LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Recent stretches of hot weather have helped corn and soybean crops across the region grow rapidly, but agricultural experts say timely rainfall will be critical as crops enter key stages of development.
The longtime farming saying, "knee-high by the Fourth of July," has traditionally been used to measure the progress of corn crops. Today, advances in farming practices and seed technology have helped many growers surpass that benchmark. However, weather conditions remain one of the biggest factors in determining crop yields. Many farmers in the area also faced a delayed planting season because of wet spring conditions.
“We got a little behind there in this county as far as planting time frame and planting dates there. So, as we got into the later part of spring, we continued to plant and got it all done in a timely manner. Adequate rainfall has kind of kept this crop going. That's a good plus," says Garth McDorman, Allen County OSU Extension Educator.
Soybean growers also have a well-known saying: "August and September make beans," referring to the importance of late-summer weather during the pod-fill stage, when final yields are largely determined. McDorman said rainfall will continue to play a major role as crops move through these critical growth stages.
“Rainfalls very important this time of year. We’re getting into some very important growth stages of our of our spring planted crops and anything else that we've had growing this year as well like hay and forages for livestock. The adequate rainfall is much needed this time of year especially with the potential heat and high heat warnings,” adds McDorman.
McDorman also said wheat harvest is getting underway, meaning more farm equipment will be traveling on area roadways. Motorists are encouraged to use caution and be alert for slow-moving farm machinery as farmers travel between fields.
