HARDIN COUNTY __ For the period of May 1-May 31, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 4.45 inches of rain in Hardin County, Ohio. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time was 2.47 inches. Rainfall for May was 0.04 inches less than the ten-year average rainfall for the month.
Pleasant Township received 7.36 inches of rain for May, the highest amount of the township sites. Blanchard Township had the lowest rainfall amount for the month of May with 2.25 inches. The average precipitation for the growing season since April 15 in the townships was 6.23 inches compared to 4.19 inches in 2023. George Ziegler reported a total of 9.41 inches in Pleasant Township, while Nutrien Ag Solutions reported a total of 3.70 inches in Blanchard Township for this growing season.
The month of May initially brought rain and cool temperatures for farmers in Hardin County. This weather kept the soil wet and slowed down field activity that started in April. Corn and soybeans that were planted earlier were off to a quick start and most fields had good emergence and growth. Other fields needed to be planted for the first time that were too wet for planting until later in May or in early June. Some fields required spot replanting due to ponding or other issues. Fertilizer and herbicide applications, as well as planting activity eventually resumed as soil became fit.
Planting spring forages was also difficult or delayed due to the wet soils. The first cutting of forages was later which caused quality concerns. Corn has been or is being side dressed with nitrogen. Post emergence application of herbicides is taking place in fields throughout the county. Wheat is currently ripening as wheat harvest should be earlier this year. Several farmers may consider double cropping soybeans due to earlier wheat harvest and good soil moisture in some areas of the county.
