By Andi Anderson
Ohio continues to experience abnormally dry conditions, impacting farmers' harvest progress across the state. While rains in northern Ohio temporarily slowed fieldwork, the rest of the state remained dry, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician for the USDA NASS Ohio Field Office.
Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 59 percent short to very short for the week ending October 13, 2024.
The average temperature last week was 56.1°F, which is 2.1°F above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.24 inches of rainfall, leaving precipitation levels 0.37 inches below normal. Despite the dry conditions, farmers had 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork.
Farmers reported that some soybeans, damaged by pod shattering due to excessive dryness, have started to germinate in the fields prematurely. Additionally, combine and field fires were reported due to the dry conditions, posing safety concerns.
As of the report, 92 percent of Ohio's corn crop had reached or passed the mature stage, and 34 percent had been harvested for grain. Corn harvested for silage reached 95 percent completion.
For soybeans, 97 percent of plants had dropped their leaves, and 62 percent of the crop had been harvested. However, both corn and soybean conditions were rated at 40 and 39 percent good to excellent, respectively.
Other agricultural activities saw progress, with the fourth cutting of alfalfa hay and other dry hay 90 percent complete. Winter wheat planting reached 58 percent completion, while pasture and range conditions were rated only 5 percent good to excellent, reflecting the strain caused by the ongoing dry weather.
Farmers across Ohio are working through these challenging conditions, but moisture shortages and the risk of fires continue to impact the state's agricultural operations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dmaroscar
Categories: Ohio, Harvesting