COLUMBUS — Despite heavy rain, farmers were able to make progress in the fields.
According to the USDA, 1.59 inches of precipitation was recorded for the week ending May 12. The report said this was .8 inches above average.
“Anyone with a backyard or a dog can identify with it. It feels like here comes .2 of an inch. Here comes .3 of an inch. Just enough rain every day or every two days to keep it from drying out and getting anything done,” agriculture expert Andy Vance said.
Tornados and extreme weather also prevented farmers from working in the fields.
According to the report: “Farmers reported damage from either a direct hit of the tornado or from trees being uprooted or branches breaking off the trees.”
However, warm soil temperatures allowed some farmers the ability to make progress.
“We’re also well ahead of the five-year average for corn and soybean planting,” Vance said. “We’re running about 3.5° above normal here for example, so when you have above average precipitation and above average temperatures things get to growing pretty quickly.”
The USDA reported corn and soybean planting was 36% and 27% planted during the week ending May 12.
If you have an idea for the Ag Report, a question for Chuck and Andy or you’d like to send a photo of your farm and the work you do, email charles.ringwalt@charter.com.
Chuck Ringwalt
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