Ohio State helps farmers manage impacts as drought conditions spread across Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio — While not yet reaching the severity of last year’s growing season, drought conditions are once again taking hold across Ohio, raising renewed concern among agricultural experts and farmers about the health of crops, livestock and water resources.

According to Aaron Wilson, state climatologist and field specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), parts of northwest, east central, and south central Ohio are experiencing rapid moisture loss, with declining soil moisture and stream flows following weeks of below-average rainfall.

“We’re not currently near the severity of 2024, when parts of the state were experiencing exceptional drought,” Wilson said. “However, recent flash drought-like conditions — particularly in areas like Henry, Wood, Hancock, Coshocton, Carroll and Scioto counties — are a growing concern.”

The August dry spell marks a sharp reversal after what was the eighth-wettest April-July period on record for Ohio.

In the past month, much of the state received less than 1 inch of rain due to persistent high-pressure systems that brought warm, dry air and limited precipitation. While cooler temperatures in recent days have helped slow evaporation and reduce crop stress slightly, the outlook remains dry.

“Cooler temperatures will ease some impacts,” Wilson said. “But many counties have only received 25% to 50% of their normal precipitation over the last 60 days. With limited rainfall in the forecast, stream and river levels are already falling below historical median flows.”

According to the Aug. 28 U.S. Drought Monitor, more than half of Ohio is now experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with nearly 2% of the state classified as moderate drought. The outlook for early September shows continued below- or near-normal precipitation, which could further intensify existing conditions.

CFAES support and drought response

With dry weather tightening its grip, CFAES experts are expanding efforts to monitor crop health, provide drought-specific guidance and assist producers across the state.

To help farmers and communities stay informed, CFAES has reactivated its Drought Conditions and Resources webpage at go.osu.edu/ohiodrought, which provides up-to-date tools, expert insights and field-based guidance for managing crops, forage, soil and water supplies.

Although the CFAES-led Drought Rapid Response Team has not yet resumed formal meetings, the team is already actively coordinating with state agencies and Ohio State University Extension field staff to assess needs and respond accordingly.

“We’ve already had internal conversations this week about the flash drought conditions we’re seeing,” Wilson said. “We’ve updated the information hub so farmers and stakeholders can easily access region-specific resources.”

CFAES and OSU Extension — CFAES’ outreach arm — are also working closely with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to ensure farmers have access to the tools, information and technical assistance they need as conditions evolve.

Corn, soybeans and specialty crops facing stress

Ohio’s staple row crops are already showing signs of stress. In northwest Ohio, corn is prematurely senescing, or aging, as a result of drought stress during the critical pollination and grain-fill stages.

“I’ve observed tip dieback in corn, with missing kernels at the ends of the ears,” said Stephanie Karhoff, field specialist in agronomic systems with CFAES. “Soybeans are also senescing early, which will likely reduce pod fill and ultimately lower yields.”

Specialty crop producers are also experiencing challenges.

Logan Minter, CFAES field specialist for specialty crops, said the season’s early excess moisture followed by extreme heat has resulted in shallow root systems in many vegetable crops, now leaving them vulnerable to the current dry conditions.

“Tomatoes, cucurbits, peppers and apples in northwest and southern Ohio are showing signs of nutrient deficiency and drought stress during peak fruit production,” Minter said. “It’s a double-edged sword. Dry conditions reduce disease pressure from many plant pathogens, but they also limit plant growth and fruit quality.”

Livestock producers managing forage and water needs

Water availability is also tightening for livestock producers across the state. Surface water sources such as creeks and ponds are beginning to dry up, prompting some producers to haul water to fields or rely on rural water systems, according to Garth Ruff, beef cattle field specialist with CFAES.

Meanwhile, forage yields are expected to decline.

“We’re already seeing lower silage moisture than expected,” said Jason Hartschuh, CFAES field specialist in dairy management. “Plant material is drier than it looks based on grain development, so it’s critical for producers to test whole-plant moisture before harvest.”

Hartschuh added that future cuts of alfalfa or grass silage could also be limited, depending on how long the dry conditions persist.

Forests feeling the strain

The impacts of drought are also visible in Ohio’s forests. In southeast and east central Ohio, trees are shedding leaves prematurely, and yellow poplar dieback has been observed, said Jim Downs, forestry program coordinator with CFAES.

“While one year of early leaf drop may not be significant, repeated years of drought weaken trees, making them more vulnerable to pests and disease,” Downs said. “Right now, wildfire risk is low, but in future years, fallen dead trees could create high fuel loads and increase the risk of intense fires — especially in unmanaged areas.”

As Ohio’s growing season nears its close, CFAES remains committed to supporting farmers, communities and industries across the state through science-based guidance, on-the-ground expertise and responsive outreach.

For ongoing updates and drought-related resources, visit climate.osu.edu/drought or go.osu.edu/ohiodrought.