74% of the Illinois corn crop is planted, which is three points behind average, but a 20-point jump in just a week. Illinois farmer Brent Johnson says his May planted corn has been his best yielding corn the past few years.
2025 has been a record setting planting season for Mike Madsen and many farmers in Southern Minnesota.
Farmers are poised to climb past the halfway point this week following a slowdown in progress while Illinois planting remains behind the 5-year average.