By Andi Anderson
Ohio farmers faced challenges planting crops during the week ending May 18, 2025, due to poor weather and wet field conditions. According to the USDA, only 2.3 days were suitable for fieldwork, limiting the pace of spring planting efforts.
Topsoil moisture was rated 50 percent adequate and 50 percent surplus, with no reports of dryness. Subsoil moisture followed similar patterns—68 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus.
As a result of limited dry days, corn planting in Ohio reached only 34 percent, up slightly from 25 percent the previous week. Corn emergence stood at 22 percent. These figures remain behind the five-year average of 48 percent planted and 20 percent emerged.
Soybean planting was also slow, with 40 percent completed and 24 percent emerged. This is below last year’s 39 percent planted and 23 percent emerged, showing that wet soils continue to delay progress.
Oats planting reached 87 percent, while 79 percent of the crop had emerged. Winter wheat jointing advanced to 94 percent, and heading reached 33 percent.
The first cutting of alfalfa hay was only 5 percent complete, while other hay stood at 2 percent.
Crop condition ratings show winter wheat is holding steady, with 56 percent in good and 10 percent in excellent condition. Oats performed slightly better, with 73 percent good and 5 percent excellent. Pasture and range conditions were also solid, rated 67 percent good and 9 percent excellent.
With better weather, planting could quickly resume, but current progress remains below average due to field limitations. Farmers continue to monitor soil moisture as they wait for improved conditions.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Weather