While you may be itching to get into the fields, remember that planting sets the stage for the rest of the season, so make sure you’re planting in optimal conditions.

With an earlier spring and lower soil moisture, no-tillers with cover crops that overwintered should consider terminating their cover crops earlier than usual, says Ohio State University Extension.

When I started farming with my father-in-law, John Ruwe, I thought I was at a real disadvantage to my peers who came from generations of farm families — those who had the opportunity to farm day in and day out alongside their parents and grandparents.