What’s Going on With Ohio Crops?

USDA published the latest Crop Progress report on Monday, Sept. 22. Here’s a closer look at recent weather and the status of Ohio’s most important crops in mid-September.

Weather

Aaron Wilson, state climatologist of Ohio, wrote in an Ohio State Extension newsletter that August 2025 was the driest August on record since 1895. Conditions through the first three weeks of September have not improved. The entire state has had below normal precipitation during the last 30 days. 

Rain is in the forecast for this week Tuesday through Friday throughout much of the state. 

In Monday’s Crop Progress report, USDA said farmers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork the week that ended Sept. 21.

USDA rated Ohio topsoil moisture 51% very short, 37% short, 12% adequate, and no surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions in the state were rated 46% very short, 37% short, 17% adequate, and no surplus.

Corn

Acreage Estimates

According to the June 30 Acreage report, Ohio farmers planted 3.2 million acres of corn in 2025. This is down about 200,000 acres from the previous year, said USDA.

Pest and Disease Pressure

The Crop Protection Network shows there are nine counties with positive tar spot cases.

A team of Ohio State Extension agents reported that the fall armyworm moth average increased from 3.6 months per trap to 13.4 moths per trap. However, fall armyworms do not overwinter in Ohio, so these numbers won’t affect numbers for the 2026 field season. 

Corn Dented

Ninety-three percent of Ohio corn has achieved dent stage, which is ahead of the five-year average of 86%. This time last year reported 93%. 

Corn Mature

The latest Crop Progress report said 51% of Ohio corn is mature. That is ahead of the 42% five-year average, though behind last year at 58%.  

Corn Harvested

USDA reported 6% of Ohio corn has been harvested. That is ahead of the 3% five-year average, though behind last year at 9%.  

Corn Condition

USDA rated Ohio corn 3% very poor, 13% poor, 40% fair, 39% good, and 5% excellent for the week that ended Sept. 21.

The 18-state average rating is 3% very poor, 7% poor, 24% fair, 49% good, and 17% excellent.

Soybeans

Acreage Estimates

The Acreage report published June 30 said Ohio planted 4.9 million acres of soybeans this year. That is down 150,000 acres from 2024.

Harvest Considerations

Laura Lindsey, Ohio State Extension soybean specialist, said in a Battle of the Belt podcast episode that it’s important to prepare for a challenging soybean harvest due to drought and forecast rain, much like last year. 

Prior to the rainfall, dry weather caused compromised pods, but the sudden change in weather caused dry soybeans to sprout prematurely in pods. 

“Early-planted soybeans were hit the hardest due to their lower moisture and being further along maturity wise at the time of the rainfall events. Darkened stems, pods, and seeds were associated with pathogens from the Diaporthe/Phomopsis complex, Fusarium, Cercospora, Alternaria, and other saprophytic fungi,” she said. 

To avoid similar issues, she recommended harvesting soybeans as soon as they reach 13% moisture, if possible. 

Soybeans Dropping Leaves

The latest Crop Progress report said 71% of Ohio soybeans are dropping leaves. The five-year average is 56%, and 75% this time last year. 

Soybeans Harvested

Ten percent of Ohio’s soybeans have been harvested. The five-year average is 4%, though last year was ahead at 13%.  

Soybean Condition

USDA rated Ohio soybeans 4% very poor, 15% poor, 41% fair, 36% good, and 4% excellent for the week that ended Sept. 21.

The 18-state average rating is 4% very poor, 8% poor, 27% fair, 48% good, and 13% excellent over the same time period.

Winter Wheat 

Winter Wheat Planted

USDA noted 2% of winter wheat has been planted in Ohio. The five-year average is 3%. Last year at this time, 4% of Ohio winter wheat had been planted.

Pasture and Range

USDA rated pasture and range conditions in the state 37% poor, 23% fair, 26% good, and 14% excellent.

The 48-state average ratings are 13% very poor, 23% poor, 30% fair, 26% good, and 8% excellent over the same time period.