By Andi Anderson
According to Ben Torrance, State Statistician at the USDA NASS Ohio Field Office, heavy rains last week saturated fields across Ohio, severely limiting large-scale planting activities. The state recorded only 0.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending on April 14.
Topsoil moisture was overwhelmingly abundant with 31 % rated as adequate and 69 % as surplus.
The weather also featured warmer than usual temperatures, with the average for the week standing at 56.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 9.4 degrees above the normal range.
Weather stations across Ohio measured an average of 1.86 inches of precipitation during the week, which is 0.98 inches above the typical average for this time of year.
The wet conditions confined farmers to limited fieldwork such as applying herbicides and fertilizing wheat. Despite the setbacks in fieldwork, the wheat showed promising growth, with 51 % of winter wheat jointed and 70 % rated in good to excellent condition due to the favorable conditions. Oats saw an 11 % planting completion.
The unseasonably warm weather also accelerated the development of fruit crops, suggesting potential early yields if conditions stabilize.
Photo Credit -usda
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Weather