Good evening,

Are you a beef or dairy cattle producer interested in assuring the best possible bids for your market cattle? If so, you might be interested in participating in our Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification training coming up Tuesday, February 23. The webinar starts at 6:00 pm and you need to pre-register to get the link sent to your email. There is limited seating for Hardin County cattle producers who are unable to watch it on a computer because of poor internet or access. See the attached news release and flyer for information about how to participate. Since in-person seating is limited to 10 individuals seated 6 feet apart with a mask, you will need to call me at 419-767-6037 if you are interested in attending at the Extension office in Kenton. No walk-ins are permitted due to the pandemic as per OSU and county health department guidelines.

Beef Quality Assurance Training News Release

Beef Quality Assurance Training Flyer

Have you enrolled your farms in ARC/PLC for the 2021 crop year yet? Producers will need to make sure they have enrolled their FSA farms and made their elections with the FSA office before the March 15 deadline. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your 2021 crop year elections. There is not much information out there yet but it may be in your best interest take a look at how things have changed. You will want to watch the recording of one of our Hardin County OSU Extension ARC/PLC seminars held this past week available now at Hardin County ARC-PLC Webinar for more information. You can view parts of the webinar or the entire program at your own pace, and I have also included the slides with notes with this email in case you are interested in further study. If you have questions, feel free to contact me. In addition, there is another statewide OSU Extension ARC/PLC webinar coming up February 25. You can see the attached flyer for more details about how to connect to this live webinar.

ARC/PLC 2021 Crop Year Decision Slides

Statewide OSU Extension ARC/PLC Webinar Flyer

I heard that the Northwest Ohio OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter booklet has finally arrived in mailboxes so make sure you take a look at it if you received one to read about available OSU Extension programs and specifically, pesticide and fertilizer recertifications. As explained in previous e-newsletters, there are both online and in-person options for you to get your private applicator licenses renewed if this is your year to get that done. I have included a news article about this subject, describing the options for Hardin County. Make sure you take a look at it as most of these local recertification update classes happen the first week of March and you need to pre-register for whichever method you decide to use to get recertified. Again, there are no walk-ins due to limited seating at the different locations. Also, if you need to get certified for fertilizer for the first time (apply fertilizer on 50 acres or more of crops for sale), there is an upcoming Fertilizer Certification training in Lima on March 3 that I have attached a flyer with details about how to register to attend. Our next Virtual Ag Coffee Hour is coming up Friday, March 5 so check out the attached flyer about how to participate in our roundtable discussion and learn about Ohio Farm Custom Rates.

Pesticde-Fertilizer Recertification News Release

First Time Fertilizer Certification Flyer

Virtual Ag Coffee Hour Flyer

The next “Water Quality Wednesday – Best Management Practices for Water Quality” webinar is coming up February 24. The same day, there is a 2021 Ohio Cattle Feeding School in the evening. The Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTC) is also virtual this year.  This annual agronomy and soil health event, which is normally held in Ada at Ohio Northern University, will be held online March 9-12.  A “new” crop to Ohio, hemp, will be the subject of the 2021 Ohio Land Grant Hemp Conference being held March 5-6 virtually. Participate in this conference if you are curious about the potential of this crop in Ohio. See the attached flyers for information about how to register for these upcoming events. As an added bonus, I have included the latest Ohio Fruit News that you may be interested in looking at if you produce fruit or hops on your property.  In addition, there are some ag crops articles included below for your reading.

Water Quality Wednesdays – BMP Flyer

2021 Ohio Cattle Feeding School Flyer

2021 Virtual CTC Flyer

Virtual Hemp Conference Flyer

Ohio Fruit News – February 2021

Mark

Health and Safety Recommendations for On-Farm Grain Bin Facilities – Wayne Dellinger, Dee Jepsen

In the ten-year period from 2009 to 2018 Ohio had 9 fatalities in grain handling and grain storage facilities. Five of these fatalities were from suffocation and 2 were from falls from the structure, while the others involved auger entanglements. Purdue University reported 38 grain entrapments across the U.S. in 2019. Twenty-three of these entrapments resulted in a fatality. Read more about grain bin safety at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-04/health-and-safety-recommendations-farm-grain-bin-facilities.

Summary of Multi-State State Research on Soybean Row Width, Planting Date, and Plant Population – Laura Lindsey

With funding from the United Soybean Board, soybean agronomists across the US came together to summarize soybean row width, planting date, and seeding rate research trials. (Ohio-specific research trials were funded by Ohio Soybean Council.) Here’s what we found: Row width: Soybean row width varies across the US. In Ohio, most farmers plant soybean in 7.5, 15, or 30-inch row widths. Across the US, narrow rows (7 to 15 inch) out-yielded wide rows (≥ 30 inches) 69% of the time. Narrow rows tend to out-yield wide rows due to earlier canopy closure which facilitates light interception and drives photosynthesis. Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-04/summary-multi-state-state-research-soybean-row-width-planting to learn more about this multi-state soybean research.

Corn and Soybean School: Q and A on Corn Disease Management with Fungicides – Pierce Paul

On Feb 11, 2021, I gave a talk entitled “Management of Gibberella ear rot and Vomitoxin in Corn with Fungicides: Lessons Learned from Head Scab” as part of the 2021 Virtual Corn and Soybean School. I summarized years of fungicide efficacy research on head scab, a disease of wheat caused by the same fungus (Fusarium graminearum [Gibberella zeae]) that causes Gibberella ear rot (GER) in corn. Head scab and vomitoxin in wheat have been more widely studied than GER and vomitoxin in corn, as a result, a lot more is known about fungicide efficacy against scab/vomitoxin than against GER/vomitoxin. I therefore used lessons learned from head scab research, coupled with data from a limited number of GER fungicide efficacy studies to provide guideline on GER and vomitoxin management in corn. More than 220 people attended the 40-min-long program, asking questions covering various aspects of corn pathology. Continue reading at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-04/corn-and-soybean-school-q-and-corn-disease-management-fungicides.

Register Now for Virtual CTC – Mark Badertscher

Have you registered yet for this year’s Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTC)? This annual conference, which is normally held on the campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada will be virtual this year. Four days of topic related programming will be provided March 9-12, 2021 (Tuesday-Friday). There is still time to register and get your snacks ready for this year’s conference. Each day will start at 8:00 a.m. (EST) and will have 5 hours of great value, ending about 2:00 p.m. That adds up to 20 hours of presentations on current topics important for farmers, crop consultants, and educators. Because the program is virtual and therefore travel is not an issue, the planning committee has put together a list of national experts from universities, agencies, industry professionals, and others. Finish reading about the CTC at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-04/register-now-virtual-ctc.

