With planting season underway, local farmers are making good progress. According to Ag Partners Sabetha Coop manager Scott Schremmer, overall, corn planting is about 90 to 95 percent completed and soybean planting is approximately 60 to 65 percent complete, with progress expected to accelerate.

“With the bed of moisture [from the recent rains], I believe that we should see solid start to our crops this year,” Schremmer said.

All the recent rainfall has been quite beneficial to the soil and planted seed, however, too much rain can be a concern for the future.

“My biggest worry at this time would be crusting of what has been planted. With the season warming and the wonderful rain we have had, a hard crust could form on top of the soil and make it difficult for seedlings to break through,” Schremmer said.

When asked about potential crop yields, Schremmer said he foresees this year’s yields increasing compared to 2025, largely due to improving farm practices as well as increased moisture levels compared to rain received around this time last year.

“With the local farmers finding updated equipment or planting components, acres continue to get planted faster, compressing planting timelines from months into weeks,” Schremmer said. “Genetics also keep improving along with our best farming practices for soil health. Slowly over time, our averages have been increasing.”

Overall, this planting season is looking pretty positive at the moment. Schremmer expects seeding to be wrapped up in a couple weeks for most farmers in the area.

“With the speed they can plant and the clean start to the planting season, the [local] farms should be off to a good start,” Schremmer said. “May has some rain expected for the end of the month that could push them on their ideal planting window. In general, farmers are well ahead of last year. Planting [for most farmers] should be wrapping up in the next two weeks, depending on rain delays.”