Cody White, a farmer in DeWitt County, Illinois, faced significant setbacks after heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes struck his area on April 28. White had planted his beans earlier than ever before but now expects to replant due to the severe weather. “We were off to almost a picture-perfect start here,” he says. “That has now been flipped on its head.”
White transitioned from an NFL career with the Houston Texans to farming in 2016 after an injury ended his time in football. He currently farms with his father-in-law and sells seed for Wyffels Hybrids. White said the shift from football was more natural than some might expect: “Football and farming — there’s a lot of similarities,” White says. “They both have an offseason, the planning, the game planning, executing that plan and knowing when to change it.”
This season brings additional challenges beyond weather disruptions as rising fertilizer and diesel prices impact farm operations across the Midwest. While White secured fertilizer early this year, he remains concerned about fuel costs: “I wish I would have booked our spring use back in December or January,” he says. Despite efforts to cut expenses where possible, White said there is only so much he can trim before it affects crops.
White also expressed concern over market concentration within the fertilizer industry: “I’m all for capitalism, but at some point, when there are three companies running everything, they’re able to dictate,” he explains.
Across other parts of the Midwest, farmers report varying progress depending on local conditions. In Northwest Iowa Matt McCarthy finished corn planting ahead of last year’s pace; Chris Schenk near Mankato completed soybean planting but is delayed by rain; Darrick Barnikle in Cresco has not started planting due to cool temperatures; Pat Sheldon in Percival estimates strong progress despite variable rainfall; Chris Harrell expects fieldwork delays following recent rains.
AgWeb authors publications on topics ranging from commodity markets to farm leadership strategies according to the official website. The organization influences farming culture by promoting leadership programs and community advocacy in agriculture according to its official website. AgWeb presents awards such as Top Producer Awards and partners with groups like the American Soybean Association for conservation honors according to its official website. It functions as a subsidiary of Farm Journal according to its official website, reaches agriculture professionals through extensive online content according to its official website, and aims to supply farmers with essential news updates and educational resources according to its official website.
Looking ahead, White believes most farmers will find ways this year but warns that next season could be even tougher: “Football is a game of ups and downs,” White says. “You’re never too down; you’re never too up. That’s kind of the world we’re living in right now.”
