Seeding and Calving Season | Video

Alex Hagan | 4/13/2012

Agriculture has always been the economic backbone of North Dakota, and farmers are confident of a recovery after big problems last year. Seeding and calving got off to a rough start last year. Despite some problems, farmers and ranchers are getting off to an earlier, and much better, start this time around.

Farming season is underway and that means tractors and seeders are out in western North Dakota, but several issues have come up interfering with spring seeding.

"Last year we just about needed a boat to every place. This year is so dry I don`t know if some of the stuff won`t germinate," said farmer Dave Sadowsky.

"The fertilizer costs, they`re just horrendous. I mean they`re just $700 for a ton urea. That`s getting up there. That would be a big negative as far as getting too enthusiastic about seeding this year," said ranch manager Gary Ottmar.

Dust has also become an issue. The increase in traffic around the area is also bringing up safety concerns for farmers and their tractors.

"It`s going to be downright dangerous getting in and out of the fields," Ottmar said.

However some farmers don`t mind the oil truck traffic as long as they don`t interfere with their work.

"We have been dealing with it for the past few years already. We`re just used to it already so you just got to get the right equipment," said farmer Jason Kadrmas.

Ranchers are having no problems with calving with the mild winter as long as there is no snowstorms coming in the future.

"In a couple weeks, we`ll probably be 75 percent done so first calf heffers haven`t had any problems this year, weather has been great. Calving`s been pretty easy," said rancher Derrick Dukart.

When it comes to seeding and calving, issues arise no matter what, but so far farmers have seen no severe problems. The abundance of moisture last year kept farmers off the fields until nearly June, so even with some issues, farmers are glad to be out there.

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