Updated Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendation Webinar – Ed Lentz, Eric Richer

A virtual walk through the Updated Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa will be offered on February 23 at 8:30-10:00 a.m. and again at 7:00-8:30 p.m. Private and commercial fertilizer recertification 0ne-hour credit will be offered to those who participate during the ‘live’ programs. Each participant will receive in the mail a copy of the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations; hardcopy may not arrive prior to class. Cost for the program is $15. Register and pay for the program at the following link: https://osu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_abl3hg2w8MFWmou. The zoom link for the program will be sent to your email one day before the webinar. Instructors and contacts for the program include Eric Richer – 419/337-9210, richer.5@osu.edu and Ed Lentz – 419/422-3851, lentz.38@osu.edu

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Hello,

Have you enrolled your FSA farms into ARC/PLC programs for crop year 2021 yet?  The deadline is coming up March 15. This was the subject of our Virtual Ag Coffee Hour this morning. Join Hardin County OSU Extension for an ARC/PLC Farm Bill Decision Virtual Workshop to assist with 2021 Farm Bill Decisions. Phil Lautenschlager, CED of Hardin Farm Service Agency plans be a part of this program to help answer questions. Find out the latest ARC/PLC Farm Bill information to help your farm operation decision-making process for 2021. Different examples will be provided using the decision-making tools. There will be two sessions available Thursday, February 11 at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. For more information and how to register, check out the attached news release and flyer.

ARC-PLC Farm Bill Decision News Release

ARC-PLC Hardin Flyer

Speaking of FSA programs, I have also attached information about the USDA Quality Loss Adjustment program. USDA is providing critical support to our nation’s farmers and ranchers through the Quality Loss Adjustment Program (QLA). QLA aids producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2018 and/or 2019. Both 2018 and 2019 were marked with a variety of natural disasters. This includes excess moisture, which impacted much of the Midwest. Read more on the attached fact sheet as FSA is accepting applications for QLA from January 6, 2021 to March 5, 2021.

Farmers_QLA_Program_Factsheet_2021

I have been receiving several calls about Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification meetings for this year. As mentioned in the previous Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update, all virtual and in-person meetings are listed in the Northwest Ohio ANR Newsletter if you have not received a copy in the mail by now. It was supposed to arrive in people’s mailboxes in January, but so far I haven’t heard of anyone receiving it from people that I have talked to who are on our mailing list. Hopefully the U.S. Postal Service will deliver it soon as most of these trainings are the first week of March. Give me a call at 419-767-6037 if your license expires this year and we will discuss options and get you registered to attend or participate online.

There have been several virtual OSU Extension webinars and other events happening so hopefully you have taken advantage of some as most of them are free to attend. If you missed an event live, most of them have been recorded and you can view them on OSU AgCrops YouTube Channel or OSU Precision Ag YouTube Channel.  To find out more about OSU Extension virtual programs, read my attached articles “OSU Extension Ag Programs Go Virtual” and “OSU Extension Livestock Webinars.” I have also included flyers for Agronomy Team Programs, Ag Tech Tuesdays, and Corn College & Soybean School. A year ago we planned a Farm Succession Workshop but did not get enough people registered to have it. This year that same workshop is available as a virtual workshop. You can find out details about how to register by February 10 and participate with the “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” flyer. I have also attached a flyer promoting the Water Quality Wednesdays series that our own Water Quality Extension Associate Boden Fisher has helped coordinate.

Virtual OSUE Ag Winter Programs News Release

Livestock Webinars News Release

February Agronomy Team Programs Flyer

Ag Tech Tuesdays Flyer

Corn College-Soybean School Flyer

Planning For Future Farm Flyer

Water Quality Wednesdays Flyer

Finally, I have been getting some questions about vomitoxin in corn. Please see the attached news release that was sent to the media this past week for more information and recommendations about this issue. Also, Julie Platz of American Farmland Trust has asked me to share a flyer for farmers who produce feed for dairy farms in Hardin County. If you fit this description and are interested in programs to improve soil health, contact her for more information either by her email or phone number that are listed on the flyer. Below I have included some ag crops articles for you to read during this cold weekend.

Vomitoxin in Corn News Release

Dairy Feeds Soil Health Flyer

Mark

Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference Will Be Virtual – Mark Badertscher

You won’t want to miss this year’s Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTC). The annual conference, which is normally held on the campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada will be virtual this year. Four days of topic related programming will be provided March 9-12, 2021 (Tuesday-Friday). You’ll need to furnish your own snacks during the scheduled breaks. Read more about this year’s CTC at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-03/conservation-tillage-and-technology-conference-will-be-virtual.

Herbicide Resistance in Ohio Waterhemp Populations – Mark Loux

Waterhemp populations across the Midwest continue to develop more complex variations of herbicide resistance. Multiple resistance to an increasing number of herbicide sites of action is the norm in many populations in states west of Ohio. Waterhemp has on the whole developed resistance to seven sites of action, which are listed at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-03/herbicide-resistance-ohio-waterhemp-populations along with more information about this topic.

Upcoming Cold Temperatures and Winter Wheat – Laura Lindsey, Ed Lentz, Pierce Paul

The upcoming forecast of cold temperatures has sparked some concern about damage to the winter wheat crop. Fortunately, winter wheat is very resistant to cold temperatures during the months of December, January, and February when the plant is dormant. During these months, winter wheat can withstand below freezing temperatures, especially when there is snow cover. In early 2019, Ohio experienced polar vortex temperatures without snow cover. However, no (or minimal) damage was observed in winter wheat. Read more about how cold temperatures affect winter wheat at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-03/upcoming-cold-temperatures-and-winter-wheat.

Fertility Calculator for Ohio Recommendations – Version Update – Greg LaBarge

An update to the Fertilizer Calculator for Ohio has been posted at https://go.osu.edu/ohiofertilitytool. The Fertilizer Calculator for Ohio (Version 2021) corrects an error in calculating whole field fertilizer cost and standardizes the width of field/subfield description fields across tool forms based on user feedback. The tool is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet developed to support users who want to generate their own recommendations based on the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Alfalfa, 2020. The spreadsheet is designed to be compatible with Excel version 1997-2003 or later. Continue reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-03/fertility-calculator-ohio-recommendations-version-update.

Corn College and Soybean School – Amanda Douridas, Mary Griffith, Laura Lindsey

The Agronomic Crops Team will host a virtual Corn College and Soybean School on February 11, 2021. Corn College is in the morning, from 9:00 – 12:00pm, with Soybean School in the afternoon from 1:00-4:00pm. Each program will feature updates from OSU Specialists. CCA CEUs are available. The schedule for the day and information about how you can participate in this free virtual program can be found at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-03/corn-college-and-soybean-school.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Hello,

I hope that you had a happy holidays and are looking forward to the new year.  There are many opportunities for you to attend meetings coming up online given the current pandemic.  I will work to keep you up to date in case you choose to participate in any of the programs that OSU Extension has planned for the winter meeting season.  Before I share that information, I wanted to let you know that the USDA released crop reports about the 2019 crop year and I have included an article about crop yields in Hardin and surrounding counties.  We have monthly Virtual Ag Coffee Hours planned with a roundtable discussion and information about timely topics each month.  If you are interested in joining us either by computer or phone, see the attached article and flyer for registration details as these are normally the first Friday of the month at 8:00 am.

