Provided by Mark Badertscher
As Hardin County farmers start to plant this year’s corn and soybeans, crop yields from the 2020 growing season have been released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Although these crop production numbers are based on estimates, they are used for crop insurance and government reporting purposes.

Corn
According to a released report, 87,600 acres of corn were planted with 82,000 acres harvested in the county in 2020. 

The county average yield was 159.7 bushels per acre, compared to 138.1 bushels per acre in 2019.  There was a total of 13,095,000 bushels of corn produced during 2020 in Hardin County. 

Area county yields for the same year were Allen – 169.9, Auglaize – 172.8, Logan – 174.6, Union – 179.0, Marion – 177.3, Wyandot – 174.5, and Hancock – 171.2 bushels per acre.  The state corn yield average was 171.0 bushels per acre.

Soybeans
County soybean production data showed that 122,500 acres of soybeans were planted with 121,900 acres harvested in the county in 2020. 

The county average yield was 57.7 bushels per acre, compared to 47.9 bushels per acre in 2019.  There was a total of 7,034,000 bushels of soybeans produced during 2020 in Hardin County. 

Area county yields for the same year were Allen – 56.1, Auglaize – 54.0, Logan – 58.1, Union – 55.6, Marion – 58.1, Wyandot – 58.7, and Hancock – 55.7 bushels per acre.  The state soybean yield average was 54.0 bushels per acre.

Wheat
Wheat acres in the county were 9,400 acres of wheat planted with 8,600 acres harvested in 2020. 

The county average yield was 64.2 bushels per acre, with 52.6 bushels per acre in 2019.  There was a total of 552,000 bushels of wheat produced during 2020 in Hardin County. 

Area county yields for the same year were Allen – 70.5, Auglaize – 69.4, Logan – 75.1, Union – 72.0, Marion – N/A, Wyandot – 63.9, and Hancock – 78.4 bushels per acre.  The state wheat yield average was 71.0 bushels per acre.

Hardin's yields
Overall, Hardin County had a higher yielding corn crop in 2020 compared to 2019.  Soybeans produced in Hardin County in 2020 were above the state yield average.  Wheat acres planted in Hardin County in 2020 compared to 2019 were slightly less, but yielded better than the previous year. 

Grain prices have been favorable for farmers this year since harvest.  Farmers needed a break.  They have not seen favorable grain prices for the past five years and have struggled to be profitable. 

Higher prices combined with better yields than 2019, provided some relief to area farmers.