Ohio Crop Progress Archive

Heavy rainfall across much of Ohio boosted soil moisture levels last week, but also slowed the pace of harvest activity in both corn and soybeans. Despite the delays, crop conditions remain strong statewide, with nearly 70% of corn and 65% of soybeans rated good to excellent. USDA reports there were 2.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 20.

Corn reaching the dent stage is at 88%, ahead of last week’s 81% average, and behind the 85% average. Mature corn for the state is sitting at 32%, above last week’s 22% but below the 43% average. Corn harvested is sitting at 2%, just below the 4% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 69% good to excellent, with 57% good and 12% excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves has reached 40%, ahead of last week’s 24% but behind the 55% five-year average. Soybeans that have been harvested are at 1% below the 5% average.… Continue reading

Ohio farmers contended with wetter conditions during this past week; even so, both corn and soybeans continued to progress, with the majority of the state’s crop rated in good-to-excellent condition. USDA reports there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 13.

Corn reaching the dent stage is at 81%, ahead of last week’s 73% average, and above the 75% average. Mature corn for the state is sitting at 22%, below the 27% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 68% good to excellent, with 53% good and 15% excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves has reached 24%, ahead of last week’s 15% but behind the 32% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 64% good to excellent, with 50% good and 14% excellent.

Soil moisture has increased as heavy rainfall has covered most of the state, making topsoil moisture rated at 74% adequate and 22% surplus, while subsoil moisture was also 78% adequate and 12% surplus.… Continue reading

Corn and soybean development continued to move ahead of normal across Ohio, with both crops making significant progress toward maturity. Corn condition remained largely stable, while soybeans showed continued advancement as leaf drop reached the five-year average pace. USDA reports there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 6.

Corn reaching the dough stage is at 100%, ahead of last week’s 95%, and well ahead of the 94% five-year average. Corn reaching the dent stage is at 73%, ahead of last week’s 59% average, and above the 62% average. Mature corn for the state is sitting at 16%, right on with the 13% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 61% good to excellent, with 48% good and 13% excellent.

Soybeans dropping leaves has reached 15%, ahead of last week’s 1% and above the 15% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 58% good to excellent, with 45% good and 13% excellent.… Continue reading

In the last Crop Progress report for 2024, winter preparations commenced as harvest season wrapped up, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 35% short to very short for week ending on Nov. 24. The average temperature last week was 44.5 degrees, 4.2 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.57 inches of precipitation last week, 0.01 inches above average. There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 24.

Routine maintenance and winter preparation efforts were in full swing last week throughout much of the State. Winter wheat emergence progress neared completion. Unseasonably warm weather paired with recent timely rains supported winter wheat condition with 70% of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Other activities last week included tillage, equipment maintenance, cabbage harvesting, winter preparations, and fertilizer applications. For more from this week’s report, click here.… Continue reading

Scattered rain showers replenished soil moisture levels somewhat, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 54 percent short to very short for week ending on November 17. The average temperature last week was 46.7 degrees, 5.9 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.26 inches of precipitation last week, 0.60 inches above average. There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 17.

Much needed rain events replenished dry topsoil, and unseasonably warm temperatures bolstered remaining harvest efforts. Winter wheat emergence progress neared completion with 59 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. Other activities last week included fall tillage, equipment maintenance, winter preparations, and fertilizer applications.

For more from this week’s report, click here. … Continue reading

Warm, dry weather pushed corn for grain harvest closer to completion, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 68 percent short to very short for week ending on November 10. The average temperature last week was 56.0 degrees, 11.5 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.77 inches of precipitation last week, 0.01 inches below average. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 10.

Corn for grain harvest was on track to finish well ahead of its five-year average pace. Winter wheat emergence progress was 86 percent complete which was in line with the five-year average pace. Winter wheat condition was rated 65 percent good to excellent. Other activities last week included fall tillage and fertilizer applications.

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

Dry and unseasonably warm weather spurred harvest progress, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 83% short to very short for week ending on Nov. 3. The average temperature last week was 55.1 degrees, 5.3 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.07 inches of precipitation last week, 0.56 inches below average. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 3.

