Mid-July crop conditions in Ohio reveal a dramatic split: fields in northern counties, like Seneca, are struggling with excess moisture from over 5 inches of rain in June, while southeastern counties, like around Greenville, are coping with dry soils, raising concerns for crop health, input costs, and yield potential.

The USDA's weekly report notes 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork, better than last year's 4.9. However, soil moisture remains uneven-topsoil is 12% surplus in the north, while southern fields show deficits, impacting key growth stages in corn and soybeans.

Corn planting in Ohio reached 3.2 million acres, about 200,000 less than in 2024. Only 21% of the corn crop has reached the silking stage, behind the 5-year average. Ratings show 50% of corn in good condition, but just 6% rated excellent-far below the national average of 17%. So far, there's no tar spot, but experts warn of vomitoxin (DON) risk as corn flowers, making fungicide timing critical.

Soybean acreage dropped to 4.9 million acres, down 150,000 from last year. Only 5% of soybeans have set pods, far behind the national average of 15%. The crop condition is uneven: 48% good, 5% excellent, while waterlogged zones in the north raise disease concerns that fungicides may not fully mitigate.

Winter wheat planting reached 570,000 acres, up from 2024. Harvest is 79% complete, while oats are headed 97%, with 11% already harvested. Oat condition is strong-75% good, 23% fair, 2% excellent.

Meanwhile, pasture and rangeland are holding up well: 73% rated good, among the best nationally.

Despite these challenges, Ohio remains drought-free as of early July, with forecasts suggesting above-average rainfall continuing into September, which could support late-developing crops-but also raises new risks like hail or excess moisture delays.