2023 Ohio Crop Progress

An early-week storm system and weekend snow hampered corn harvest progress as farmers pushed towards the season’s close, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 24 percent short, 64 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on November 26 was 38.3 degrees, 1.2 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.78 inches of precipitation, 0.02 inches above average. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 26.

Corn harvest was delayed in northern tier counties as producers waited for space to become available at grain elevators. Tar spot and vomitoxin posed concerns for some farmers in northwestern counties. Eighty-six percent of corn for grain was harvested. The moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 19 percent, down one point from last week. Winter wheat condition was 80 percent good to excellent, down 4 points from the previous week.… Continue reading

Farmers took advantage of last week’s fair weather, making steady progress towards harvest completion, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 20 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 5 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on November 19 was 44.9 degrees, 3.7 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.58 inches of precipitation, 0.01 inches below average. There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 19.

Last week’s field activities included corn harvesting, lime application and fall tillage. Eighty-one percent of corn was harvested. The moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 20 percent, unchanged from last week. Winter wheat was 95 percent emerged. Winter wheat condition was 84 percent good to excellent, down slightly from the previous week.

Click here to read the full report from USDA.… Continue reading

Favorable weather supported substantial row crop harvest progress last week, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 22 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on November 12 was 48.7 degrees, 5.8 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.10 inches of precipitation, 0.68 inches below average. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 12.

Last week’s field activities included fertilizer application, lime spreading, and fall tillage. Farmers reported that high corn moisture content continued to slow corn harvest progress in western counties. Sixty-eight percent of corn was harvested and the moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 20 percent. Ninety-five percent of soybeans were harvested and the moisture content of soybeans at harvest was 13 percent. Winter wheat was 90 percent emerged.… Continue reading

After a round of precipitation and overnight freezes early last week, the row crop harvest progressed steadily, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS,Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 19% short, 67% adequate, and 14% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on November 5 was 43.0 degrees, 5.7 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.56 inches of precipitation, 0.16 inches below average. There were 4.6
days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 5.

Though corn moisture content remained higher than average, the corn harvest’s pace accelerated last week. Farmers in northern tier counties reported instances of cob rot, mold, and sprouting in harvested grain. 45% of corn was harvested and the moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 22%. Eighty-nine percent of soybeans were harvested and the moisture content of soybeans at harvest was 13%. Corn condition was 87% good to excellent. … Continue reading

While Ohio’s soybean harvest pushed ahead of its five-year average, poor conditions for dry-down contributed to delayed corn harvest progress, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 26 percent short, 54 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on October 29 was 57.6 degrees, 7.4 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.61 inches of precipitation, 0.15 inches above average. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 29.

Farmers throughout the State reported that corn moisture content remained above ideal levels, slowing harvest. Field activities last week included row crop harvesting, fertilizer application, and tillage. Ninety-five percent of corn was mature, and 29 percent was harvested. The moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 23 percent. Eighty percent of soybeans were harvested. The moisture content of soybeans at harvest was 13 percent.… Continue reading

Farmers made harvest progress in fields last week between rounds of widespread precipitation, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 22 percent short, 61 percent adequate, and 16 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on October 22 was 50.7 degrees, 0.2 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.91 inches of precipitation, 0.23 inches above average. There were 3.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 22.

While soybean harvest progress remained in line with recentyear trends, corn harvest progress lagged behind last year and the five-year average. Ninety percent of corn was mature and 20 percent was harvested. The moisture content of corn grain at harvest was 24 percent. Corn for silage was 97 percent harvested. Sixty-four percent of soybeans were harvested. The moisture content of soybeans at harvest was 14 percent.… Continue reading

Farmers made significant row crop harvest progress ahead of late-week rains, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4% very short, 30% short, 61% adequate, and 5% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on Oct. 15 was 53.0 degrees, 1.0 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.65 inches of precipitation, 0.09 inches above average. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 15.

