News

Wet January causing some problems in Ohio

A wet January has led to issues for farmers in Ohio.

The USDA says statewide precipitation during January topped average levels by just over 2 inches, limiting field activities in western Ohio and leading to ponding in winter wheat fields in portions of northern Ohio.

That pulled the USDA’s winter wheat condition rating to 65% good to excellent, 6% below last month, but still 10% above last year.

Part of the month-to-month decline in winter wheat was linked to a lack of snow cover during a bitterly cold stretch mid-month.

Livestock producers say pastures are saturated and muddy, while fruit producers near Lake Eire report concerns about damage following a wide swing in temperatures.

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