COLUMBUS, Ohio - Despite variable growing conditions across the state, this season's soybean crop produced better-than-expected yields.
Ohio State University agronomist Jim Beuerlein said neither drought conditions in the northeast region nor disease problems in the western half of the state prevented growers from producing a successful crop. Though no official yield numbers have been released, Beuerlein believes the state managed to maintain the U.S. Department of Agriculture's prediction of 42 bushels per acre.
"Overall the crop was in good shape. Most of the state had good yields and some places even saw record numbers," said Beuerlein. "My guess is that most folks who had good weather saw some of the best yields they've ever produced and those folks who experienced poor weather had some of the worst yields they've experienced."
Beuerlein said the north central and northeast regions of the state saw below-average yields due to drought conditions experienced late in the growing season. "Areas like the south saw 10-20 percent above normal precipitation, but the area up north saw up to 7 inches below normal of rain during the months of July, August and September, when the fields needed it the most," he said.
Disease problems in the western half of the state also affected yields, but the severity of the diseases depended on soybean variety, soil type and planting date.
"There has been more variation in the state than normal, even within counties. A farmer could have seen a 25-30 percent difference in yield between two fields just depending on planting date," said Beuerlein. "But we are pleased with the crop despite those variations."