The return of precipitation following a multi-week dry spell elevated soil moisture supplies, according to Cheryl Turner, state statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending Sunday was 73.9 degrees, 0.7 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.86 inches of precipitation, 1.08 inches above average. There were 3.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sunday.
Producers were pleased by last week's increased rainfall but remained concerned that corn and soybean progress had fallen behind historical averages. Livestock were reported to be in good condition, with pastures greening after the week's rains.
Corn silking progress was 7 percent complete while corn condition was rated 52 percent good to excellent. Soybeans were 97 percent emerged, 33 percent of plants were blooming, and pod setting progress reached 5 percent. 48 percent of soybean plants were reported as being in good to excellent condition. Oats were 87 percent headed, with crop condition reported as 65 percent good to excellent. Winter wheat was 98 percent mature, and 82 percent was harvested for grain. The winter wheat crop was rated 59 percent good to excellent condition.
First cuttings of alfalfa hay were 99 percent complete while first cuttings of other dry hay were 96 percent complete. Second cuttings of alfalfa and other dry hay were 47 and 41 percent complete, respectively. Pasture and range condition was reported as 69 percent good to excellent.
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Livestock