With the render distance increased to a more normal distance, crops now grow at a more normal distance from the player.
Many players have expanded their farms to make use of this more normal/vanilla crop growth having spent considerable funds and time on doing so but there was a rumour that this game mechanic might be changed.

This question was asked of Dex about a week ago but it appears he's been been away.

Can someone please confirm that the range is going to remain as it currently is please.

 

Yes but only dex was tagged in that and he seemed to be away so I asked in the more official help section.
Either way, still waiting for an answer