Crop Yields News Release

Ag Coffee Hour News Release

Virtual Ag Coffee Hour Flyer

Several of you may have received your pesticide-fertilizer private applicator renewal notice from the Ohio Department of Agriculture in the mail if it is your year to recertify.  This year with the pandemic there are different options for you to take care of this.  First of all, you need to complete the form that you might of received in the mail and send it back to ODA with your $30 license renewal fee now.  After that, you can check out our Northwest Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter at https://hardin.osu.edu/sites/hardin/files/imce/Program_Pages/ANR/OSU%20Extension%20Booklet%2012.20%20WEB.pdf to read about the different options for recertification meetings.  There are online videos, webinars, in-person meetings, and video make-up sessions planned for Hardin County but you must register to attend.  This year with the COVID-19 restrictions, we have seating limitations and attendees must wear masks and be seated 6 feet apart if you attend an in-person training.  You can register to attend virtual programs at http://go.osu.edu/hardinagnr or call me at 419-767-6037 if you would prefer to attend an in-person training.  Like before, there is a class fee payable to OSU Extension.  It is $35 for pesticide recertification and $10 for fertilizer recertification or $45 if you need both.  This class fee is in addition to the fee that ODA charges to renew your license and is payed when you attend the class.

Other Hardin County programs planned for include a virtual Soil Health-Cover Crops workshop on January 22.  Join the Water Quality Extension Associates to discuss soil health research and planned cover crops research for 2021 in Hardin County.  Find out how to participate in on-farm research and utilize best practices for cover crops to improve soil health.  There will be two sessions available Friday, January 22 at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm.  There is also a virtual New Pesticide Applicator class scheduled for January 26 from 12:30-4:30 pm.  This class will provide instruction in CORE, Grain, and Cereal Crops.  For further study and to prepare for the test, books can be purchased from OSU Extension Publications online and shipped to your house at your expense.  Online class participants for this new pesticide applicator class will not need to pay the in-person $30 class fee which includes books.  See the attached news releases and flyers if you are interested in signing up for any of these local events.

Soil Health-Cover Crops News Release

Soil Health-Cover Crops Flyer

New Pesticide Applicator Training News Release

New Pesticide Applicator Training Flyer

As mentioned earlier, there are a multitude of online webinars that are being conducted by OSU Extension. I have included flyers for Agronomy Team Programs, Precision University, Pastures for Profit Course, and Soil Health Series for you to take a look at.  Each flyer has the details, dates, and times, as well as registration information for each event.  Once you register for a program, you will be sent an email with a link and because most of these programs are recorded, you can watch them later if you were unable to attend them live.  I have also included a news release about the Ohio NRCS Announces New EQIP Application Deadline attached to this email.  Our office does not yet have printed Farmers Tax Guides, but you can view the guide online at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p225.pdf if you are preparing your taxes and need one.  As before, I have included some articles for you to read regarding the latest ag crops news from Ohio State.

Agronomy Team Programs Flyer

Precision U Flyer

Pastures for Profit Flyer

Soil Health Series Flyer

FY21 OH-EQIP_News Release

Mark

Register Now for OSU Extension’s Online Winter Programs! – Mary Griffith, Amanda Douridas, Laura Lindsey, Allen Geyer

This winter OSU Extension’s Agronomy Team will offer a variety of educational programs for farmers and crop consultants to attend online. The team will offer both traditional programs including a Corn College, Soybean School, and Precision University, as well as focusing on some new hot topic areas. New programs will focus on three areas: Investing in Soil Health, Crop Diversity to Improve Your Bottom Line,  and Farming in Weather Extremes. CCA CEUs will be offered at each session. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required for each session to receive log-in information. For more information, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-41/register-now-osu-extension’s-online-winter-programs.

Winter Application of Manure-Remember Setbacks – Glen Arnold, CCA

Some Ohio livestock producers will be looking to apply manure to farm fields frozen enough to support application equipment. Permitted farms are not allowed to apply manure in the winter unless it is an extreme emergency, and then movement to other suitable storage is usually the selected alternative. Thus, this article is for non-permitted livestock operations. To read this article, click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-41/winter-application-manure-remember-setbacks.

PrecisionU: Tackling Spring Operations with Reduced Working Days – John Barker, Amanda Douridas, Ken Ford, John Fulton, Mary Griffith, Will Hamman, Elizabeth Hawkins

Precision University is going virtual this year! Due to the pandemic, the Digital Ag team will host a series of hour-long webinars each Tuesday in January at 10:00 AM to replace the annual in-person event.  The 2021 Precision U sessions will focus on “Tackling Spring Operations with Reduced Working Days.” Changing weather patterns have led to fewer days available in the spring to complete planting, spraying, and fertilizing. University and industry experts will share research results and technology available to help you work smarter and more efficiently. Please plan to join us for these sessions at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-40/precisionu-tackling-spring-operations-reduced-working-days.

Water Quality Wednesday – Boden Fisher, Matthew Romanko, Jordan Beck, Rachel Cochran, Brigitte Moneymaker

Water quality concerns continue to be at the forefront of environmental-impact discussions across many industries. Since agriculture occupies much of the land area in Ohio, adapting farming operations to include “best management practices” has been an area of focus for agricultural producers, governmental agencies and other stakeholders working to contribute to solutions. As water quality concerns remain, so do opportunities for reviewing the current research and considering adopting practices that work for your situation. Join The Ohio State University Extension-Water Quality Team and guest speakers for a webinar series discussing several timely topics in preparation for the 2021 growing season. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-01/water-quality-wednesday.

Farm Office Live Winter Edition – Barry Ward

“Farm Office Live” returns virtually this winter as an opportunity for you to get the latest outlook and updates on ag law, farm management, ag economics, farm business analysis and other related issues from faculty and educators with the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Each Farm Office Live will start off with presentations on select ag law and farm management topics from our experts and then we’ll open it up for questions from attendees on other topics of interest.  Viewers can attend “Farm Office Live” online each month on Wednesday evening or Friday morning, or can catch a recording of each program. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2021-01/farm-office-live-winter-edition.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Hello,

Harvest is mostly complete with a few corn fields that still need to be shelled.  According to the attached November 30 Ohio Crop Weather Report, corn is 92% harvested in Ohio and 69% of the wheat is either rated good or excellent.  Soybean harvest is wrapped up in Hardin County.  During the growing season, from April 15 through October 15, average rainfall was 20.35 inches, which made 2020 a dry year.  This is 4.57 inches below the ten-year average growing season precipitation, and 5.76 less inches of rain than last year’s growing season.  See the attached Extension Rainfall Report for Growing Season for more details about how the rain or lack of rain affected this year’s crops.

Ohio Crop Weather Report

Season Rainfall 2020 Summary

On December 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. program directors from the Ohio Farm Service Agency and Ohio State University Extension will host a free informational webinar about ARC/PLC enrollment and election for the 2021 crop year.  Producers must enroll in ARC/PLC for the 2021 crop year through their local Farm Service Agency office.  Producers can amend the program elections they made for the 2019 and 2020 crop years for the 2021 crop year.  The signup period for the 2021 crop year is open now, and the deadline to enroll and make amendments to program elections is March 15, 2021.  Other webinars will be made available later if you are unable to view this webinar live.  This webinar is free to watch and you can register or join in at: go.osu.edu/arc_plc and read more about it in the attached news release and flyer.

