C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2024-42

Climate Summary

As mentioned last month, the weather pattern has turned a little more favorable for drought improvement over the last six weeks. This is especially true across southwestern and southern counties, and in the heavy lake effect snowbelt areas of northeast Ohio. Most of Ohio has picked up at least two to four inches of liquid-equivalent precipitation (think rain plus melted snow) over the last thirty days, with more than six inches in Lake and Ashtabula Counties associated with very heavy snow (over 60 inches in spots) (Figure 1). Northwestern counties have not fared as well, with less than two inches falling over the past month. Though surface soil moisture is improving, streams, rivers, and lakes have yet to signifcantly respond. There are numerous reports of low pond levels in the northwest, many below intake levels necessary for livestock usage. As of December 12, 2024, the US Drought Monitor shows no D3 or D4 drought levels in the state, but about 51% of the state still experiencing drought conditions (D1-D4).

If you are continuing to experience drought impacts or to document improvements, you can view and/or submit local reports at the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports page. For a more detailed look at conditions and resources, visit our Drought Response Page or for the latest up-to-date conditions, seasonal outlooks, and monthly climate summaries, please visit the State Climate Office of Ohio.

Weather Forecast

Decent rain is falling across the state to begin the week, with additional opportunities for precipitation throughout the next several days. While temperatures are starting off warm with highs in the 50s and 60s, a cooling trend is likely throughout the week. Another system will bring mostly rain to the state on Tuesday night and Wednesday, with some light snow possible across the north. Behind this mid-week front, colder air will start to filter in with highs in the 20s and 30s expected over the weekend. An Alberta Clipper could bring some light snow to the region on Friday. This cold pattern does not look to stick around, as temperatures will likely moderate toward Christmas. The Weather Prediction Center is currently forecasting 0.10-1.00” of liquid-equivalent precipitation this week, with highest amounts across southeast Ohio (Figure 2)

The 8-14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center and the 16-Day Rainfall Outlook from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center show strong probability of warmer than average temperatures with precipitation leaning toward wetter than normal (Figure 3). Climate averages include a high-temperature range of 37-41°F, a low-temperature range of 24-27°F, and weekly total precipitation of about 0.50-0.85”.

Tune into episode 5 of the Green Fields Green Dollars video series to hear Rachel and Clint continue their conversation with Greg LaBarge. In this episode, they discuss the topic of MRTN, or Maximum Return to Nitrogen, a method of selecting nitrogen rate based on economic factors such as commodity and fertilizer prices. This episode is the last one for 2024, and Rachel and Clint will be taking a short hiatus until the spring. Stay tuned for future episodes and let us know what topics you want covered next! You can email Rachel at cochran.474@osu.edu or Clint at schroeder.307@osu.edu to give your input. Access episode 5 by clicking here, or visit the entire playlist by clicking here.

Early registration is now open for the 2025 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference scheduled for March 11-12, 2025, at Ohio Northern University in Ada. Prepare to connect with other great farmers and CCAs, experience new ideas, and increase your net income. Early registration is available at ctc.osu.edu through February 25 for a flat rate of $100 for both days. After that date, registration will be $150.

This year’s theme is “Getting More from Less.” Cutting costs is key following a year where corn and soybean yields were reduced for many farmers. Crop prices are barely breakeven. We don’t know what the weather will be in 2025, but commodity prices are projected to stay low.

Jeff Duling, Putnam County, will discuss how he works with Mother Nature to increase yields with no-till and cover crops. Part of his farmland is Paulding clay, considered the worst soil in northwest Ohio. He has increased corn yields on it by 50 to 75 bushel per acre.

Connor Sible, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, will share his research on various methods of “Managing Residue (from high-yielding corn): Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological.”  He is sponsored by Calmer Corn Heads.

Rob Myers, University of Missouri, will speak on Regenerative Agriculture. Other main speakers, including the keynote presenter, will be announced soon. With about 60 speakers total, CTTC gives plenty of opportunities to gain valuable information. Typically, we have 25 OSU Extension Educators and campus Faculty on the program.

The opening General Session will start at 8:30, March 11. Master Farmer Awards and the Ohio CCA of the Year will be announced. Four concurrent sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Tuesday sessions include Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Nutrient Management; Agronomic Crop Management; and Precision Ag & Technology

The four sessions on Wednesday will begin at 8:30, and end about 4:30. Sessions include Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Crop Management; Water Quality; and Regenerative Agriculture. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss one-on-one with speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. Bring a friend and/or family members.

In other Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference news, the board approved a new logo that is used with this article. This updated logo reflects modern conservation agriculture and water quality and is in a format that can easily be reproduced for conference publications and other uses to promote the annual event.