OTTAWA — If there’s been one bright spot for the local economy, Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce president Tom Weigand said that it’s farming. The fall harvest was good, with record soybean yields and an above-average corn crop, and prices stayed up, he said. Having a good harvest remains important to the economy of Franklin County, he said. After some lackluster years, farmers hit a home run this fall with their number-one crop – soybeans, said . Extension agent Darren Hibdon. This summer’s weather was perfect for soybeans, he said. Because of their food, commercial and industrial uses, soybeans command top prices. Most of this year’s often-delayed fall harvest is complete in the county, he said. The Christmas blizzard caught a few stragglers still harvesting.
