North Columbus News

The recent adverse weather conditions in Ohio have created significant challenges for soybean farmers. A severe drought weakened soybean pods across the state, and subsequent heavy rainfall from Hurricane Helene's remnants exacerbated the situation by causing seeds to sprout within compromised pods. This phenomenon is unprecedented in Ohio's farming history, according to Laura Lindsey, a field crops expert with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

“Farmers were already concerned about dry soybeans,” said Lindsey. “Many were facing pod shattering, where seeds break open and fall to the ground during harvest due to low moisture levels. The rainfall made the situation worse.”

In affected counties like Fairfield, Madison, Pickaway, Ross, and Fayette, seed sprouting has been reported. Mike Estadt from OSU Extension noted that preharvest sprouting of soybeans is prevalent in many fields.

“We have preharvest sprouting of soybeans in many fields," Estadt said. "When moisture levels dropped below 8%, we were seeing pod shatter."

The impact on grain quality is a significant concern for farmers as buyers may heavily discount these beans at delivery.

“This is also a huge negative to grain quality that buyers of soybeans will heavily discount when these beans are delivered to elevators,” Estadt stated.

Many farmers delayed harvesting to allow moisture levels to increase after the rain; however, this led to unforeseen consequences.

“This is an unusual set of circumstances, and the outcome has been fairly devastating,” Lindsey explained.

Farmers adapted their strategies quickly during the initial dry conditions. More than half of the soybeans had been harvested before the rain rehydrated them.

“Farmers harvested a lot of soybeans first when they saw the moisture levels dropping,” Estadt observed.

Ohio experienced hot temperatures and little precipitation over the summer. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor's October update, 68% of Ohio was under moderate drought conditions while other areas faced severe or extreme droughts.

CFAES activated its Drought Rapid Response Team earlier this summer in collaboration with various agencies to mitigate impacts on crop health and water resources. Aaron Wilson from OSU Extension highlighted that despite widespread rainfall helping some areas improve soil moisture and river levels, other regions still face persistent drought conditions.

“Counties like Scioto, Pike, Highland and Fayette saw localized flooding," Wilson noted.

CFAES continues monitoring developments closely while providing updated guidance through its Drought Conditions and Resources webpage. Lindsey mentioned ongoing research funded by United Soybean Board focusing on harvest losses when delayed due to weather events like those experienced this year.

Reports indicate lodged corn sprouting further complicates matters for farmers statewide amid challenging growing season 2024 conditions acknowledged by Estadt: “Growing season 2024 just keeps on giving.”

For further updates related specifically towards agriculture amidst current climate challenges visit go.osu.edu/ohiodrought or explore additional insights regarding preparedness measures via climate.osu.edu/drought.