ARC PLC 2021 Press Release

2021 Farm Bill Flyer

Hardin County Auditor Mike Bacon asked me to share the new CAUV rates for 2020 that I have attached to this email.  Landowners should be pleased with the reduction in rates for this cycle.  CFAP 1 participants are encouraged to apply for additional assistance.  Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) began on September 21, 2020 and will continue through December 11, 2020.  CFAP 2 provides eligible producers with direct financial assistance due to market disruptions and associated costs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, now referred to as CFAP 1.  Farmers and ranchers who participated in CFAP 1 will not be automatically enrolled and must complete a new application for CFAP 2.  Details on how to apply can be found on farmers.gov/cfap/apply or check out the attached news release for more information.

CAUV 2020

CFAP 2 News Release

The pandemic has taken its toll on in-person programming, and the Ohio No-Till Conference has gone virtual only.  You can choose to watch live online at no cost.  The program will be on Facebook.com/OhioNotillCouncil and if you don’t have Facebook, go to their website to watch at OhioNoTillCouncil.com to join in on this virtual program.  See the attached Ohio No-Till News for more information about this now virtual only program.  Locally, The annual Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet previously scheduled for December 1, 2020 was cancelled due to the inability to safely gather large groups as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.  Read more about this annual event cancellation in the attached news release.

Ohio No-Till News

Ag Hall of Fame Banquet News Release

I hope you are able to join us for our next Virtual Ag Coffee Hour meeting Friday, December 4 starting at 8:00 am to discuss the local harvest and other agriculture issues and county information.  You can join us on your computer by clicking on the link https://osu.zoom.us/j/91979160672?pwd=Wjd0OVhwUmVxRWJEM0ZUUit4eTc4Zz09 or calling in with your phone at (312) 626-6799 and providing the Meeting ID: 919 7916 0672 and Password: 4369727 when asked.

Another news release that I have attached to this email is about the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer awards which were presented at the virtual state MGV conference held October 22.  Stewart Coats was nominated locally as the Outstanding MGV, the Outstanding MGV Project local nomination was the “3rd Saturday in the Friendship Gardens,” and the Hardin County Men’s Garden Club was nominated locally as the Friend of MGV.  If you are a sheep producer you won’t want to miss this year’s Buckeye Shepherds Symposium being held virtually on Friday, December 4.  See the attached flyer if you are interested in participating in this free event.  Other than that, I have included some articles below that you may be interested in reading.

Master Gardener Awards News Release

Buckeye Shepherds Symposium Flyer

Mark

Farmer and Farmland Owner Income Tax Webinar – Barry Ward

Do you know how the COVID legislation may affect your tax return? Do you know how equipment trade-ins may affect your federal and state tax returns? Farmers and farmland owners who wish to increase their tax knowledge should consider attending this webinar that will address tax issues specific to this industry. Content focuses on important tax issues and will offer insight into new COVID related legislation. Mark your calendars for December 3rd, 2020 to participate in this live webinar from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Read more about it at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/farmer-and-farmland-owner-income-tax-webinar

Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Pre-Exam Training – Harold Watters

The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Exam Training program, delivered by members of the OSU Agronomic Crops Team, will be held virtually for 2021 on January 5, 6, 7 & 8. This is normally an intensive two-day workshop but will be spread across four days this year, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn by 1:00 p.m. each day. Provided as a great basic agronomy course, it will be used as a reminder on what is best to study in preparation for the local CCA exam. Find out more information about this virtual class at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/ohio-certified-crop-adviser-pre-exam-training

Engenia, XtendiMax Labels Reapproved – Mark Loux

The USEPA recently reapproved use of Engenia and XtendiMax on Xtend and XtendiFlex soybeans, with modifications to address concerns about off-target movement.  Summary of current situation follows. While the previous labels for these products listed all of the typical uses of dicamba that are found on most dicamba labels aside from soybeans, these two products are now approved for use only on dicamba-resistant soybeans – Xtend and XtendiFlex. Continue reading at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-38/engenia-xtendimax-labels-reapproved

Harvesting and Handling Moldy Corn – Pierce Paul

This year, slow grain dry-down, delayed harvest, and late-season rainfall have led to fairly high levels of one or more ear rots (Gibberella, Fusarium, Diplodia and Trichoderma) in some corn fields. Of these, Gibberella ear rot (GER) has been the most frequently reported and is the ear rot of greatest concerns since grain harvested from GER-affected fields will be contaminated with vomitoxin and other mycotoxins. Find out more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-38/harvesting-and-handling-moldy-corn

Certified Livestock Manager Webinars in December – Glen Arnold

The Ohio Pork Council, The Ohio State University Extension and The Ohio Department of Agriculture are hosting two Certified Livestock Manager Webinars in December. Individuals can obtain 2.0 CLM CE Credits for attending each webinar. The first webinar is Wednesday, December 2nd from 10:00am to 12:00noon. Topics and speakers are Biosecurity Breaches by Andreia Arruda DVM, OSU Department of Veterinary Preventative Medicine; Livestock Mortality Composting Update by Dr Steven Moeller, OSU Swine Extension Specialist; and Worker Safety by Dr Dee Jepsen OSU Ag Safety and Health Leader.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-39/certified-livestock-manager-webinars-december for additional webinar information.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

Harvest has continued throughout the county, although slowed by recent rains.  The most recent attached Ohio Crop Weather report for October 26 puts soybeans harvested at 73% and corn harvested at 32% across the state.  In Hardin County during the month of September, Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 4.77 inches of rain.  The most rain for this month, 7.92 inches, fell in Taylor Creek Township, as measured by Silver Creek Supply.  The least rain reported during the month, 2.60 inches, was reported in Jackson Township by Rick Weber.  During the same month last year, an average of 2.82 inches of rain fell.  The rainfall recorded in September over the past ten years averaged 3.53 inches.  For more local rainfall information, see the attached September 2020 rainfall summary.  The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions are the perfect conditions for field fires and combine fires during harvest, as were the conditions earlier in the month.  See the attached news release for tips to avoid combine fires.

Ohio Crop Weather Report

September Rainfall Summary

Combine Fires News Release

A total of 80 fields were surveyed in Hardin County this fall when I conducted the annual county weed survey on September 24.  Waterhemp was found to be a problem in 35% of these fields, marestail (19%), giant ragweed (16%), velvetleaf (10%), giant foxtail/grasses (6%), common lambsquarter (6%), volunteer corn (6%), and redroot pigweed (4%).  The highest degree of infestation in individual fields was redroot pigweed, common lambsquarter, waterhemp, and marestail. Thirty-six percent (36%) of the 80 soybean fields surveyed were found to be weed-free which was an improvement over 2019.  For more details about this annual survey, read the attached County Weed Survey News Release.  I have also included another popular Extension bulletin, the Ohio Farm Custom Rates 2020 to this edition of the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update.  This handy reference contains the rates paid for custom farm work done by others around Ohio and gives up-to-date ranges that are being charged for these services.

