According to Ben Torrance, U.S. Department of Agriculture NASS Ohio Field Office statistician, fields in northern and midwestern Ohio received much-needed rainfall last week while the rest of the state remained dry. Many parts of the state are experiencing significant rainfall deficits. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 67% of the state was abnormally dry or worse. This was a slight improvement from the previous week, with the Southwest and Northeast showing some improvement in the drought maps.
Topsoil moisture conditions were rated at 10% very low, 30% low, 56% adequate and 4% above average. The average temperature statewide for the week ending August 11 was 73.5 degrees, 2.0 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.58 inches of precipitation, 0.31 inches below average. There were 5.0 days suitable for field work during the week ending August 11. Crop conditions varied widely throughout the state, depending on rainfall. Fields in the north and
West Central was generally in better shape than the rest of the state. In areas with little rainfall, corn and soybeans showed clear signs of stress. In dry areas, insect pressure was high. Corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent, while soybean condition was rated 59% good to excellent. Both were worse than the previous week.
Haymaking was unhindered as conditions were favourable for haymaking. In areas where there was not enough rainfall, regrowth was hampered. The condition of the pastures and grazing areas was rated as good to excellent in 35% of cases.
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