By Andi Anderson
Ohio farmers faced limited fieldwork opportunities for the week ending April 6, 2025, due to cooler temperatures and frequent rain showers. According to the USDA, only 0.5 days were suitable for fieldwork across the state, significantly slowing down planting and crop activities.
Soil moisture conditions showed significant improvement. Topsoil moisture was rated 0% very short, 1% short, 30% adequate, and 69% surplus. Subsoil moisture was also in better shape, with 0% very short, 8% short, 57% adequate, and 35% surplus.
Progress in planting remains minimal. Only 2% of oats have been planted, and 8% of winter wheat has reached the jointing stage. These numbers are behind both last year and the five-year average. Oats planted this week stood at just 6%, compared to 14% at the same time last year and 9% on average.
The condition of winter wheat was reported as 2% very poor, 5% poor, 33% fair, 53% good, and 7% excellent, indicating mostly favorable health among crops despite the weather conditions.
Across Ohio, average temperatures ranged from the upper 40s to the upper 50s, with varying levels of precipitation. For instance, Eaton recorded 6.17 inches of rainfall, while Bryan received 3.38 inches. Southeastern towns like Logan and Waverly experienced higher temperatures near 56°F to 58°F, along with over 4 inches of rain, keeping soil too wet for machinery in many regions.
Although fieldwork has barely started, the improved soil moisture levels are a positive sign for future planting. Farmers are hopeful that warmer, drier days ahead will allow for a strong start to the growing season. Patience and careful planning will be key as the state transitions into peak planting time.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Ohio, Sustainable Agriculture