Soybean harvest progress was on track to finish ahead of its five-year average pace. Winter wheat planting neared completion. Winter wheat emergence was slow due to persistent dry conditions. Eighty-nine percent of corn for grain has been harvested. Ninety-six percent of soybeans were harvested. Winter wheat was 95% planted and 69% emerged. Other activities last week included fall tillage and fertilizer applications.

For more from this week’s report, click here.

… Continue reading

Harvest was expected to wrap up in the next couple weeks, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 82 percent short to very short for week ending on October 27. The average temperature last week was 54.0 degrees, 3.5 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.06 inches of precipitation last week, 0.42 inches below average. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 27.

Winter wheat and cover crops were still being planted. Farmers needed rain to help boost germination. The weather was ideal for fieldwork, though some rain would have been beneficial. Pastures remained green. Seventy-two percent of corn has been harvested. Ninety percent of soybeans were harvested. Winter wheat was 88 percent planted and 52 percent emerged. Pasture and range condition was rated 5 percent good to excellent. Other activities last week included fall tillage and fertilizer applications.… Continue reading

Corn and soybean harvest continued to progress quickly, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 68 percent short to very short for week ending on October 20. The average temperature last week was 49.0 degrees, 3.1 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.31 inches of precipitation last week, 0.36 inches below average. There were 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 20.

Despite continued very dry conditions, cooler temperatures put less pressure on pastures. Wheat and cover crops were being planted. Pepper and cabbage harvest continued as vegetable growers kept on eye on potentially season ending frosts in the coming weeks. Ninety-seven percent of corn was in or past the mature stage and 51 percent was harvested for grain. Seventyeight percent of soybeans were harvested. Corn condition was 40 percent good to excellent. Fourth cuttings of alfalfa hay and other dry hay were 95 percent complete.… Continue reading

Rains across northern Ohio momentarily slowed harvest, while the rest of the State remained abnormally dry, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 59% short to very short for week ending on Oct. 13. The average temperature last week was 56.1 degrees, 2.1 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.24 inches of precipitation last week, 0.37 inches below average. There were 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 13.

Farmers reported that soybeans lost to pod shatter because of the excessive dryness began to germinate in fields. Combine and field fires have also been reported with the very dry conditions. Ninety- two percent of corn was in or past the mature stage and 34% was harvested for grain. Corn for silage was 95% harvested. In soybeans, 97% were dropping leaves and 62% were harvested. Corn and soybean conditions were 40 and 39% good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Rains from the remnants of Hurricane Helene saturated soils and slowed harvest in some areas but provided a much-needed boost to pastures, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 46 percent short to very short for week ending on October 6. The average temperature last week was 64.4 degrees, 6.7 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.38 inches of precipitation last week, 0.34 inches below average. There were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending October 6.

There were reports of pre-harvest soybean sprout, especially in areas hardest hit by dry weather this summer. Eighty-four percent of corn was in or past the mature stage and 22 percent was harvested for grain. Corn for silage was 93 percent harvested. Ninety-three percent of soybeans were dropping leaves and 35 percent were harvested. Corn and soybean conditions were 44 percent good to excellent.… Continue reading

Rains from the remnants of Hurricane Helene provided much needed precipitation to much of Ohio last week, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 53 percent short to very short for week ending on September 29. The average temperature last week was 68.3 degrees, 8.6 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 2.52 inches of precipitation last week, 1.78 inches above average. There were 3.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 29.

Much-needed rain last week helped to green pastures. High winds associated with storms caused some corn to snap or lodge. Winter wheat planting continued. Ninety-six percent of corn was in or past the dent stage, 70 percent was mature, and 16 percent was harvested for grain. Corn for silage was 91 percent harvested. Eighty-six percent of soybeans were dropping leaves and 23 percent were harvested.… Continue reading

The dry and dusty conditions continued to be a concern for farmers as field fires were becoming an issue, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office.
Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 95 percent short to very short for week ending on September 22. The average temperature last week was 72.0 degrees, 9.0 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.08 inches of precipitation last week, 0.64 inches below average. There were 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 22.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 98% of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, up 3 percentage points from the previous week. Twenty-nine percent of the State was experiencing severe drought while 30% of the State was experiencing extreme drought or worse.

