Iowa farmers prepare for an early start with favorable forecast this week.

Jacob Taylor hopes to have all his corn and soybean acres planted before the calendar flips to May — an annual goal that looks likely this year.

“We’re right there — just about ready to go,” said Taylor last week. “If we can get the corn in early and the beans right after it, that’s a win.”

Taylor farms alongside his father, David, and brother, Tucker, near Oskaloosa in Mahaska County. He said soil temperatures remain cool, but with highs topping 75 degrees early this week, he expects soil temps to climb past the critical 50-degree mark. 

The planter is prepped, the forecast looks favorable, and field conditions are better than in other parts of Iowa. Taylor is optimistic.

“We’re not dry, but we’re not dripping wet either,” he said. “We’ve got tile running. There’s moisture down four feet. It’s looking good.”

Pictured above: Jacob Taylor, who farms near Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, said he hopes to have...