Planting over much of the Midwest is seriously delayed and history suggests the odds have also increased for reduced yields and very low net incomes. Two ag economist discuss why obtaining the number of acres eligible for prevented planting by crop for each insurance unit is useful background information to acquire in case planting decisions need to be made after the prevented planting date.

Risk management is the name of the game when it comes to growing dryland sorghum and corn, which both offer cropping alternatives "when and if" conditions are right, according to recent Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

Growers shouldn't start planting winter wheat much earlier than the best pest management planting date, as it could increase the risk of yield losses from insects and diseases, excessive fall growth or higher-than-desired soil temperatures, says Kansas State University Extension.

Delayed planting by itself is no guarantee of lower grain yield, says Purdue University, and "mudding in" a crop early to avoid planting late will almost always end up being an unwise decision.

Keep crop insurance dates, soil temperature and the possibility for a late spring freeze in mind when deciding whether to start planting.

Using fungicide seed treatments and reducing seeding rates are among the tips the University of Nebraska offers on planting soybeans this year.

Conventional wisdom says that the prime planting window to maximize corn yields in much of Indiana opens about April 20 and closes about May 10.