Extension Rainfall Report for September Released

From: Mark Badertscher

Hardin County – During the month of September, Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 3.32 inches of rain. The most rain for this month, 4.10 inches, fell in Roundhead Township, as measured by Mike Lautenschlager.

The least rain reported during the month, 1.90 inches, was reported in Blanchard Township by Nutrien Ag Solutions. During the same month last year, an average of 4.77 inches of rain fell. The rainfall recorded in September over the past ten years averaged 3.84 inches.

For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in the townships was 18.24 inches, ranging from 13.62 inches in Blanchard Township, to 21.55 inches in Pleasant Township. The overall dry months this summer in the county resulted in the growing season average rainfall being 5.37 inches under the ten-year average for Hardin County without adding additional rain in the first half of October.

Soybean harvest began early this fall with farmers cutting their fields with dry moisture content. Most of the soybean fields have been harvested in the county with a few to finish. Corn matured and dried down faster than normal with the dry weather and warm temperatures. Soybean yields are being reported as variable, with some high yielding fields while others are average. Corn yields could be lower than expected with lack of rainfall in some areas and tar spot infections locally affecting some hybrids. Livestock producers have taken advantage of warm early fall weather to harvest forages. Wheat has been planted in the county in some fields where soybeans were harvested. Fertilizer has been applied on some fields where needed but may be limited due to increased cost of inputs this fall. Cover crops are being seeded to help protect water quality and improve soil health.

Hardin County Extension Rainfall Report for September 2021 (recorded in inches):

Township-Reporter-September-2021 Growing Season (from Apr. 15-2021)

Blanchard Township-Nutrien Ag Solutions-1.90-13.62

Buck Township-Heritage Cooperative (Kenton)-3.72-18.94

Cessna Township-Madelyn Lowery-2.80-18.25

Dudley Township-Dale Rapp-3.65-17.52

Goshen Township-John Brien-2.67-17.66

Hale Township-Travis Ramsey-3.70-17.05

Jackson Township-Rick Weber-3.50-18.40

Liberty Township-Phil Epley-3.40-16.53

Lynn Township-Jan Layman-3.16-20.00

Marion Township-Mark Lowery-3.84-17.92

McDonald Township-Jerry Stout-3.64-20.16

Pleasant Township-George Ziegler-3.80-21.55

Roundhead Township-Mike Lautenschlager-4.10-20.15

Taylor Creek Township-Silver Creek Supply-3.07-16.22

Washington Township-Randy Preston-2.80-19.56

Average for September-3.32

Average for growing season-18.24