Ohio farmers to plant more soybeans and less corn in `24
Ohio farmers are planning significant changes to their crop planting strategies for the upcoming season, moving towards soybean cultivation as they scale back on corn, the USDA’S National Agricultural Statistics Service Great Lakes Region reports.
Ben Torrance, state statistician for the USDA NASS Ohio Field Office, notes that Ohio will see a notable 8 percent reduction in corn acreage with plans to plant 3.30 million acres this spring.
In contrast, soybean acreage is anticipated to increase by 5 percent, with preparations to plant a substantial 5.00 million acres.
The shift also extends to hay, with an expected increase of 1 percent from last year, forecasting 815 thousand acres for 2024, including crops like alfalfa, grain, and other hay varieties intended for dry hay production.
Meanwhile, winter wheat is facing a downturn, with
Ohio’s harvest estimate showing a decrease to 530,000 acres, which is an 18 percent drop from the previous year’s figure.
Nationally, the trends in crop adjustment are evident as well. The total area for corn planting is projected to decline by 5 percent to 90.0 million acres. Soybeans are on the rise across the country, with a projected 3 percent increase bringing the total planted area to 86.5 million acres.
The report details a decrease in national winter wheat planted area for 2024 by 4 percent to 47.5 million acres.
This includes reductions in both Soft Red Winter wheat by 7 percent and White Winter wheat by 6 percent.
However, there is a positive projection for Hard Red Winter wheat, up by 1 percent, and a significant 22 percent increase for Durum wheat, reflecting changing market dynamics.