Hot, dry weather prevailed last week creating good harvesting conditions, according to Cheryl Turner, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 4. Topsoil moisture was getting very short and crops were showing signs of stress due to the lack of moisture. Corn and soybeans needed rain to improve condition and growth rate. Winter wheat harvest was nearly complete. Many producers were planting late cover crops. Oat harvest moved steadily and was only slightly behind the five-year average. Hay making continued last week with some producers able to get a third cutting where regrowth was more evident. Mowing, manure applications, and spraying activities continued last week. Weed control was more necessary in some fields.
