The last 12 months have been the wettest on record in Ohio, and that has put farmers across the state so far behind in planting corn and soybeans that some are deciding to not plant and to file an insurance claim instead. Only 50% of Ohio’s corn crop and 32% of its soybean crop were planted by June 9, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
.
The delay in planting adds an extra layer of strain on farmers already facing low prices for corn and soybeans, low animal feed supplies, and uncertainty about trade relief aid.
.
For those who haven’t planted corn by now, it’s possible that the highest returns will come from not planting and, instead, filing a claim for “prevented planting,” said Ben Brown, manager of the Farm Management Program at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
.
The “prevented planting” provision in crop insurance policies allows a farmer who is unable to plant a crop to be eligible to receive 55% or 60% of the guaranteed coverage level. For those who choose to plant corn or soybeans, crop insurance can provide coverage for low yields or revenue. To receive full coverage, corn growers need to have planted by June 5 and soybean growers by June 20. After those dates, the coverage reduces by 1% per day until a cutoff deadline, which extends to July 15 for soybeans.
.
In his weekly segement from The Ohio State University Extension, Extension Educator Chris Bruynis said Ross County hasn't been hit as hard as other communites, with most area farmers getting their corn crop in the ground.
.
"We are more fortunate here in Ross County than in other parts of the state," said Bruynis. "We are pretty much planted. There may be an isolated field of corn that didn't get planted, and there may be some [soy] beans before this last rain-spell dries up, that may or may not get planted as we move into late June or early July."
.
So, there’s still time to plant soybeans, but intermittent forecasts for rain during the next couple of weeks could hinder that, said Aaron Wilson, climate specialist for CFAES.