For the time period of May 1-May 31, Hardin County Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 3.27 inches of rain in Hardin County.
Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.70 inches. Rainfall for May 1-May 31, 2016, is 0.62 inches less than the 10-year average rainfall during the same dates.
According to Phil Epley Liberty Township has recorded 3.77 inches in May and 5.24 inches for the growing season, which started April 15.
Marion Township received 4.26 inches and Hale Township received 4.25 inches of rain for May 1-May 31, the most of the township sites. For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 4.73 inches, with a wide range from 3.15 inches in McDonald Township reported by Jerry Stout, to 6.50 inches in Hale Township reported by Tim Ramsey.
Rainfall amounts started to lessen after May 15 after going through a cool, wet period of about three weeks. Along with less rainfall later in May, the county experienced warmer temperatures. This allowed the soil to dry and provide better conditions for planting corn and soybeans.
Earlier planted crops that didn’t emerge because of cooler temperatures, emerged after this warmer weather. This change in the weather also allowed for farmers to resume planting under more favorable conditions.
Herbicide programs are being adapted to meet the advanced stage of weed development as a result of the earlier extended time period of wet conditions that favored weed growth.
Currently, the county is in need of more rain as planting is reaching completion. Most forage growers have completed or are in the process of making the first cutting of hay.
Wheat has been less susceptible to disease at this time as a result of the drier conditions at flowering.
