Rapidly growing drought conditions across Ohio have farmers concerned about decreased yields, field fires, and overall mental health and well-being as 2024 harvest begins reports Charmayne Hefley, from Successful Farming. As corn and soybean harvest kicks off across Ohio, farmers say significant drought conditions over the past few weeks have taken a toll on yields. Brice Acton, a fifth-generation farmer in Frankfort, Ohio, said the dry conditions in his area have left him expecting anywhere from one-third to half of his typical yields. The latest drought monitor map shows just 2% of Ohio is free from drought stress compared to 49% last year at this time. Nearly 10% of the state is in exceptional drought, 21% is in extreme drought, 29% is in severe drought, 28% is in moderate drought, and 10% of the state is abnormally dry. Acton said he started harvesting his soybeans on Sept. 19, and the beans were just 8 inches tall and dry, with just 10% to 11% moisture.
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