Hardin County – For the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.56 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.16 inches. Rainfall for the April 15-30 time period is 0.61 inches less than the ten year average rainfall during the same dates.

Jackson Township received 2.90 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the most of any of the township sites. Taylor Creek Township received 0.26 inches for the April 15-30 time period, the least of any of the township sites. Corn planting in the county started in earnest April 29. Most field operations were delayed until this time, except for short period in mid-April that allowed for a few fertilizer and manure applications to provide nutrients for the crops.

Wet weather and cool temperatures then returned in the middle of April delaying corn planting until the end of the month. Very little corn has emerged although many acres have been planted in the past two weeks. Several farmers are completing corn planting and have switched to soybean. Warmer weather days are accumulating, which will soon be followed by crop emergence around the county.

This spring has found several farmers repairing field tile and gullies caused by erosion since this past fall. Although the spring began cool and wet, the weather has been cooperating lately for field work. Moderate rains are needed to activate pre- emergence herbicides to manage weeds that could later compete with crops for moisture and nutrients.