Township rainfall reports below

By Mark Badertscher 
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator

HARDIN COUNTY __ For the period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average  of 1.78 inches of rain in Hardin County.

Last year, the average rainfall for the same period was  1.72 inches. Rainfall for the April 15-30 period is 0.12 inches less than the ten-year average  rainfall during the same dates. Goshen Township received 2.69 inches for the April 15-30 period, for the most of any of the township sites. Marion Township received 1.30 inches, and  Washington Township received 1.34 inches for the April 15-30 period, the least of the township  sites.

After some field work and early planting starting in April, things slowed down due to wet soils and cool temperatures. Wheat currently looks good and has been growing steadily due to  recent rains and warmer temperatures. Alfalfa fields should also grow faster with increased heat units. 

Farmers are hoping for fields to become fit to continue with planting corn and soybeans. As  temperatures warm up and winds pick up, soils should dry. Early planted corn and soybeans have been emerging in some fields. Farmers are encouraged not to work in wet fields as it  compacts the soil and impacts yields. Frequent rains combined with cool temperatures in early  May has slowed evaporation and kept field conditions wet. As the weather improves, tillage  operations will take place and herbicides will be sprayed. Fertilizer and manure applications will also resume, providing nutrients for this year’s crops.