There are many types of laws and regulations that farmers need to know about to make sure they are not putting their livelihood at risk. There are laws regarding animals, protecting the environment, farm leasing, farmland protection, food safety, line fences, nuisance, oil and gas, premises liability, property, roadway and equipment, taxes, water, and zoning that govern how farmers operate their businesses.

For the time period of May 1-May 31, 2018 Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 3.40 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 7.21 inches. Rainfall for May was 0.99 inches less than the ten-year average rainfall for the month.

Farmers have been busy planting the past three weeks with a few moderate rains to break things up. This year planting was delayed by a couple weeks due to cool and wet conditions.

For the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.56 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 3.16 inches.

Hardin County Master Gardeners are sponsoring four free educational programs at the Friendship Garden, 960 W. Kohler St., Kenton this spring and summer. On May 19 at 9 a.m., the subject will be about planting vegetable gardens.

The High Flyers 4-H club met Tuesday, May 8 at Epworth United Methodist Church. A safety report was given by Carter Cannode about always making sure to wear a seat belt while traveling in a car.

The slow start to 2018 planting continues, but we would expect progress to accelerate this week as rainfall amounts lessen and air temperatures increase. We are at the calendar date where ground conditions, rather than concerns about soil temperature, will dictate planting.

The FFA chapter at Hardin Northern took advantage of the sunshine early in the week by hosting an Ag Day on April 30 for the kindergartners through sixth graders of the HN Elementary School.

The 15th Annual Hardin County Plant Sale begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the Hardin County Fairgrounds Arts and Crafts Building. Sponsored by the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, there will be several Hardin County garden clubs and societies at the event that offers the public a myriad of choices of their favorite flowers, bedding plants, roses, herbs, trees and various other potted plants.

COLUMBUS — The corn was dying that summer. So were the soybeans, drying out, shriveling up.