Hardin County rainfall in July was nothing like rainfall in June.

In July, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 4.66 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Last year, the average rainfall for July was 2.85 inches.  Even though July’s precipitation totals were 1.81 inches more than last year, it was a change from June’s heavier rains.

Meanwhile, in June 2015 rainfall reporters recorded an average of 10.99 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Liberty Township received 13.43 inches for the month, the most of any of the township site.

In July, Liberty Township experience only 7.25 inches of rain and 26.35 inches for the growing season.

Back to July 2015 details

Tim Ramsey in Hale Township received 8.25 inches of rain for the month, the most of any of the township sites. The least rain in July, 2.97 inches, was collected in Washington Township by Randy Preston. 

For the growing season from April 15 through July, the average precipitation in the townships was 20.40 inches, with a range from 16.42 to 26.35 inches.  

Delayed wheat harvest

Rainfall was consistent in the middle of July, which delayed wheat harvest.  Constant rains caused the grain to swell and then shrink repeatedly, and also encouraged some sprouting and pockets of disease, which lowered grain quality and test weights.  Lower grain quality along with lower test weights decreased wheat yields and increased dockage at the elevator for later harvested grain.

Because of earlier growing season rainfall, corn was stunted and root growth was slowed.  The crop experienced lack of nutrient update in several fields because of these conditions, not fully being able to utilize the fertilizer in the soil.  Earlier planted corn progressed better in fields that had good drainage.  Field tile patterns were evident with darker green corn along the tile lines.

Soybeans were slow to respond as well because of the earlier excessive moisture and saturated soils.  Root nitrogen fixing modules, were slow to develop as the plants waited for dryer conditions.  As soils dried, nitrogen fixing occurred in the beans, causing them to green up and improve.

Frequent rains also caused havoc with hay production and forage development.  Farmers had difficulty finding good drying windows to make cuttings and allow proper curing of hay before baling.  The same problems coupled with a late wheat harvest also slowed the baling of straw for livestock producers.

OPEN THE ATTACHMENT BELOW TO VIEW JULY RAINFALL BY ALL TOWNSHIPS IN HARDIN COUNTY.