By Andi Anderson
Ohio’s 2024 harvest season is nearing completion as dry and warm weather provided optimal conditions for fieldwork in the week ending October 27, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Ohio Field Office.
Average temperatures reached 54.0°F, which is 3.5 degrees above the seasonal norm, while average rainfall was only 0.06 inches, 0.42 inches below normal. This weather allowed for 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork, giving farmers valuable time to make substantial progress.
With harvest season wrapping up, Ohio farmers have harvested 72 percent of corn and 90 percent of soybeans. Winter wheat planting is also advancing, with 88 percent planted and 52 percent emerged.
However, dry topsoil is a concern, with 82 percent of the state’s topsoil rated short to very short, impacting the germination of winter wheat and cover crops. Farmers are hoping for rain to aid in crop establishment as they prepare for the colder months ahead.
The warm, dry weather has been beneficial for completing fieldwork, but some rainfall would have supported soil moisture levels for recently planted crops.
Pastures have stayed green, although pasture and range conditions are rated only 5 percent good to excellent due to the ongoing dryness.
Aside from harvesting, Ohio farmers have been busy with fall tillage and fertilizer applications, preparing fields for the next planting season.
With the harvest season nearly complete, Ohio’s agricultural community is focused on managing soil moisture for future crop success, balancing the benefits of extended fieldwork with the need for more rainfall.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Ohio, Weather