Farmers were slowly getting into harvest. Moisture levels continued to be a concern. Ninety-four percent of corn was in or past the dent stage, 60% was mature, and 10% was harvested for grain.… Continue reading

Prolonged dryness continued to worry farmers, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 92% short to very short for week ending on Sept. 15. The average temperature last week was 68.4 degrees, 1.9 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded no precipitation last week, 0.82 inches below average. There were 6.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 15.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 95% of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, unchanged from the previous week. Eighteen percent of the State was experiencing severe drought while 24% of the State was experiencing extreme drought or worse.

Ongoing arid conditions continued to adversely affect corn and soybeans. Corn condition was rated 39% good to excellent, while soybeans were rated 40% good to excellent. Both were down from the previous week. Corn silage harvest continued, with 79% of harvest already completed.… Continue reading

Dry conditions continued to negatively affect crops and pasture, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 87 percent short to very short for week ending on September 8. The average temperature last week was 64.5 degrees, 3.9 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.43 inches of precipitation, 0.24 inches below average. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 1.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 95 percent of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, up 20 percentage points from the previous week. Nine percent of the State was experiencing severe drought while 22 percent of the State was experiencing extreme drought or worse.

Dry conditions, especially in central and southern Ohio, continue to negatively impact corn and soybeans during grain fill. Corn was rated 49 percent good to excellent, while soybeans were rated 47 percent good to excellent.… Continue reading

Dry conditions continue to worry farmers, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 81% short to very short for week ending on September 1. The average temperature last week was 78.7 degrees, 7.8 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.44 inches of precipitation, 0.39 inches below average. There were 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 1.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 75% of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, up 12 percentage points from the previous week. Eight percent of the State was experiencing severe drought while 16% of the State was experiencing extreme drought or worse.

Dry conditions, especially in central and southern Ohio, continue to negatively impact corn and soybeans during grain fill. Corn was rated 42% good to excellent, while soybeans were rated 46% good to excellent. Both were down from the previous week.… Continue reading

Continued dry weather last week negatively affected crops, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 33 percent very short, 42 percent short, and 25 percent adequate. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 25 was 65.3 degrees, 4.9 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.12 inches of precipitation, 0.64 inches below average. There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 25.

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report, 63 percent of Ohio was abnormally dry or worse, up 4 percentage points from the previous week. Ten percent of the State was experiencing moderate drought while 24 percent of the State was experiencing severe to extreme drought.

Another week of dry weather continued to negatively impact corn and soybeans in Ohio. Farmers reported continued concern for both crops as grain fill occurred.… Continue reading

Periodic rain showers were not enough to alleviate dry soils last week, particularly in South and East Central Ohio, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 19 percent very short, 38 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 18 was 71.7 degrees, 0.2 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.84 inches of precipitation, 0.38 inches below average. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 18.

The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 59 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse. This was down 8 percentage points from the previous week. However, the areas rated as severe drought increased 2 points from the previous report.

Non-irrigated grain crops, especially corn and soybeans were showing signs of stress. Corn condition was rated 57 percent good to excellent while soybean condition was rated 56 percent good to excellent.… Continue reading

Fields in the North and West Central portions of Ohio received badly needed precipitation last week, while the rest of the State remained dry, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. There are significant precipitation deficits in many areas of the State. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 67% of the State as abnormally dry or worse. This was a slight improvement over the previous week, with the Southwest and Northeast showing some improvement in the drought depiction maps.

Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 10% very short, 30% short, 56% adequate, and 4% surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on Aug. 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 fieldwork during the week ending August 11. Field crop condition was highly variable across the State, depending on precipitation received.… Continue reading

Pastures were drying due to elevated temperatures and lack of precipitation in the southern part of the State, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 72.4 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 39.4 percent of the State, and conditions matching the severe drought rating were observed at 13.8 percent. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 9 percent very short, 36 percent short, 51 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 4 was 77.1 degrees, 4.8 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.65 inches of precipitation, 0.84 inches above average. There were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 4.

Farmers reported processing vegetable harvest continued at a good pace. Seasonal fruit harvest continued ahead of schedule for most tree fruit.… Continue reading