Eighty-six percent of corn was mature, and 17% was harvested. The moisture content of corn at the time of harvest was 26%. Corn for silage was 93% harvested. Ninety-five percent of soybeans were dropping leaves and 49% of soybeans were harvested. The moisture content of soybeans at harvest was 12%. Corn and soybean condition were 87 and 81% good to excellent, respectively. Third cuttings of other dry hay were 87% complete.… Continue reading

Farmers took advantage of last week’s warm and dry start to make harvest progress ahead of cool weekend showers, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 5 percent very short, 43 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on October 8 was 62.7 degrees, 6.5 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.51 inches of precipitation, 0.16 inches below average. There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 8.

Despite relatively high corn moisture levels, farmers made modest harvest progress, though corn harvested for grain remained behind both last year and the 5-year average. White mold raised concerns in some soybean fields in northeastern counties. Ninety-five percent of corn was in or past dent, 63 percent was mature, and 9 percent was harvested for grain. Corn for silage was 88 percent harvested.… Continue reading

Despite a round of midweek showers last week, harvest activity pushed ahead, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 6 percent very short, 46 percent short, and 48 percent adequate. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on October 1 was 65.3 degrees, 5.3 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.45 inches of precipitation, 0.28 inches below average. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 1.

Farmers reported that last week’s rainfall slowed the corn and soybean harvest in western counties. Eighty-eight percent of corn was in or past dent, 51 percent was mature, and 4 percent was harvested. Corn for silage was 75 percent harvested. Eighty-three percent of soybeans were dropping leaves and 7 percent of soybeans were harvested. Corn and soybean condition were 74 and 70 percent good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Crop maturity accelerated under last week’s warm and dry conditions, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 6 percent very short, 49 percent short, and 45 percent adequate. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on September 24 was 63.4 degrees, 2.0 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.09 inches of precipitation, 0.64 inches below average. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 24.

Last week’s field activities included hay bailing, manure application, lime spreading, and drainage tile installation. Limited instances of tar spot fungus in corn stands were reported in west-central portions of the State. Seventyseven percent of corn was in or past dent, 40 percent was mature, and 2 percent was harvested. Corn for silage was 59 percent harvested. Fifty-two percent of soybeans were dropping leaves. Corn and soybean condition were 72 and 68 percent good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Moderate temperatures and mostly clear skies throughout Ohio provided farmers with favorable conditions to conduct pre-harvest activities, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Continued lack of significant precipitation resulted in an increase in abnormally dry soil moisture levels. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 6 percent very short, 37 percent short, 56 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on September 17 was 62.3 degrees, 3.1 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.25 inches of precipitation, 0.59 inches below average. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 17.

While row crop progress remained behind the five-year average, favorable crop condition ratings exceeded previous year averages. Sixty-seven percent of corn was in or past dent and 22 percent was mature. Corn for silage was 42 percent harvested. Twenty-seven percent of soybeans were dropping leaves.… Continue reading

Last week’s warm days and mostly fair weather supported crop progress but left some counties excessively dry, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 9 percent very short, 19% short, 68% adequate, and 4% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on Sept. 10 was 72.5 degrees, 4.6 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.27 inches of precipitation, 0.27 inches below average. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 10.

Some reporters in southwestern counties continued to describe excessive soil dryness, with last week’s field observations indicating evidence of crop stress as corn and soybean stands entered maturation. Ninety-five percent of corn was in or past dough, 53% was in or past dent, and 11% was mature. Corn for silage was 27% harvested. Eight percent of soybeans were dropping leaves. Corn and soybean condition were 82 and 75% good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Last week, warm temperatures and dry days supported favorable row crop development, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 16 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on September 3 was 67.4 degrees, 2.7 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.02 inches of precipitation, 0.86 inches below average. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 3.

