Ohio's planting season is lagging due to wet conditions, with corn planting at 72% as of June 2, trailing the five-year average of 87%, according to a report from the Ohio State University. With fields too soggy for work, Ohio farmers find themselves behind the growing curve, a stark contrast to a typical season's progress.
Aaron Wilson, Ohio State University Extension climate specialist, highlighted the demanding conditions. "This May was certainly on the wet and cool side," Wilson told the Ohio State University news. He detailed how parts of the state experienced rain on up to 21 days, squeezing the fieldwork window to approximately two days per week.
Ohio State University (OSU) Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) are joining forces to assist farmers. They're pushing out research-based guidance to address immediate concerns and longer-term impacts of this spring's weather conditions. Topics covered include crop selection, nutrient management, and navigating insurance options, aiming to bolster short- and long-term agricultural resilience.
For soybean growers, the wet weather means more than just stalled planting; it increases the risk of diseases like Fusarium head blight. Laura Lindsey, CFAES soybean and small grains specialist, conveyed the importance of strategic decisions to mitigate these risks. "Soybeans that are planted are growing slowly and may appear yellowish due to the wet weather," Lindsey explained in a statement to Ohio State News. She advised farmers on using higher seeding rates, narrower row widths, and planting the latest maturing varieties that will ripen before frost.
Statewide agronomy networks are crucial for keeping educators and producers up to speed with the latest research, as affirmed by the CFAES. They disseminate valuable information through the C.O.R.N. Newsletter, considered an essential resource by many, especially during challenging seasons such as the current one. OSU Extension's efforts are not just about immediate troubleshooting but are part of a broader objective to help farmers build resilience in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