County Weed Survey News Release

Ohio Farm Custom Rates

OSU Extension and Ohio Dairy Producers Association is offering a Dairy Outlook & Risk Management Webinars series November 5, 17, and 24 from noon-1:00 pm.  These webinars are free to attend and include the topics “Milk pricing during an uncharacteristic 2020,” “Domestic and international dairy market outlook,” and “Risk Management Tools: Dairy Margin Coverage, Futures and Options, Livestock Gross Margin Coverage, and Dairy Revenue Protection.”  See the attached Dairy Risk Management Series flyer for registration information.  Another free webinar series that you won’t want to miss is the 2020  Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference being held November 9, 10, 12, and 13 from 12:00-2:00 pm.  Organizers of the 2020 Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference hosted by the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) at The Ohio State University, say the aim of this year’s conference is to offer much-needed insight to those involved in the agricultural industry during a time marked with so much global uncertainty. Past attendees, ranging from producers to consumers and agribusinesses leaders to elected officials, say the annual conference provides information and outlooks that influence their businesses and decision-making processes.  For details about how to register, see the attached news release, flyer, agenda, and session descriptions for this year’s conference being presented free of charge.

Dairy Risk Management Webinar Series

Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference News Release

Ag Outlook and Policy Flyer

Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference

Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference Session Descriptions

Finally, I would like to find out how your harvest is going so far this fall.  Plan to join us for our monthly Virtual Ag Coffee Hour on Friday, November 6 starting at 8:00 am for a local discussion of county agriculture issues and I also plan to share information about the latest Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents.  You can join us on your computer at https://osu.zoom.us/j/97176748384?pwd=Q2xzUlVyZkQwT3dCRUJIcE5uM1J5Zz09 or call (312) 626 6799 using the Meeting ID: 971 7674 8384 and Password: 6565125.  I hope harvest continues to be a safe one and have provided some articles below for you to read if you are interested.

Mark

Planting Fall Cover Crops – Sarah Noggle, Rachel Cochran

We are now approaching the time of year to think about planting fall cover crops. Cover crops can serve many purposes, ranging from erosion control to nutrient sequestration. Depending on the type and species of cover crop, benefits range from providing a Nitrogen source, scavenging nutrients to decrease leaching potential, acting as a soil builder, preventing erosion, fighting weeds, acting as a forage, conserving soil moisture, and enhancing wildlife habitats. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/planting-fall-cover-crops.

Fall-Applied Herbicides: Odds and Ends – Mark Loux

A commonly asked question about fall herbicides – how late in the fall can herbicides be applied and at what point is it too cold to apply?  We have applied well into December under some very cold conditions and still obtained effective control of winter annuals.  We suggest applying before Thanksgiving and aiming for a stretch of warmer weather if possible, but the effective treatments should work regardless.  Extended periods of freezing weather will cause the perennials to shut down – dandelion, thistle, dock.  Continue reading about fall-applied herbicides at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/fall-applied-herbicides-odds-and-ends.

Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) has Made Itself at Home in Ohio – Anne Dorrance

This invasive species has adapted quite well to Ohio conditions, and is unfortunately doing very well in some fields based on egg counts.  We are wrapping up intensive sampling of Ohio Fields from the support of the soybean check-off through Ohio Soybean Council and United Soybean Board.   To date, 566 samples were submitted from 34 counties.  From these, 33.7% had populations of 200 eggs or more. There were 7.6% in the high range (>5,000 eggs per cup of soil), which are associated with significant yield losses. Find out more about SCN at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/soybean-cyst-nematode-scn-has-made-itself-home-ohio.

For Safety’s Sake: Don’t Take Drying Shortcuts with Stored Corn – Dee Jepsen, Lisa Pfeifer

Wet weather conditions are causing concerns with the 2020 corn crop going into storage. Proper management of stored grain will be the key to eliminating risks to human health and safety later in the season. Grain that goes into the bin with higher moisture content presents a host of possible issues. It can freeze or bind. Mold issues can arise. An environment susceptible to insect problems can be created. Higher volumes of bin fines can result. All of these issues ultimately affect grain flow efficiencies, which can lead to a number of safety hazards. These conditions can cause grain to become bridged or line the sidewall of the bin, resulting in the need for bin entry into an unstable environment. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/safety%E2%80%99s-sake-don%E2%80%99t-take-drying-shortcuts-stored-corn.

Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference – Ben Brown

On November 9th-13th, OSU’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences will host the Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference. The conference will be a series of two-hour online webinars Nov. 9, 10, 12 and 13. Each day will focus on a different topic. Nov. 9 will be on agriculture finance, Nov. 10, agricultural and environmental policy; Nov. 12, agricultural trade and the health of the U.S. economy; and Nov. 13, grain, livestock and consumer demand projections. Agricultural economists from CFAES will speak along with other experts from Washington D.C., other leading land grant institutions, and the Federal Reserve System. The webinars begin at noon and include a daily panel discussion that starts at 1 p.m. and invites people in the audience to ask questions. Read more about this conference at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-37/agricultural-policy-and-outlook-conference.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

Harvest has begun in Hardin County this past week with soybean fields being cut mostly in the northern half of the county.  In addition, farmers applied manure, planted wheat, and tilled land during the week around the state according the latest Ohio Crop and Weather report for September 28.  The virtual Farm Science Review kept me busy this past week as I had 6 videos from Hardin County included as part of this annual show that can be viewed at https://fsr.osu.edu/ in case you missed it live.  You can view the virtual crops yield tour at http://go.osu.edu/croptour2020 and click on Hardin County to see our local yield check videos.  There are other Hardin County videos made available at https://youtu.be/AYSYs_ZUSX8 (Nitrogen Rate On-Farm Research) and https://youtu.be/hu-LsZl7FDc (Late Season Nitrogen Application On-Farm Research).

Ohio Crop Weather Report

This past week our virtual Hardin County Carcass Show of Champions video premiered and so far has been viewed about 2000 times on Facebook.  You can view this video at https://youtu.be/p_ZwGrFEUmU  to find out how our Hardin County Fair Champion and Reserve Champion steers, barrows, gilts, and lambs did on the rail when evaluated at Jenkin’s Meats in Mt. Victory by the OSU meat judge Dr. Lyda Garcia.  Normally we get 20-30 people attend this event in person, but this year we have had more outreach due to our online presentation.  I would like to thank Jenkins Meats, and the Hardin County Pork Producers, Cattle Producers, Sheep Improvement Association, and Agricultural Society for making this annual event possible.

News articles that I have included with this edition of the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update include the Extension Rainfall Report for August which mentions how we were 5.21 inches below the ten-year average for Hardin County rainfall through August 31; an article regarding Late Season Waterhemp, which has become a prevalent weed in county soybean fields; an article about Late Season Forage Harvest Management as we approach the fall weather and thus the end of the hay making season;  and an article about the newly updated Cover Crop Selector Tool, which helps growers select cover crops based on their needs and individual situation.  Recently the Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents for 2019-20 has been released, so I have included a copy of that document as well.  If you are interested in rates for Hardin County, make sure you look at Table 2 for Northwest Ohio as it is the most accurate for our area.

