For the time period of May 1-May 31, Hardin County Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 3.70 inches of rain in Hardin County. 

Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.51 inches.  Rainfall for May 1-May 31, 2015, matches the 3.70 inches for the 10-year average rainfall during the same dates.

Blanchard Township received 4.95 inches of rain for May 1-May 31, the most of any of the township sites. 

Liberty Township received 4.63 inches in May and 5.67 inches since  April 15.

For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 4.75 inches, with a wide range from 3.41 inches in Dudley Township reported by Dale Rapp, to 5.90 inches in Roundhead Township reported by Mike Lautenschlager. 

Lower rainfall amounts in early May allowed good weather for farmers to get into the fields to plant corn and soybeans.  Rainfall amounts increased towards the end of the month, slowing the completion of soybean planting and herbicide applications. 

Some farmers got an early start on nitrogen application to corn, but then were slowed by rains.  Early crop growth was good in areas that were planted with adequate moisture and followed by warmer temperatures.

For more information about OSU Extension, Hardin County, visit the Hardin County OSU Extension web site at hardin.osu.edu, the Hardin County OSU Extension Facebook page or contact Mark Badertscher, at 419-674-2297.