News

Dry week prompts surge in Ohio planting

Weather allowed Ohio farmers to get a lot of planting and fieldwork finished last week.  USDA statisticians say there were only reports of scant precipitation averaging around half an inch of rain statewide.

Northwestern Ohio farmers are concerned about dry conditions.  The dry soil in parts of Ohio is also limiting the activation of herbicides, leading to reports of more weed problems.  Topsoil moisture is rated 1% very short, 8% short, and 83% adequate.

Sixty six percent of the state’s corn and 63 percent of the state’s soybean acres are now planted.  Emergence has reached 21% for corn and 20% for soybeans. 

Seventy seven percent of Ohio’s oats have emerged.

First cuttings of alfalfa and other hay have begun, with 7% of the hay now harvested.