Planting well ahead for corn, soybeans

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s farmers have been busy. As of Monday about 42 percent of the state’s corn crop had been planted, double the five-year average, according to a crop weather report published by the National Agricultural Statistics Service Great Lakes Region.

Soybeans are also far ahead at 14 percent planted, more than triple the norm.

Warm early spring weather and just enough rain spurred planting across the state. There is some concern that heavy rains this past week could flood recently planted fields, according to the report.

Ohio’s corn will cover 3.5 million acres this year, according to forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and soybeans will see a record 5 million acres.

called Motorists Insurance, in Michigan and Tennessee.

The company features technology that can make the process from quoting to issuance of insurance and policy servicing simple and streamlined through InsuranceSuite, which Motorists Insurance Group bought in 2014, the company said.

The suite includes underwriting, claims management, billing, rating and policy administration. The purchase also was meant to improve agency and policyholder interaction.

The insurer plans to expand Motorists Insurance products to the group’s full operating footprint.

Space is limited and registration is required by calling 614-863-1219.