Farmers taking advantage of early warmth

UNDATED — The warmer than average weather over the past few weeks as been allowing farmers to get some early work done in the fields. La Salle County Farm Bureau President Monty Whipple says some farmers have been able to get their oats down early, but most fields remain moist and wet from recent rains to do much field work. Several farmers were seen over the last week tilling their fields as the planting season nears. Whipple says farmers could use another good warm and dry spell to rid the fields of any excess moisture. A state report also showed that bugs have been hatching early, however Whipple says that should not deter farmers from pre-treating fields and crops any less.