By Andi Anderson
Harvest activities in Ohio have been slowed down due to heavy rains caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
While the moisture helped boost pasture conditions, it delayed some fieldwork and harvest activities, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician for USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office.
For the week ending October 6, topsoil moisture conditions were rated as 46 percent short to very short.
The state experienced an average temperature of 64.4°F, which is 6.7°F above normal, along with an average of 0.38 inches of precipitation—0.34 inches below the weekly average. Despite the rainfall, farmers were able to get in 4.7 days of fieldwork during the week.
Some areas that experienced significant dry weather over the summer saw reports of pre-harvest soybean sprout. Soybeans were continuing to make progress, with 93 percent of the crop dropping leaves and 35 percent of the soybean harvest completed by the end of the week.
In terms of corn, 84 percent of the crop had matured, and 22 percent was harvested for grain. Corn for silage saw rapid progress, with 93 percent already harvested. However, the overall condition of corn and soybeans remained moderate, with 44 percent rated as good to excellent.
Farmers were also nearing completion of the fourth cuttings of hay, with 84 percent of alfalfa hay and 78 percent of other dry hay harvested. Winter wheat planting is also underway, with 32 percent of the crop in the ground.
Pasture and range conditions improved due to the rains, but only 5 percent of pastures were rated good to excellent. While the rain brought some benefits, the ongoing challenge for farmers is to catch up on harvesting while the weather allows.
The coming weeks will be crucial as Ohio farmers work to complete the corn and soybean harvest while balancing field conditions and timing.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Ohio, Harvesting