Field Notes Checks Planting Progress with Kansas Farmer Lowell Neitzel

This week, the National Corn Growers Association launched its ninth season of Field Notes, a series that takes readers behind the farm gate to follow the year in the life of American farm families. While these growers come from diverse geographic areas and run unique operations, they share a common love for U.S. agriculture and the basic values that underpin life in farming communities.

Field Notes caught up with Lowell Neitzel, who farms in Lawrence, Kansas, earlier this week. With his planters rolling, he is dedicated to making progress despite the late start but still not overly concerned.  

“We are a little bit behind schedule. We usually like to start planting during the first part of April,” Neitzel explained. “Spring has been cooler and both winter and spring were wetter than we are used to here. That has pushed everything back in terms of field work quite a bit.”

To listen to the full interview, including his perspective on why today many farmers feel more comfortable during late planting seasons, click here.

Stay tuned over the coming weeks as Field Notes follows the growers who have opened their farms, families and communities up this year and meet the true faces of modern American agriculture.