Now that summer is half gone, we can expect Labor Day to be here before we know it. Our summer, by most accounts, has been normal - a mix of heat and humidity with thunderstorms and rain. Producers are reporting good production of crops that have been harvested. Many other crops will soon enter their critical pollination stage. Again, for this time of year, the crop stage is good.

This has also been one of the best years in recent memory for hay harvest. Some dairy producers are currently harvesting their third cutting while others are working on their first. Overall, about 98 percent of first cuttings are complete, with 40 percent of the second cuttings done as well. Tonnage may be reduced somewhat, but that is because the dry weather in June. That dry weather also permitted the first cutting to be harvested, so the weather in that case was a double-edged sword.

Small grain producers that have harvested barley and wheat were glad for the extended dry weather. Most of the small grain acreage planted is oats - which is still a few weeks away from harvest. Although barley constitutes the smallest acreage of small grain crops, barley straw is the most coveted straw type. Some producers are now selling barley straw as a treatment for ponds to reduce algae.

Barley producers reported about 1,400 acres this year to the FSA. Deficiency payments are applicable on harvested production with the current rate being 26 cents per bushel. Interested producers will need to contact the office prior to feeding or selling harvested production.

Wheat and oats production is not eligible for Loan Deficiency Payments at the time. But rates change daily.

Specific questions can be directed to the office at 724-482-4800 or 724-775-2369.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.