Driven by dry weather, crop conditions declined slightly from the previous week, according to Cheryl Turner, state statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4 percent very short, 35 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus.
Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending Sunday was 73.2 degrees, 2.5 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.16 inches of precipitation, 0.72 inches below average. There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending on Sunday.
Reporters indicated that producers took advantage of the past week's dry weather to wrap up planting activities. Farmers across the State reported that limited recent precipitation has translated into early signs of crop stress. Livestock were in good condition.
Corn was 95 percent emerged, behind last year but slightly ahead of average.
Soybean planting progress was 96 percent complete, while 85 percent of seedlings were emerged.
Oats were 67 percent headed, behind last year and average. Crop condition for oats was reported as 63 percent good to excellent.
Winter wheat was 70 percent mature and 3 percent harvested for grain. The winter wheat crop was rated 53 percent good to excellent condition.
First cuttings of alfalfa and other dry hay were 88 percent and 69 percent completed, respectively. Second cuttings of hay alfalfa were 21 percent complete while second cuttings of hay other than alfalfa were 17 percent complete.
Pasture and range condition was reported as 77 percent good to excellent.
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Alfalfa, Livestock, Weather