The Old Farmer's Almanac is calling for a colder-than-normal winter across the Ohio Valley, signaling a seasonal shift that may directly impact agricultural operations across the state. With below-average temperatures expected from mid-December through early February, and above-normal snowfall anticipated in the eastern regions, farmers in central and southeastern Ohio should prepare for more frequent snow events and prolonged cold spells.

The 2025-26 forecast places Columbus, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh in a winter zone with reduced precipitation overall, but with significant snow accumulation in select periods, especially late December and throughout February. Average temperatures will likely hover 2 to 3 degrees below historical norms, with January dipping to around 32°F. Eastern counties may see heavy snow, while the western regions experience drier, colder conditions.

For the northern third of the state, the Almanac predicts a milder winter with patchy snowfall and lake-effect snow events along Lake Erie, particularly in December and March. While this may offer brief reprieves from deep freezes, fluctuating weather patterns remain a concern for fruit producers, dairy operations, and early spring planners.

Agricultural stakeholders should consider this early outlook in their winter risk management strategies. Livestock sheltering, feed logistics, drainage, and snow load capacity on barns and storage facilities could all require adjustments. Additionally, producers may need to prepare for supply chain disruptions or input delivery delays linked to regional snow accumulation.

While the Almanac has long been viewed as a folk resource, it maintains a reported accuracy rate near 80%, making it a staple reference for many rural communities. For farmers navigating tight margins and unpredictable input costs, even modest weather shifts can affect planting windows, pest cycles, and feed costs.

In short, Ohio's 2025-26 winter could challenge unprepared farms, particularly in eastern and central regions. Investing early in infrastructure resilience, weatherproofing, and adaptive field planning may reduce costly surprises once winter sets in.