News

Ohio preparing for spring planting

March in Ohio was warm, with near normal precipitation ahead of spring planting.

The USDA says the average statewide temperature was 6 degrees above normal while precipitation was in-line with the usual levels keeping soil moisture conditions above a year ago ahead of widespread planting.

That precipitation did boost pasture conditions, but also came with storms, including a mid-month tornado outbreak in western counties that caused some livestock loss and property damage.

70% of Ohio’s winter wheat crop is good to excellent, up 2% on the month and 15% on the year.

Some farmers are topdressing that winter wheat while applying fertilizer, lime, and manure.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume next Monday.