Southern Perth County farmers push ahead with spring planting

By Gary West

Dairy and crop farmer Andrew Danen plants corn 12 rows at a time Tuesday in a field along Perth Road 59, just north of Sebastopol and Tavistock. The family farm, Danendale Holsteins Ltd., milks 300 registered Holsteins. Danen is a third-generation dairy farmer in South Easthope Township and a direct descendant of Tony and Jane Danen. Gary West photo

Corn planters and seeders were running at full speed across southern Perth County this week as farmers took advantage of dry weather conditions ahead of forecasted rain.

Tuesday saw fields throughout the area filled with tractors and planters as growers worked to get corn and soybean seed into the ground before the expected moisture arrived.

Farmers reported that planting conditions throughout the spring have been nearly ideal, with limited rainfall allowing equipment to remain active and reducing downtime during one of the busiest times of the year.

Many producers also noted most alfalfa and grass seedings have already been completed as the calendar moves into the middle of May.

Soybeans have also been going into the ground steadily across the region, with many acres already planted.

The planting of coloured beans, another major crop grown throughout the area, is expected to begin within the next two to three weeks.