By Andi Anderson
Continued dry weather in Ohio last week has raised concerns about crop conditions, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician for the USDA NASS Ohio Field Office.
The state is grappling with significant moisture shortages, with topsoil moisture conditions rated at 33 percent very short, 42 percent short, and only 25 percent adequate. The statewide average temperature for the week ending August 25 was 65.3 degrees, which is 4.9 degrees below normal.
Weather stations recorded a mere 0.12 inches of precipitation, which is 0.64 inches below the average, leading to further dryness across the state. Farmers had 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report reveals that 63 percent of Ohio is experiencing abnormally dry conditions or worse, an increase of 4 percentage points from the previous week. Of this, 10 percent of the state is facing moderate drought, while 24 percent is suffering from severe to extreme drought conditions.
These dry conditions have negatively impacted the state’s corn and soybean crops. Farmers have expressed growing concerns as the critical grain fill stage is underway.
The condition of the corn crop has declined, with only 49 percent rated as good to excellent. Similarly, soybean conditions have also dropped, with 48 percent rated as good to excellent, both figures representing a decrease from the previous week.
The dry weather has also sped up the corn silage harvest, with 12 percent of the harvest already completed. However, hay and pasture regrowth has been slow due to the lack of moisture, further stressing the state’s agricultural output.
As Ohio continues to endure these challenging weather conditions, the impact on crop health remains a significant concern for farmers across the state. The combination of below-normal temperatures and minimal rainfall has exacerbated the situation, leading to worries about the final yields as harvest time approaches.
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Categories: Ohio, Weather