Warmer and drier weather contributed to the most significant planting progress this season. There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork in Ohio during the week ending April 16, according to Cheryl Turner, Ohio State Statistician with the USDA?s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rain toward the end of the week stalled some growers but dry weather quickly returned. The lightest amounts were in western and west central Ohio. In addition to the ongoing planting of oats, planting got underway for both corn and soybeans. Producers reported good to excellent pasture and range conditions, despite moisture surpluses. Applications of herbicides and fertilizer continued this week along with some tilling and field preparation.
A big jump forward has been made in corn planting progress with 9% of seed in the ground, up from less than 1% the week before.
Soybeans have yet to register on the progress report.