August Rainfall Report

Late Season Waterhemp News Release

Late Season Forage Harvest Management News Release

Cover Crop Selector Tool News Release

Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents 2019-20

Finally, I would like to invite you to participate in our monthly Hardin County “Virtual Ag Coffee Hour” this Friday morning, October 2 at 8:00 am.  You can join this Zoom meeting on your computer at https://osu.zoom.us/j/96015487296?pwd=VVdoNmp4ZTdtbDdyNWtqNU1IUmxDQT09 or dial in with your phone at (312) 626 6799 and use the Meeting ID: 960 1548 7296 and Password: 431218 when asked.  I look forward to sharing with you information about our annual Hardin County Weed Survey and also our roundtable discussion of Hardin County Agriculture and “what’s been going on in your neck of the woods.”  Until then, be safe with harvest and take a look at the articles that I have included below if interested.

Mark

Farm Office Live Scheduled for October 7, 2020 – David Marrison

Join the OSU Extension Farm Office team for discussions on the latest agricultural law and farm management news.  The next session will be held on October 7, 2020 from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Farm Office Live will be back for a review of the latest on round two of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), 2020 crop enterprise budgets, new custom rates, and Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents survey summary, Ohio’s COVID-19 immunity legislation, and other current issues in farm management. Join our experts for quick presentations and Q & A.   Go to https://farmoffice.osu.edu/farmofficelive  to register or view past webinars and PowerPoint slides.

Precautions for Feeding Frosted and Drought-Stressed Forages – Mark Sulc

Livestock owners feeding forage need to keep in mind the potential for some forage toxicities and other problems that can develop this fall. High nitrates and prussic acid poisoning are the main potential concerns. These are primarily an issue with annual forages and several weed species, but nitrates can be an issue even in drought stressed perennial forages. There is also an increased risk of bloat when grazing legumes after a frost. Read more and get contacts for testing labs at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-33/precautions-feeding-frosted-and-drought-stressed-forages.

Fall-applied herbicides – what goes around comes around – Mark Loux

Fall herbicide treatments have fallen off over the past several years for a couple of reasons, among them the effectiveness of new soybean trait systems for managing marestail, some generally crappy weather in late fall, and efforts to reduce input costs.  We are seeing a resurgence in some weeds, such as dandelion, which respond well to fall herbicides, though.   Some growers have also experienced issues with messy fields and late spring burndowns that could have been avoided with fall herbicides.  It’s worth recalling the history of fall herbicide applications, which helps explain some of their benefits, especially if you have not been managing weeds or making recommendations for as long as some of us have. Finish reading about fall applied herbicides at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-32/fall-applied-herbicides-what-goes-around-comes-around.

H2Ohio Reminder – Glen Arnold

Harvest is starting and farmers participating in the H2Ohio program are reminded that any fall fertilizer applications, including manure, need to be approved by their local Soil & Water Conservation Districts. This will assure the application is in compliance with their Voluntary Nutrient Management Plan and there will be no problems with the payment process. Many farmers will be working with their local fertilizer dealerships for fertilizer recommendations, but it is still a requirement to get approval from your local Soil and Water Conservation District before the fertilizer or manure is applied.

Wheat Management for Fall 2020 – Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul, Ed Lentz, Steve Culman

Wheat helps reduce problems associated with the continuous planting of soybean and corn. With soybean harvest quickly approaching, we would like to remind farmers of a few management decisions that are important for a successful crop. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-30/wheat-management-fall-2020 for information about variety selection, planting date, seeding rate, planting depth, and fertilizer application.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

The past couple of weeks, Water Quality Extension Associate Boden Fisher and I have been doing yield checks around the county in corn and soybean fields.  We have seen some variable fields, with everything from poor pollination and tip die back in corn and short, but bushy soybeans with several pods.  Rains in late July and early August seemed to help with putting on pods but we are now dry again.  Join us for our Virtual Ag Coffee Hour on Friday, September 4 to discuss crop production around the county and I plan to share some videos we made for the Farm Science Review that document these yield checks.  You can connect to this 8:00 am meeting on Zoom by clicking on https://osu.zoom.us/j/99905170782?pwd=MjFGdWZ1bXlBUGtyZUQ0U2ROQk83Zz09 or join us by calling in by dialing (646) 876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 999 0517 0782 and Password: 431218.  We hope you are able to join us.

Approximately 65 percent of the state was abnormally dry or worse, according to the most recent Drought Monitor.  During the week, farmers harvested corn silage, hauled manure, mowed wheat stubble to control weeds, and installed tile.  Soybeans blooming reached 100 percent while soybeans setting pods was at 93 percent, ahead of the five-year average by 8 percentage points. Corn dough was at 81 percent, 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Other hay second cutting was at 90 percent and other hay third cutting was at 57 percent.  Find out more information by checking out the August 24 Ohio Crop Weather report that is attached.  During the month of July, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 2.54 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Last year, the average rainfall for July was 3.96 inches.  Low amounts of rainfall in June and July has had an adverse effect on crops in Hardin County as some areas were listed for moderate drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor.  This has caused crops in these areas to need more rain at a crucial time during the growing season.   Read more about Hardin County rainfall in the attached July 2020 Extension Rainfall Summary.

Ohio Crop Weather Report

July 2020 Rainfall Summary

As you can imagine, heat stress is an issue and I am sure you have experienced your share of heat if you have been outside working recently.  I have attached an article titled “Farm Workers at Increased Risk this Summer” that discussed this very topic.  Hopefully temperatures will cool down in a couple weeks for the Hardin County Fair.  In case you haven’t heard, this year’s county fair is Jr. Fair only and attendance is limited to exhibitors and their families.  Shows and the sale will be live streamed so that people will be able to watch from the safety of their homes.  As a result, the annual Hardin County Carcass Show of Champions will be virtual in 2020.  Instead of attending an actual event, exhibitors and others will be able to view the carcass show online when it becomes available after September 18.  Viewers will be able to watch the OSU Meat Judge giving reasons and results at both the Hardin County OSU Extension and Ohio State – Hardin County 4-H Facebook pages in addition to the hardin.osu.edu website.  The carcass show will evaluate the meat value of the grand champion and reserve champion steers, barrows, gilts, and lambs from this year’s Hardin County Fair.  See the attached news release and flyer for more details.

Heat Stress News Release

Carcass Show News Release

2020 Carcass Show Flyer

Do you still need to get your Pesticide or Fertilizer recertification from 2020?  The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), has partnered with the OSU Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) to offer online recertification for applicators whose licenses expire this year and have been unable recertify as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Registration for the private pesticide and agricultural fertilizer programs are currently available at pested.osu.edu/onlinerecert.  Online commercial pesticide recertification has been available from the same site since August 10.  For additional information regarding online recertification or assistance with the online registration and payment process, please contact the OSU Pesticide Safety Education Program at 614-292-4070.   Private pesticide and fertilizer applicators who do not wish to recertify online for 2020 should contact the Hardin County OSU Extension office to make an appointment to recertify at the local office by calling Mark Badertscher at 419-767-6037.  If you recall, the deadline was extended for renewing pesticide and fertilizer licenses as a result of the state of emergency in Ohio.  You can read more information in the attached news release.

