The owner of Seine River Seed Farm says he believes seeding is around 95 percent complete here in the Southeast. 

Brian Dueck works with many farms throughout the Southeast region. Compared to last year, Dueck says seeding this spring has been a dream. 

“I think, for the most part, we are wrapping up. It is pretty much done. Things panned out smoother than expected. We could have had another rain or two in there that could have really delayed things but, for the most part, that did not happen. There were a few spotty showers, but it worked out well.” 

With cold, winter weather stretching into mid to late April, Dueck says many farmers were getting anxious. On the whole, he notes everyone is somewhat surprised that seeding went so smoothly and wrapped up so quickly. 

“To the average, I would say we are very close. Last year, we had excess moisture and we had to drop some long-season crops. This year, for the most part, most of the long season crops all got planted that people wanted to put in.” 

Going forward, Dueck says farmers are hoping for consistent rainfall. 

“Half an inch of rain per week or two, that would be really appreciated. We do have some sub-soil moisture that is available as well.” He adds, “Right after seeding, you like to make sure that everything you planted is germinating, that it wasn't in dry soil.” 

All in all, Dueck says the smooth seeding process gave farmers a lot of flexibility and there is a lot of positivity in the community. 

“I would say they are feeling happy, they had a bad run in a sense last year with putting in shorter season crops with too much moisture and this year I think they all planted what they wanted to, and they are feeling more optimistic about their seeding plans.”