Dry conditions remain throughout most of the state, and intensify in southeastern counties. This week Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists note low-yielding hay, soybean vein necrosis virus, and waterhemp escapes in soybean. Keep reading below for region-specific crop updates.
Northeast – Lee Beers of OSU Extension Trumbull County reported that corn is in good condition and between R3 (milk) and R5 (dent) with very little disease pressure so far. Soybean is also in good condition despite dry conditions throughout large portions of northeastern Ohio. First crop soybean is between R4 (full pod) and R6 (full seed). In terms of disease, soybean vein necrosis virus incidence is high in the region (Figure 2), and frogeye leaf spot has also been found. So far white mold has not been an issue as it has in past years. Dry conditions have led to lower-yielding second cutting grass hay and third cutting alfalfa.
Central and West Central – Ryan McMichael of OSU Extension Mercer County reported that corn has reached the dent stage (R5) and overall is in fair condition with low disease pressure as it approaches black layer. Soybeans are in good condition and the main weed escapes observed in the region include waterhemp, volunteer corn, giant ragweed, and velvetleaf. Corn silage harvest began last week, but the majority of fields remain to be harvested this week. Second and/or third cutting hay continues, with good quality but low yield.
Northwest – Kayla Wyse of OSU Extension Williams County shared that disease and insect pressure remains low in corn and soybeans in northwestern Ohio, with mainly low levels of gray leaf spot and tar spot in corn. There was little field activity this past week in the region, but tomato harvest and manure hauling continue in portions of the region.
Southeast – Dean Kreager of OSU Extension Licking County reported that corn and soybeans are in poor condition as drought continues to impact the region. Though north central and west central portions of Licking County have received reasonable precipitation, the southeastern corner of the region is extremely dry. Pasture conditions continue to deteriorate and hay yields have been very poor. Area growers are invited to submit a report of local conditions and drought impacts here.
Southwest – Ken Ford of OSU Extension Fayette County reported that both corn and soybeans are in good condition, with early planted corn beginning to dry down (Figure 3). Soybean senescence is variable, and double crop soybeans faring surprisingly well given the low soil moisture levels since planting. Silage harvest is close to being finished in southwestern Ohio, occurring earlier than in past years. Third and/or fourth cutting of hay is also underway. Like other areas of the state, quality is average, but yield has been below average due to continuing dry conditions.