Pesticide-Fertilizer Make-up News Release

Upcoming programs include a Virtual Pumpkin Field Day being held Thursday, August 27, 6-7 PM.  Beginner, experienced and curious growers welcome as subjects include Insect Management Tips, Powdery Mildew Management Update, Mustard Cover Crop / Biofumigation Update, Hybrid Pumpkin/Squash Trial (Video & 3D model), and Herbicide Weed Screen and Reflex Label Update.  See the attached flyer for details about how to connect.  There is a Fall Fruit Research Updates and Live Q & A taking place on Wednesday, September 9 from 10-11:30 AM.  This virtual program will feature Brambles (Blackberries and Raspberries) Grapes, Hardy Figs, and Hardy Kiwis so see the attached flyer if you are interested in participating.  Finally, I have attached a fact sheet about our Water Quality Extension Associates in case you are interested in talking with Boden Fisher regarding cover crop research starting this fall.  In addition, I have included some ag crops articles from the CORN Newsletter below.  Take care and I hope to see you soon.

2020 Pumpkin Field Day Flyer

Fall Fruit Research Q A

Water Quality Extension Associates

Mark

Making Corn Silage in Dry Conditions – Bill Weiss

The primary goal of making corn silage is to preserve as many nutrients in the corn plant as possible, to produce a feed that is acceptable to cows, and to minimize any risks associated with feeding the silage.  The following are important considerations for making corn silage when growing conditions have been dry. Read this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-28/making-corn-silage-dry-conditions.

Preharvest Herbicide Treatments – Mark Loux

Information on preharvest herbicide treatments for field corn and soybeans can be found in the “Weed Control Guide for Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois”, at the end of these crop sections (pages 72 and 143 of the 2020 edition).  Products listed for corn include Aim, glyphosate, and paraquat, and for soybeans include Aim, paraquat, glyphosate, and Sharpen.  Some dicamba products are also approved for preharvest use in soybeans, and some 2,4-D products are approved for use in corn, and these are not listed in the guide.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-28/preharvest-herbicide-treatments.

Late Season Forage Harvest Management – Mark Sulc

The best time to take a last harvest of alfalfa and other legumes is sometime in early September in Ohio, for the least risk to the long-term health of the stand. These forages need a fall period of rest to replenish carbohydrate and protein reserves in the taproots that are used for winter survival and regrowth next spring. Continue reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-28/late-season-forage-harvest-management.

What is Required Before You Sell Your Field Harvested Seed in Ohio – Mark Sulc

This is the time of year we often hear of Ohio producers considering seed harvests of red clover or other crops (e.g. cover crop seed). If the intention is to sell that seed, even if just “across the fence” to a neighbor,  it is important to be reminded there is a permitting process that must be followed before any seed can be sold in order to stay legal with state and federal laws related to seed sales and consumer protection. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-28/what-required-you-sell-your-field-harvested-seed-ohio.

Cover Crop Driving Tour – Amanda Douridas

Local farmers invite you out to their farms for a Drive-It-Yourself tour of fields with growing cover crops. These three farms are located in Northern Champaign and Logan Counties and are planted to different species of cover crops after wheat. The farmers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss how they adopted cover crops and make it work for their operations. You can find out more about this driving tour at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-28/cover-crop-driving-tour.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

The big news this past week was the change in the weather.  After several weeks with very little moisture, Hardin County finally received rain.  Although it varied in amounts depending on location, it was much needed for the crops around the county.  Most corn was tasseling or beginning to tassel and soybeans were beginning to produce pods.  Vegetative growth slowed not only in corn and soybean, but also in forage crops.  See the latest Ohio Crop Weather report for July 27 for more information.  Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.85 inches of rain in Hardin County during June.  Last year, the average rainfall for June was 7.08 inches.  Rainfall for the month was 3.63 inches less than the ten-year average rainfall in the month of June.  Hale Township received 3.45 inches, the most of the township sites.   The least rain in June, 0.38 inches was reported in Liberty Township.   For the growing season since April 15, the average precipitation in all the townships was 8.12 inches, with a range from 10.15 inches in McDonald Township to 6.90 inches in Jackson Township.  More local information about the lack of rain and its effect on crops can be found in the attached Extension Rainfall Report for June.

Ohio Crop Weather

June 2020 Rainfall Summary

Hardin County farmers experienced an average wheat harvest this year with good grain quality due to the lack of rain near harvest time.  Much straw was baled in area fields and some is still being baled.   For more information about wheat harvest, see the article written by Hancock County OSU Extension Educator Ed Lentz that I have included.  This article explains how wheat is harvested and what farmers do to prepare for harvest.  News coming out of Columbus announced that the Farm Science Review would be a virtual show this year.  For the first time in its nearly 60-year history, The Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review, scheduled for September 22 to September 24, will not be held in-person due to the pandemic.  Stay tuned for further information about what is being planned as we move forward with this virtual event.

Wheat Harvest News Release

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will be sponsoring collection events for farmers wishing to dispose of unwanted pesticides. This year, the closest collection is happening in Hancock county on August 19 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Hancock County Fairgrounds located at 1017 E. Sandusky Street, Findlay.  See the attached news release for more details about what is accepted at this upcoming event in case you have old pesticides that you need to dispose of.  I have also included a document put out by OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences titled “What You Need to Know About Animal Processing on the Farm in Ohio.”  Animal processing on farm is a practice of harvesting (slaughtering) one’s own food animals to provide for their own families is and even though not common today, there is some on farm slaughter going on and this document might help to answer some important questions you might have.

Ag Pesticide Disposal News Release

What You Need to Know About Food Animal Processing in Ohio

Join us for our monthly Virtual Ag Coffee Hour to discuss county agriculture and issues in Hardin County.  Keep up to date and share information about what is happening in local agriculture with our round table discussion.  We look forward to you joining the discussion on Friday, August 7 starting at 8:00 am to find out what is happening on the farms in your area.  You can join the Zoom meeting online at https://osu.zoom.us/j/97848928801?pwd=b1MvRnU2cTJSdWNwanY0d1lTekQydz09 or by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the Meeting ID: 978 4892 8801 and Password: 431218 when asked.  If you are interested in reading the latest ag crops articles from the CORN Newsletter, see the ones included below.

Mark

ODA Asks Public to Not Plant any Unsolicited Packages of Seeds – Stephanie Karhoff

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has been notified that several Ohio residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species. Similar seed packets have been received recently in several other locations across the United States. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-24/oda-asks-public-not-plant-any-unsolicited-packages-seeds.

