North Columbus News

A significant portion of Ohio is experiencing drought conditions, affecting local agriculture and prompting the activation of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Drought Rapid Response Team. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor's August 22 update, 63% of the state is considered abnormally dry or worse, with 24% in severe drought and 12% in extreme drought.

Garth Ruff, an Ohio State University Extension field specialist in beef cattle and livestock marketing, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers due to parched pastures and critically low forage availability. "Farmers are facing mounting challenges as they struggle to sustain their livestock," Ruff stated. He noted that some farmers are now hauling water daily due to dried-up ponds, creeks, or springs.

The CFAES Drought Rapid Response Team convenes weekly to monitor conditions and provide resources for farmers and producers. Aaron Wilson, state climatologist of Ohio and OSU Extension’s field specialist in agriculture weather and climate, explained that southern and southeastern counties have missed beneficial rains over the last 90 days. "Combined with periods of hot temperatures, the soil has lost a tremendous amount of water due to evaporation," Wilson said.

Chris Zoller, OSU Extension interim assistant director for agriculture and natural resources, emphasized the team's role in addressing issues faced by crop and livestock producers. "The Drought Rapid Response Team is part of fulfilling CFAES’ and OSU Extension’s land-grant mission through mobilizing people and resources," Zoller said.

According to an August 19 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Ohio Field Office, 43% of Ohio corn crop conditions are considered fair to very poor, while 44% of soybean crop conditions fall into the same categories. Additionally, more than half—66%—of pastures and ranges are rated fair to very poor.

Jason Hartschuh, an OSU Extension field specialist in dairy management and precision livestock, pointed out concerns about forage availability and potential toxicity issues affecting cattle due to nitrate accumulation in drought-stressed crops like corn and sorghum.

Stephanie Karhoff, OSU Extension field specialist in agronomic systems, noted that drought stress during grain-fill periods leads to lower seed weights and yields as well as premature maturity in corn and soybeans. She suggested planting overwintering cover crops such as cereal rye after fall harvest but cautioned that continued dry conditions might hinder this strategy if soil moisture remains insufficient.

Logan Minter, OSU Extension field specialist in specialty crop production systems, reported negative impacts on vegetable and specialty crops due to hot and dry summer conditions following a mild winter. Increased insect pest pressure has compounded these issues.

For up-to-date drought resources, visit go.osu.edu/ohiodrought