Ohio corn growers expect record crop despite freeze, seed shortage

Ohio corn growers expect record crop despite freeze, seed shortage

By Burton Speakman

bspeakman@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Warmer weather has moved up the corn-planting season for some farmers, but it appears most area farmers waited to put in their crop.

Despite the late April freeze in much of the state, the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association predicts a record year for the crop based on prices and earlier than normal warm weather.

Locally, some of the larger growers planted corn early, said Wayne Greier, owner of Greier Ag Center Inc. near Canfield. He also farms 800 to 900 acres.

Statewide, April 20 is the typical day to begin planting corn this year, according to the growers association.

The warm weather allowed much of the state to start earlier, but cold winds and rain delayed planting for many in northeast Ohio, Greier said.

Also, a seed-corn shortage worried local farmers that if they planted too early, they would not be able to get seed to replant if there were a freeze, he said.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.