Seasonally moderate temperatures and dry days benefitted crop conditions in most counties. However, some reporters in west-central counties noted excessively dry soils, with moisture-stress evident in some soybean stands. Damaging effects from last month’s high winds and hail were observed by fruit and vegetable growers in several northeastern counties. Ninety percent of corn was in or past dough, 40 percent of Ohio corn was in or past dent, and 2 percent was mature.… Continue reading

Heavy rains in Northern Ohio limited field work last week according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 9 percent short, 71 percent adequate, and 19 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 27 was 73.7 degrees, 3 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.88 inches of precipitation, 1.1 inches above average. There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 27. The rain that came last week will aid in grain fill. Southern Ohio needed additional precipitation to help later planted beans reach maturity. Seventy-nine percent of corn was in or past dough, and 30 percent of Ohio corn was in or past dent. Ninety percent of soybeans were setting pods. Corn and soybean condition were 79 and 76 percent good to excellent, respectively. Second cuttings of other hay were 88 percent complete.… Continue reading

Crop progress across the State accelerated under favorable conditions and timely precipitation, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2% very short, 21% short, 69% adequate, and 8% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on Aug. 20 was 68.7 degrees, 2.6 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.96 inches of precipitation, 0.12 inches above average. There were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Aug. 20.

Fieldwork last week included tile installation and fungicide applications. Rain across much of the State last week will aid in grain fill. Double crop soybeans were looking better than average. Corn dough progress was 64% complete, and corn dented progress was 23% complete. Soybeans blooming was 96% complete and pod setting progress reached 82%. Corn and soybean condition were 74 and 72% good to excellent, respectively. Second cuttings of other hay were 77% complete.… Continue reading

Last week’s seasonable temperatures and timely rains spurred advancement in crop development, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. A series of midweek storms with widespread coverage delivered several inches of rain in some counties, with high winds and hail reported in the northwestern portion of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 25 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 13 was 72.4 degrees, 0.9 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.86 inches of precipitation, 1.02 inches above average. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 13.

Corn silking progress reached 97 percent, corn dough progress was 45 percent complete, and corn dented progress was 2 percent complete. Soybeans blooming was 92 percent complete and pod setting progress reached 69 percent. Corn and soybean condition were 76 and 70 percent good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Last week, warm and dry conditions dominated across the State, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 18.5 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, a decrease from the previous week. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 1.7 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 23 short, 71 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 6 was 71.3 degrees, 0.7 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.17 inches of precipitation, 0.65 inches below average. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 6. 

While crop condition ratings improved, crop progress for corn and soybeans remained near or behind the five-year average for the majority of the State. Southwestern counties experienced below-average moisture levels, leading some farmers to report crop stress.… Continue reading

 Despite the decrease in drought conditions, several hot days left many growers throughout the State hoping for more rain, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 33.6 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, indicating a continued decrease in excessively dry conditions. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 7.8 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 1 percent very short, 16 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 13 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on July 30 was 75.3 degrees, 2.6 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.50 inches of precipitation, 0.65 inches above average. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 30. 

Reporters across western counties described high temperatures causing heat stress in crops. On the east side of the State, it was reported that some intense short storms caused some isolated damage to crops.… Continue reading

Last week’s mostly mild weather was punctuated by scattered showers and thunderstorms, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 46.7% of the State as abnormally dry or worse, indicating continued decrease in excessively dry conditions. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 13.5% of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4% very short, 21% short, 68% adequate, and 7% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on July 23 was 72.1 degrees, 1.9 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.94 inches of precipitation, 0.05 inches below average. There were 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 23.

Reporters across central and eastern counties described heavy precipitation and severe weather last Thursday. Some farmers reported hail and wind damage to fields planted with corn and soybeans. Last week’s field activities included spraying fields and cutting hay. … Continue reading

Timely precipitation supported row crops, with notable improvements in both corn and soybean condition, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 59.6 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, with a reduction in acres meeting drought criteria. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 24.9 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 4 percent very short, 16 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on July 16 was 73.8 degrees, 0.4 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.71 inches of precipitation, 0.24 inches below average. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 16.

Last week’s field activities included herbicide and fungicide applications and winter wheat harvesting. Reporters identified increased pest pressure in row crop acres.… Continue reading