Abundant sunshine and warm daytime temperatures extended throughout Ohio, providing farmers with favorable conditions for pre-harvest fieldwork, according to Cheryl Turner, state statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4 percent very short, 22 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending Sunday was 66.5 degrees, 1.5 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.35 inches of precipitation, 0.52 inches below average. There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday.
Farmers took advantage of last week's favorable weather conditions by making substantial progress in harvesting corn for silage. Additional activities included manure applications and preparing combines for harvest. Corn dented progress was 78 percent complete, and 27 percent of the crop was mature. Corn harvested for silage was 68 percent complete. Corn condition was rated 59 percent good to excellent.
Soybeans dropping leaves reached 31 percent. Fifty-nine percent of soybean plants were reported as being in good to excellent condition.
Second cuttings of other dry hay were 93 percent complete. Third cuttings of alfalfa hay and other dry hay were 93 and 58 percent complete, respectively. Fourth cuttings of alfalfa hay were 47 percent complete.
Pasture and range condition was reported as 66 percent good to excellent, down from the previous week.
Categories: Ohio, Weather