A familiar August tradition unfolded once again as the 2025 Ohio Crop Tour took to the roads in early August, bringing a fleet of agronomists, farmers, and media crews to corn and soybean fields across the state. Organized by Ohio Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net, the tour split into a north and south leg, each covering dozens of fields in a fast-paced two-day scouting effort.
The mission was clear: provide Ohio’s farmers and agribusiness leaders with an up-to-date, in-field look at the season’s crops—complete with yield estimates, disease and pest assessments, and notes on crop maturity—well ahead of harvest.
North Leg Starts in Morrow County
The northern team began in Morrow County, traveling through multiple counties and noting a range of growing conditions. While corn maturity was advancing nicely and disease pressure remained generally low, scouts did find some Western Corn Rootworm beetle feeding on silks in certain fields.
The Ohio Country Journal reported on Days 1 and 2 of the north leg, which included Morrow County and Crawford County. That coverage can be read here: https://ocj.com/2025/08/north-leg-of-the-2025-ohio-crop-tour/
Morrow County: Big Numbers for Both Corn and Soybeans
The first stop of Day 1, sponsored by Ohio Field Leader, brought scouts to a Morrow County field that delivered standout yield potential. The corn, planted in high populations of 36,000 plants per acre, showed minimal disease and no insect pressure. Ears were well-filled with very few blanks, averaging 18 rows around and 40 kernels per row with solid kernel depth. The yield estimate came in at an impressive 305 bushels per acre.
Soybeans in the same area, planted in 15-inch rows, averaged 3-5 pods per node and 2-3 beans per pod. The plants stood 36 inches tall with 2-inch node spacing, showing only slight leaf feeding. Scouts rated the field excellent, projecting yields of 65+ bushels per acre.
Crawford County: Strong Crops Despite Some Disease
The second stop of Day 1 took the tour to Crawford County. Here, the corn—planted May 17—looked strong, with only light disease pressure from tar spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight on lower leaves and no insect pressure. Ears averaged 16 rows around with 35 kernels per row, planted at 37,000 plants per acre, leading to a yield estimate of 244 bushels per acre.
The county’s soybeans, planted May 18 in 15-inch rows, averaged 3-4 pods per node and 2-3 beans per pod. The canopy stretched 40 inches with 3-inch node spacing. Japanese beetles were present but not yet feeding, and the field appeared very clean. Scouts projected yields around 60 bushels per acre.
Purpose and Broader Context
Beyond county-level insights, the Ohio Crop Tour serves as a mid-season reality check for farmers. By collecting data from multiple sites in quick succession, the tour offers a benchmark for yield expectations and a chance to discuss management priorities before the combines roll.
Meanwhile, the 2025 Pro Farmer Crop Tour—spanning August 18-21—will build on these state-level efforts, covering about 2,000 fields across the Midwest. With Ohio as one of the key stops, it will combine local detail with a broad regional picture of the nation’s grain belt.
As August marches on, all eyes will remain on weather, pest pressure, and grain fill progress to see whether the early optimism from the Ohio Crop Tour holds true through harvest.
