Hardin County – For the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 3.16 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 1.46 inches.  Rainfall for the April 15-30 time period is 1.12 inches more than the ten year average rainfall during the same dates.

Blanchard Township received 4.50 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the most of any of the township sites.  Marion Township received 2.32 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the least of any of the township sites.  There was a window of opportunity in April that enabled several farmers to begin planting corn, before rains began late in the month.  This dry period in April also allowed for some spring tillage and herbicide burndowns, as well as fertilizer and manure applications to provide nutrients for the crops.

With the end of April bringing wet conditions and then cool temperatures, planting halted around the county.  A few soybean fields that were planted in April did not show much progress in growth.  Very little corn has emerged and some is a pale yellow color due to the excess moisture and cool temperatures.

Heavy rains caused ponding in some fields, raising concerns about the possible need for replanting.  Farmers are hoping for warmer temperatures and good drying conditions to allow previously planted crops to grow, and to resume planting corn and soybeans.  Once this activity begins, herbicides and/or tillage will need to be adapted to manage weeds that have advanced in growth due to inactivity in the fields since the rains in late April.

Hardin County Extension Rainfall Report for April 15-30, 2017:

(recorded in inches)

Blanchard Township Crop Production Services 4.50 4.50

Buck Township Heritage Cooperative/Kenton 3.31 3.31

Cessna Township Steve Lowery 3.05 3.05

Dudley Township Dale Rapp 2.55 2.55

Goshen Township Brien Bros. Farm 3.19 3.19

Hale Township Travis Ramsey 2.45 2.45

Jackson Township Rick Weber 3.89 3.89

Liberty Township Phil Epley 3.14 3.14

Lynn Township Jan Layman 4.13 4.13

Marion Township Mark Lowery 2.32 2.32

McDonald Township Jerry Stout 2.65 2.65

Pleasant Township Robert McBride 3.29 3.29

Roundhead Township Mike Lautenschlager 2.55 2.55

Taylor Creek Township Silver Creek Supply 3.65 3.65

Washington Township Randy Preston 2.76 2.76

Average 3.16 3.16