Spring has shown up in fits and starts across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Certified Crop Advisor Ben Hushon with The Mill appeared on Market Day Report to share what he is seeing in fields right now and why growers are feeling the pressure of lost time. With spring field work already running behind, the season is off to a challenging start.
Alfalfa Has Broken Dormancy
After three consecutive days with temperatures reaching into the 80s last week, alfalfa has broken dormancy ahead of schedule. While the warm stretch was not required to trigger dormancy break, the rapid temperature swing accelerated the process noticeably.
Not all forages are responding the same way. Many grass, hay, and pasture fields are still showing little to no green, a reminder that dormancy break does not happen uniformly across all crops or field types.
Wheat Top Dressing Is Underway, With Some Burn Visible
Wheat fields in the region have been receiving top dress nitrogen applications. Ben noted some visible fertilizer burn on wheat that has already been treated, which is a normal and expected response when dry fertilizer contacts plant tissue.
The more pressing concern is timing. With limited dry days available this spring, getting fertilizer on wheat at the right growth stage has required growers to move quickly when windows open
A Late Snow Added to an Already Tight Window
Just as fields began showing early signs of green, a mid-week temperature drop brought a coating of snow across the area. The brief snowfall covered wheat and alfalfa that had recently emerged, though the impact on crop health is expected to be minimal.
The more significant issue is what the weather pattern has done to the overall spring field work calendar.
Field Work Days Are Scarce
By mid-March, growers in the region had logged roughly three days fit for spring field work across the entire season. February brought near-total snow cover, and when that moisture finally cleared, soils remained too wet for most field equipment.
The backlog of tasks is significant and continues to grow:
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Lime applications that have been waiting since January
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Pre-plant fertilizer still to be applied
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Wheat top dressing in progress but not yet complete
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Manure applications held back by Maryland's March 1st start date
Under Maryland regulations, manure cannot be applied until March 1st. As of March 16th, only one day in the month had offered conditions suitable for manure spreading. With more rain in the forecast, that window is not widening any time soon.
What This Means for Spring Planning
Compressed schedules create real pressure on application timing, soil conditions, and input logistics. Growers who have not yet confirmed their fertilizer, lime, and seed programs with their agronomist should do so now, before conditions improve and demand spikes.
Staying ahead of spring field work, even when the weather is not cooperating, puts growers in a better position when dry days finally arrive.
Work With The Mill's Agronomy Team This Spring
The Mill's Agronomy Team is working alongside growers across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania to manage spring programs, navigate application delays, and keep crops on track. Whether the need is fertilizer scheduling, wheat management, or planning ahead for corn and soybean season, The Mill's Certified Crop Advisors are ready to help.
Connect with The Mill's Agronomy Team to build a spring plan that works around the conditions, not against them.
