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There’s still time to get corn planted

Hello, Trumbull County. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s been wet.

We’ve been relatively lucky compared to the western half of the state. Each week, the USDA surveys the country to estimate the number of planted acres, and Ohio has been consistently behind on planting. I recently visited southwest Ohio over the Memorial Day holiday, and I was shocked at how little of the crops were planted.

If I had to guess, I would say about 30 to 40 percent of all acreage was planted. In comparison, I would say Trumbull County is about 60 to 70 percent complete.

This wet spring has left some farmers scrambling. For those who have crop insurance, the prevented planting deadline was Wednesday for offering some consolation. Farmers without crop insurance, which I would say is a majority still have opportunities to plant corn and soybeans.

Generally, corn requires a longer growing season to yield well, but there are different varieties that do well when planted late. These are called short-season varieties, and some can yield just as well as longer season varieties. Even these shorter-season varieties have limitations, so you may see corn being planted until about June 15, but after that yield will suffer quite drastically.

Soybeans, on the other hand, have a much shorter growing season, and many local farmers could plant to about July 4 and still get good yields.

In the larger picture, if a lot of farmers can’t get corn planted soon, they may opt to plant soybeans instead. If this happens, about 50 percent of cropland in Ohio will be in continuous soybeans, or no rotation of crops in a field. This opens up the possibility of diseases building up in the soils, and there is a yield drag (often, not always) when crops are planted continuously.

We will all have to step up our scouting efforts this year for those unintended soybean-soybean fields to identify any issues before they get out of hand. If you need a hand scouting, or help with identifying a disease don’t hesitate to call me at 330-638-6783.

l OSU Extension is hiring an extension educator for agriculture and natural resources for Portage and Trumbull counties. The position is full time and is responsible for a broad range of basic to complex duties that could include, but are not limited to, providing guidance and / or leadership for agriculture and natural resources programs in Portage County while dedicating 25 percent of their time to Trumbull County.

To assure consideration, apply by June 16 by visiting www.jobsat osu.com and searching by Job Opening Number 450072.

For a complete position description, minimum qualifications and application instructions, go to www.jobsatosu.com and click “Search Postings.” Under “Job Opening Number,” type “450072” and click “Search.”

l OSU Extension in Trumbull County is now accepting resumes for a part-time summer student assistant. College students or those that have just graduated are eligible to apply for this position.

The candidate will assist with a variety of projects including the development and implementation of ANR and 4-H programming. During the summer, this will typically entail monitoring research plots, fair setup and preparations, youth education and field days.

This is a temporary position with a flexible end date, and working a maximum of 20 hours per week. Some evening and weekend hours are required. Send resume and cover letter to OSU Extension Trumbull County, 520 W. Main St., Cortland, 44410, or you can email an electronic copy to beers.66@osu.edu.

For information about 4-H, FCS, agriculture or master gardeners, call the OSU Trumbull County Extension Office at 330-638-6783 or visit trumbull.osu.edu. Check “Like” OSU Extension Trumbull County’s Facebook page for current programs and information.

Beers can be reached at beers.66@osu.edu or 330-638-6738.

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