Because it was a mild winter this year, the farmers tried early sowing.
Early-sown rice is susceptible to frost damage.
Standard spelling using the common kanji 早 and kana まき.
Uses the kanji 蒔 for 'sowing', which is less common but still seen in agricultural contexts.
Compound of 早 (haya, 'early') and 蒔き (maki, 'sowing'), the noun form of 蒔く (maku, 'to sow').