By Mark Badertscher
Hardin County - During the month of September, Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 4.77 inches of rain.
The most rain for this month, 7.92 inches, fell in Taylor Creek Township, as measured by Silver Creek Supply.
The least rain reported during the month, 2.60 inches, was reported in Jackson Township by Rick Weber.
Liberty Township, reported by Phil Epley had 3 inches of rain and 17.40 for the growing season
During the same month last year, an average of 2.82 inches of rain fell. The rainfall recorded in September over the past 10 years averaged 3.53 inches.
For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 19.77 inches, ranging from 25.05 inches in Hale Township, to 15.70 inches in Jackson Township.
The overall dry months of June and July in the county resulted in the growing season average rainfall being 3.97 inches under the 10-year average for Hardin County without adding additional rain in the first half of October.
Soybean harvest
Soybean harvest has begun locally with farmers cutting their earliest planted beans with dry moisture content. Most early yield reports are ranging from 35-70 bushels per acre.
Some corn fields have been chopped for silage, although very few fields have been shelled for grain. Corn yields are expected to be lower this season, a result of hot and dry conditions during pollination and grain fill and depending on planting date, hybrid, and rainfall for the field.
Livestock producers have taken advantage of warm early fall weather to harvest forages. Wheat has been planted in the county in some fields where soybeans were harvested. Cover crops are being seeded to help protect and improve soil health.
