By Mark Badertscher
www.hardin.osu.edu/

This past week I just returned to work from participating in a two-week Sheep and Agriculture Study Tour of New Zealand. As I write this edition of the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update, soybean harvest is nearly done in the county and 89% complete statewide. Corn harvest is about halfway completed, with progress being slowed down by high moisture corn that needs to be dried.

Statewide corn harvest is at 45%, and 76% of wheat has emerged. Wheat emergence in Hardin County is looking good, with decent stands. As of the end of September, rainfall for the growing season since April 15 average precipitation in the townships was 15.94 inches, ranging from 13.07 inches in Liberty Township, to 19.50 inches in Pleasant Township.

After falling behind in seasonal rainfall this growing season, the average rainfall is 6.35 inches under the ten-year average for Hardin County without adding additional rain in the first half of October. 

Soybean yields have been reported as above average this fall around the county.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes
November 30 at Der Dutchman in Plain City and upcoming “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” workshops which will be taking place in nearby Celina on December 7 and Urbana on January 26.

Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet
Tuesday, December 5