Heavy rains a few weeks ago had Mark Clayton of Fremont scrambling, forcing him to replant the 120 acres of corn and soybeans on his Sandusky County farm.

"It was nearly a washout," Clayton said. "The past few years, conditions were ideal, but sometimes Mother Nature reminds you that she’s in control of the situation. We’ve had to deal with standing water, even some hail. All we can do is pray for the sunshine."

Despite widespread rains over most of the state, some areas remain drier than average. According to USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data, Clayton’s north-central Ohio region was hard hit the week before last with 1.19 inches of rain, but that wasn’t the wettest area.

Mosquito Creek in northeastern Ohio reported 1.52 inches of rainfall. Steubenville, in east-central Ohio, received 1.35 inches of rain. All other areas across the state reported a half-inch or rain or less, which, according to NASS officials, was ideal for most farmers.

"It all depends on where you live," said Mark Sherman, who rents and tends to 150 acres of soybeans and corn near Wilmington in southwestern Ohio. "In our parts of the state we can’t complain."

Though most of the state enjoyed ideal amounts of rainfall, hard-hit areas have concerns for disease in wheat and other cereals; however, those crops remain in overall good condition statewide.

Growers were able to sidedress corn when fields weren’t too damp. Some tobacco was set, with most growers ready to get started with transplants at the first opportunity.

Strawberry harvest began and the planting of vegetable crops continued. Livestock remained in good conditions despite muddy pastures and feed lots. Some hay was cut, but opportunities were limited.