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.
Despite wet weather, farmers are making serious progress with planting. Here’s an update on how the season is shaping up in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.
Shell Rock, Iowa, farmer Jeff Reints started planting corn on April 8 — the earliest ever on his farm. He got 50% of his corn and soybeans in the ground before 3 inches of rain parked the planters.
Could 2025 set a new record for planting pace in Iowa? Ogden, Iowa farmers Ward and Bryant Hunter say they’ll finish planting corn on Thursday – marking the earliest finish ever on their farm.