For the time period of April 15-30, Hardin County Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.46 inches of rain in Hardin County.
Phil Epley of Liberty Township reported 1.47 inches of rainfall during this period.
Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 1.06 inches. Rainfall for the April 15-30 time period is 0.55 inches less than the 10-year average rainfall during the same dates.
Cessna Township received 2.40 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the most of any of the township sites.
Buck Township received 0.66 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the least of any of the township sites.
The drier April enabled some farmers to begin planting corn, before temperatures turned cooler and rains began in May. This April weather also allowed for some spring tillage and herbicide burndowns, as well as fertilizer and manure applications to provide nutrients for the crops.
With the arrival of May bringing wet conditions and cool temperatures, corn planting halted around the county. A few soybean fields were also planted early, with not much progress in growth. Very little corn has emerged and most is not able to be rowed.
Farmers are hoping for warmer temperatures and drying conditions to continue planting corn and soybeans. Herbicides and/or tillage will need to be adapted to manage weeds that have advanced in growth due to inactivity in the fields.
