Farming in the Rain

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Normally, farmers beg for rain but this year’s early abundance has actually hampered the ability to harvest hay and plant crops.

Weather affects Ohio farming in multiple ways and Muskingum County OSU Extension Educator Clifton Martin explains how this year’s wet weather is complicating routine farming tasks.

“Yeah, it’s been a very wet year, without question,” Martin said. “We’re above average for the month of May and really coming out April into May it’s been wet and it’s been cold. Typically, we get about four inches or so per month and we’re easily five and a half and maybe headed for more here in the last 30 days. So it’s been wet and it’s really put the pressure on a couple different directions.”

Crop planting has been difficult and delayed due to muddy fields and hay harvesting needs to have dry conditions to prevent the bales from molding and combusting.

“The pattern has been, you know we rain for about three days and then we’re dry for about three days,” Martin said. “And so that first day that it’s dry, you’re just waiting for it to dry out. Day two you’re probably still waiting for it to dry out. And day three you’re finally able to get in but it’s not perfect and you’re leaving some ruts. I just think it’s good to remember we’ve got our crop this year. Last year we had a drought. So it’s just completely different from last year.”

This year’s planting difficulties may not produce the greatest yields but Martin noted that corn thrives with a lot of summer heat and moisture.