Let's quickly review the many planting pitfalls to avoid when facing cold, wet spring conditions.

The extended winter in the Northern Plains has caused a late start to the spring shipping season on the Upper Mississippi River versus last year's start in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 9. On Lake Superior, the first saltie will also be later than last year, which arrived in Duluth, Minnesota, on April 2.

Farms that want to operate as LLCs or S corporations would benefit from changes in the House Agriculture Committee version of the farm bill. So would farmers who have cousins, nephews or nieces helping out on the farm or making management decisions. Some say this creates new payment loopholes in the farm safety net.