A harsh freeze to start March in tandem with a mild winter and a warm February have made farmers and agriculturalists ponder farming productivity this year.

Experts and industry professionals wonder about farming output because they take insect levels and ground-level freezes into account, and they also bring differing opinions together.Michael Gehring of Galesburg's Gehring Farm isn't worried so far.

"The potential of your yield starts two or three years before, not within the last six months or four months," said Gehring.

"It depends on whether it was muddy, surface level moisture, or how much you compacted the ground, many different factors over the last few years.

You stick to your routine program, determined by the potential of the soil."

Gehring also explained that he was optimistic about the growing season in spite of recent weather being what it's been.

The weather this year hasn't changed much of Gehring's work so far, so he doesn't have many concerns.

Farm insurance is also established to cover damages in the event that weather, wind or something related to the two should damage crops.

Bi-County Insurance's Richard Lutz talked about the potential for an odd season and the fact that most farmers know how to hedge against significant losses.

"If you're in farming, it's a constant question of concern whether or not the weather will bring any problems," said Lutz.

"Looking at the average grower, they're placing a huge gamble every spring on putting seed in the ground, seeing what happens and hoping there's a crop to support their family."