BUTLER — The lack of adequate rainfall is affecting most growing crops.

For the most part, most of Western Pennsylvania is in need of rain. Field corn, silage corn and soybeans are among the crops that rain at this point may not really help much.

Most of the soybean pods only have two beans or they have none at all, particularly toward the top of the plant. Moisture at this stage is too late, in fact some fields are turning yellow and leaf drop is already occurring.

Corn silage harvest is well under way as corn is rapidly drying down. More acres than normal will be harvested this year as a result of the excess rainfall during June.

Tonnage will be reduced as well as quality. Many fields have areas with smaller corn stalks with no ear of corn. Field corn dry down is also occurring and the crop is what it is at this point. Again rainfall now really will not help yields.

Hay fields and pastures would benefit from some rainfall — especially a long slow rain. Then growth could occur for fall grazing and maybe another hay cutting. Time will tell.

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