Weather of April so far being kind to agriculture: Most areas of northern Minnesota continue to show cooler than normal average temperature through the first 17 days of the month, as well as below normal precipitation, while southern parts of the state are showing near normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. However, the forecasts for the balance of April call for above normal temperatures and more frequent changes for rain on a statewide basis, so the month is likely to balance out to be warmer than normal and wetter than normal for most of us. Average shallow soil temperatures (4-inch depth) have climbed into the upper 40s to low 50s F, and according to USDA reports over 70 of Minnesota shows adequate to surplus topsoil moisture. In this context, Minnesota farmers have been very active this week planting oats, wheat, and even corn. With the outlook for the rest of the month favoring warmer than normal temperatures (60s and 70s F), as well as on again, off again rain s...