By Lori EhdeMost Rock County farmers wrapped up the 2004 planting season just in time for last weekend’s nourishing rain.According to agronomists in both the north and south ends of the county, corn planting is done and soybeans are about 90 percent complete.In the Hardwick area, that means farmers are a good two weeks ahead of schedule."A lot of them should be just getting started planting corn, and it’s already up," said Randy Johnson, part owner of the Hardwick Grain Company.He said he expects the biggest challenge for the upcoming growing season to be hot, dry weather, if weather forecasters are right.Hardwick and much of northern Rock County received about an inch of rain Sunday night, but Johnson said the entire area is behind on moisture."It was enough to get us started, but it’s not going to last," he said.Regional Extension ag specialists estimate subsoil moisture is an inch to two inches below normal.Meanwhile, Johnson said, fledgling plants could use a little sun. "As long as it stays warm for awhile, we’ll be all right."Dave Leenderts, agronomist for New Vision Co-op, Hills, agreed warm weather is needed for now, especially after last week’s frost."It didn’t hurt things too bad," Leenderts said about the frost. "It just turned colors a bit. Cold weather will do that."Along with some damage to plants, a cool start to the growing season can cause concern for some insects and root rot.Leenderts said crops in the Hills areas received six to nine tenths of rain over the weekend. "This last rain helped tremendously."He said farmers there are about a week ahead of schedule, with most farmers planting corn done and most nearly done with soybeans.