While many across the state are enjoying putting away their mittens and scarves, farmers are considering what Illinois’ mild winter means for this year’s farming prospects. This winter, Illinois reportedly received less than half-an-inch of precipitation and 60 percent less snow fall than average, causing concern that Illinois’ warm winter may have unintended consequences for farmers and moisture levels of soil.
Not only is Illinois lacking the usual wet, rainy and snowy winter typical in the Midwest, but the warm temperatures may also pose a problem for farmers who typically expect freezing temperatures to eliminate insects and disease.