By Andi Anderson
Last week, the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought much-needed rain to Ohio, providing significant relief to dry fields, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician with the USDA NASS Ohio Field Office.
The rainfall was a welcome change, with 53 percent of topsoil previously rated as short to very short in moisture. The average statewide temperature reached 68.3°F, which was 8.6°F above normal for this time of year.
Ohio also received an average of 2.52 inches of precipitation, 1.78 inches above the normal levels. Despite the storms, farmers had 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 29.
The rains helped green up pastures and improve soil moisture levels, giving crops a boost as harvest season progresses. However, strong winds from the storms caused some corn crops to snap or lodge. Winter wheat planting continued across the state as conditions improved.
Regarding crop progress, 96 percent of Ohio's corn reached or passed the dent stage, with 70 percent now mature and 16 percent harvested for grain. Corn silage harvesting is nearing completion, with 91 percent of the crop already harvested. Soybean harvest also made progress, with 86 percent of soybeans dropping leaves and 23 percent harvested.
The overall condition of corn and soybeans stood at 39 percent and 44 percent good to excellent, respectively. For hay production, fourth cuttings of alfalfa hay and other dry hay were 73 percent and 67 percent complete. Meanwhile, winter wheat planting reached 17 percent.
Despite the recent rain, pasture and range conditions remained challenging, with only 2 percent rated as good to excellent. The rainfall, however, provided much-needed moisture that should help improve these conditions in the coming weeks.
Ohio farmers are balancing both the benefits of the rain and the challenges caused by the storm’s wind, hoping for continued favorable weather to aid their harvest efforts.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Ohio, Weather