News

February mostly warm, but dry, in Ohio

Ohio saw warm, dry conditions in February.

The USDA says average statewide temperatures were more than 8 degrees above normal, but average precipitation was below two inches, with only limited snow cover in northern Ohio and little to no cover in the rest of the state.

Only about 7% of Ohio is at least abnormally dry, but the lack of precipitation in February has led to some concerns about spring planting and winter wheat greening up when the crop emerges from dormancy.

54% of Ohio’s winter wheat crop is in good to excellent shape, 1% less than last month.

Muddy conditions have been reported in some northwestern counties, while southeastern Ohio is starting to see grass and hay emergence.

Livestock is in good shape and some operations have started calving.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume in April.