By Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Educator

During the month of September, Hardin County Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 2.08 inches of rain.The most rain for this month, 3.58 inches, fell in Liberty Township, as measured by Phil Epley. 

The least rain reported during the month, 1.05 inches, was reported in Taylor Creek Township by Silver Creek Supply.  During the same month last year, an average of 3.23 inches of rain fell.  The rainfall recorded in September over the past 10 years averaged 3.70 inches. 

For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 19.91 inches, ranging from 24.04 inches in Liberty Township to 17.02 inches in Buck Township. 

Even with the wet spring, the growing season average rainfall was still 2.79 inches below the ten year average for Hardin County for the same period. 

Recent rains have paused soybean harvest, while some farmers have begun shelling corn.  Most of the wheat crop has been planted, with some fields emerged.  Fertilizer and manure is being applied, followed up with fall tillage operations.