By Mark Badertscher

HARDIN COUNTY--During the month of September, Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 2.92 inches of rain. The most rain for this month, 3.90 inches, fell in Cessna Township, as measured by Madelyn Lowery. The least rain reported during the month, 1.99 inches, was reported in Marion Township by Mark Lowery.

During the same month last year, an average of 3.32 inches of rain fell. The rainfall recorded in September over the past ten years averaged 3.32 inches.

For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 21.41 inches, ranging from 18.23 inches in Washington Township, to 25.34 inches in Cessna Township. After falling behind in seasonal rainfall this growing season, the average rainfall is only 1.09 inches under the ten-year average for Hardin County without adding additional rain in the first half of October.

Early soybean harvest in the county showed promise with above average yields. There are still several soybean fields left to harvest, with later planted beans. Some farmers have begun shelling corn in the county, but most of the corn is still in the field. Livestock producers have taken advantage of soybean harvest to apply manure to fields. Wheat has been planted in the county in some fields where soybeans were harvested but needs moisture to help with emergence. Fertilizer is being applied on some fields where needed but may be limited due to increased cost of inputs. Cover crops have been aerial seeded to help protect water quality and improve soil health.