Topsoil moisture conditions in Ohio are mostly adequate, with only 2% of the state rated as very short and 21% rated as short. The average temperature for the week ending August 20 was 68.7 degrees, 2.6 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.96 inches of precipitation, 0.12 inches above average.
Fieldwork last week included tile installation and fungicide applications. Rain across much of the state last week will aid in grain fill. Double crop soybeans were looking better than average. Corn dough progress was 64% complete, and corn dented progress was 23% complete. Soybeans blooming was 96% complete and pod setting progress reached 82%. Corn and soybean condition were 74 and 72% good to excellent, respectively.
Second cuttings of other hay were 77% complete. Third cuttings of alfalfa hay and other dry hay were 58 and 36% complete, respectively. Pasture and range condition was rated 61 percent good to excellent, down from the previous week.
The hot weather expected in the coming weeks could stress crops, so farmers will need to monitor their fields closely. However, with the current moisture conditions and crop development, Ohio farmers are in a good position to start harvesting a bountiful crop. Here are some details of Crop weather
- Topsoil moisture conditions are mostly adequate, with only 2% of the state rated as very short and 21% rated as short. This is good news for crops, as they need adequate moisture to grow and develop.
- The average temperature for the week ending August 20 was 68.7 degrees, 2.6 degrees below normal. This is slightly cooler than usual, which is beneficial for crops as it helps to prevent heat stress.
- Weather stations recorded an average of 0.96 inches of precipitation, 0.12 inches above average. This is a good amount of rain for the week, and it will help to keep crops hydrated.
- Fieldwork last week included tile installation and fungicide applications. Tile installation is a process of installing underground pipes to drain excess water from fields. Fungicide applications are used to control plant diseases.
- Rain across much of the state last week will aid in grain fill. Grain fill is the process of kernels growing and filling with starch. Rain helps to provide moisture for the kernels to grow.
- Double crop soybeans were looking better than average. Double crop soybeans are soybeans that are planted after a winter wheat crop. They are often more productive than soybeans planted in the spring.
- Corn dough progress was 64% complete, and corn dented progress was 23% complete. Corn dough is the stage of development when the kernels start to soften. Dented corn is the stage of development when the kernels start to dent.
- Soybeans blooming was 96% complete and pod setting progress reached 82%. Soybeans bloom when the flowers open. Pod setting is the process of the flowers developing into pods.
- Corn and soybean condition were 74 and 72% good to excellent, respectively. This means that most corn and soybean crops are in good condition.
- Second cuttings of other hay were 77% complete. Third cuttings of alfalfa hay and other dry hay were 58 and 36% complete, respectively. Hay is a type of grass that is cut and dried for animal feed.
- Pasture and range condition was rated 61 percent good to excellent, down from the previous week. Pasture and rangeland are areas of land that are used for grazing livestock.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Ohio, Crops