By Andi Anderson
Drought conditions in Ohio have intensified, creating growing concerns for farmers across the state. According to Ben Torrance, State Statistician at USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office, topsoil moisture levels were rated at 81 percent short to very short for the week ending on September 1, 2024.
The average temperature reached 78.7 degrees, which is 7.8 degrees above normal for this time of year. Ohio weather stations reported an average of 0.44 inches of precipitation, falling 0.39 inches below the usual average. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week.
The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 75 percent of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, a 12 percentage point increase from the previous week.
Currently, 8 percent of the state is experiencing severe drought, and 16 percent is under extreme drought conditions or worse. These dry conditions are particularly severe in central and southern Ohio.
Farmers are concerned about the impact of the drought on crops, especially corn and soybeans, which are in the critical grain fill stage. Corn was rated at 42 percent good to excellent, while soybeans were rated at 46 percent good to excellent. Both ratings have dropped from the previous week due to the persistent dry weather.
Corn silage harvest is progressing, with 31 percent of the crop already harvested. However, hay and pasture regrowth has been severely limited by the lack of rain, further affecting livestock feed availability.
With no immediate relief in sight, Ohio farmers are closely monitoring weather conditions, hoping for rain to alleviate the drought and improve crop outcomes as the harvest season continues.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zhuda
Categories: Ohio, Harvesting