Ohio Sees Slow Start to Spring Planting Season

By Andi Anderson

Ohio farmers experienced a modest start to spring planting activities during the week ending April 13, 2025. The USDA reported only 0.6 days suitable for fieldwork due to continued wet conditions.

Despite the slow start, soil moisture levels remain strong across the state. Topsoil moisture was rated at 0 percent very short, 0 percent short, 45 percent adequate, and 55 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 65 percent adequate, and 31 percent surplus.

These levels reflect a well-saturated soil profile, although the surplus may be causing delays in field preparation.

Crop progress showed signs of movement. Winter wheat jointing reached 12 percent, up from 2 percent the previous week. This is still behind last year’s pace of 46 percent and the five-year average of 26 percent.

Oats planting advanced to 19 percent, compared to 8 percent last week and 24 percent on the five-year average. Oat emergence stood at just 1 percent, still behind average levels.

The winter wheat crop condition remained stable and mostly positive. The crop was rated as 2 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 49 percent good, and 10 percent excellent. These ratings indicate that while growth is delayed, the overall health of the crop remains promising.

Farmers across Ohio are closely watching the weather, hoping for more dry days to ramp up planting activity.

With adequate moisture already in the ground, the key now is timing and favorable field conditions. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the planting season continues to unfold.

Photo Credit: usda