By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Spring planting is underway in the Lone Star State.

Texas is one of the first states to kick off spring planting, with some farmers starting in late January or early February.

For Rosebud farmer Zachary Hutka, the start of this year’s planting season began shortly after Valentine’s Day. He’s planted over 1,300 acres of corn and grain sorghum this year, with favorable planting conditions aiding his progress.

“Planting conditions were good this year. We started off pretty moist, and it dried up some,” he said. “It wouldn’t hurt to have a little shower, but everything has been good and we’re seeing warm temperatures, too.”

Conditions are similar to last year’s planting season.

“This year is starting off pretty comparable to last year,” Hutka said. “It may be a little warmer but we’re seeing desirable conditions like we saw last year.”

Hutka is optimistic for the 2024 crop but worries about the potential for early hot temperatures burning his crops.

According to the latest Water Weekly drought report from the Texas Water Development Board, there has been an increase in drought conditions throughout the state. Drought has re-emerged in a small area of East Texas and is impacting the majority of the West and Southwest regions of Texas.

This week, however, is expected to bring rain showers to Central Texas, and Hutka hopes the storms don’t bring damaging winds and hail. “We’re hoping to have another successful year,” Hutka said. “We’re taking it as it comes and praying to make a pretty good yield this year.”