2020 Ohio Wheat Performance Test – Laura Lindsey, Matthew Hankinson

Yield results for the 2020 Ohio Wheat Performance Test are online at: https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/wheattrials/default.asp?year=2020. The purpose of the Ohio Wheat Performance Test is to evaluate wheat varieties, blends, brands, and breeding lines for yield, grain quality, and other important performance characteristics. This information gives wheat producers comparative information for selecting the varieties best suited for their production system and market. Varieties differ in yield potential, winter hardiness, maturity, standability, disease and insect resistance, and other agronomic characteristics. Selection should be based on performance from multiple test sites and years. Finish reading the article at

https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-24/2020-ohio-wheat-performance-test.

New Crop Staging Videos – Alexander Lindsey, Amanda Douridas

A new suite of crop staging videos have been built by faculty at The Ohio State University that highlight corn, soybean, and alfalfa. The videos highlight some common staging methods for each crop, and connect the staging guidelines to practice using live plants in the field. The videos can be found in the “Crop Growth Stages” playlist on the AgCrops YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbqpb60QXN3UJIBa5is6kHw/playlists. These compliment some of the wheat staging videos previously posted on the AgCrops YouTube channel as well. As the crops progress through the reproductive stages, expect some more videos to be posted! Continue reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-24/new-crop-staging-videos.

Leafhoppers, Grasshoppers, and Beetles, Oh My! – Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel

As the summer progresses we are receiving reports of insect problems often encouraged by hot, dry weather.  Last week we reported on spider mites and especially if you are in an area of continued dry weather we recommend scouting your soybeans and corn  https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-22/watch-spider-mites-dry-areas. Some areas are also reporting increases in young grasshoppers in soybeans, another insect favored by dry weather.  Grasshoppers of often start on field edges so early scouting may allow for an edge treatment.  Japanese beetles are another common defoliator of soybean that are starting to appear.  Both of these pests fall into a general defoliation measurement, and we recommend treatment if defoliation is approaching 20% on the majority of plants in post-flowering beans.  Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-23/leafhoppers-grasshoppers-and-beetles-oh-my to read the original article.

Late Summer Establishment of Perennial Forages – Mark Sulc

The month of August provides the second window of opportunity for establishing perennial forage stands this year. The primary risk with late summer forage seedings is having sufficient moisture for seed germination and plant establishment, which is a significant risk this summer given the low soil moisture status across many areas. The decision to plant or not will have to be made for each individual field, considering soil moisture and the rain forecast. Rainfall/soil moisture in the few weeks immediately after seeding is the primary factor affecting successful establishment. Finish reading about late summer establishment of perennial forages at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-23/late-summer-establishment-perennial-forages.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

Since the last Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update, I have been working with our new Water Quality Extension Associate Boden Fisher to help him with soil health sampling in four Hardin County fields.  I would like to thank the cooperating farmers: Jeffry Billenstein, Austin Heil, John Krock, and Paul Ralston for providing soybean fields for this project.  Boden has also been busy taking samples in Hancock and Putnam counties as he is responsible for working in a three county area.  To read more about Boden and the goals of the Extension Water Quality Associate program, see the attached news release.

Boden Fisher

Water Quality Associate News Release

The Ohio State University has a new mission statement for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension.  It reads “Ohio State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources empowers Ohio’s agriculture and natural resources communities, provides outreach and education based on unbiased research, and cultivates relationships to strengthen the economic viability and quality of life for Ohioans.”  Learn more about OSU ANR Extension from the attached infographics document which also includes facts about eFields, Beef Quality Assurance, fact sheets, Farm Bill, publications, Master Gardener Volunteers, CORN Newsletter, ANR videos, pesticide/fertilizer training and certification.

ANR Infographics

Hot and dry conditions continue to cover the area, as the latest Ohio Crop Weather report for July 6 rated most corn and soybean crops in good condition.  Find out more information from this attached statewide report.  Locally, corn leaves are rolling and soybeans are starting to bloom with slow growth.  Rainfall reports coming in for June are showing low numbers for the townships in Hardin County.  Farmers have harvested most of the wheat crop, started baling straw, hauling manure on wheat stubble, and are in the process of making the second cutting of hay.  Join us tomorrow morning at 8:00 am for our monthly Virtual Ag Coffee Hour to give an update of the crop conditions in your neck of the woods.  You can connect by clicking on https://osu.zoom.us/j/93671352897?pwd=SHBRcFNoRDZweTh3VEZmUFgzUWRTUT09 or by calling in at (312) 626-6799 with the Meeting ID: 936 7135 2897 and password 854633.

Ohio Crop Weather Report

Western Bean Cutworm moth counts continue to  be low with three more traps added near Mt. Victory, Foraker, and Jumbo.  You can read more about this pest and the statewide monitoring in the article below along with other timely crop articles.  If you still need to get your pesticide or fertilizer recertification completed for a license that expired on March 31, 2020 due to the pandemic, you can now access and do the recertification online at https://pested.osu.edu or continue to wait until we are permitted to hold a live make-up recertification class at the Extension office.  In the meantime, stay cool and hope that we get some rain soon.

Mark

Western Bean Cutworm Numbers Remain Low Across Ohio – Amy Raudenbush

We are now in the second week of monitoring for Western bean cutworm (WBC) in Ohio. Similar to last week, WBC adult numbers remain low in all monitoring counties. Trap counts for the week of June 29 – July 5 resulted in a total of 56 WBC adults (0.67 average moths per trap). Overall, 26 counties monitored 84 traps across Ohio. No counties reported capturing more than 1 moth / day over the 7-day monitoring period; therefore, all counties currently remain below the recommended levels that indicate scouting for egg masses should begin.  See a statewide map and other resources at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-21/western-bean-cutworm-numbers-remain-low-across-ohio.

Double Crop Soybean Recommendations – Laura Lindsey

As small grains are harvested across the state, here are some management considerations for double-crop soybean production. Relative maturity (RM) has little effect on yield when soybeans are planted during the first three weeks of May. However, the effect of RM can be larger for late planting. When planting soybean late, the latest maturing variety that will reach physiological maturity before the first killing frost is recommended. This is to allow the soybean plants to grow vegetatively as long as possible to produce nodes where pods can form before vegetative growth is slowed due to flowering and pod formation.  If you still plan to plant double crop soybean in this dry weather, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-20/double-crop-soybean-recommendations for more information.

Corn Growth in Hot and Dry Conditions – Alexander Lindsey, Peter Thomison

In recent days we have been experiencing 90 degree F days with limited precipitation, and so we are starting to see some leaf rolling in corn. Some of this may be related to reductions in soil moisture, but may be related to restricted root systems as well. Depending on the stage of corn at the time of these conditions, different effects on yield may be expected. Corn ear development occurs throughout the growing season, and extreme temperature or moisture stress at different growth stages will decrease different aspects of grain yield.  Read more about corn growth in these conditions at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-21/corn-growth-hot-and-dry-conditions.

Drought Projections Do Not Go Well With Fungicide Applications – Anne Dorrance, Pierce Paul

Several calls this past week for fungicide applications on corn and soybean at all different growth stages.  So let’s review what might be at stake here. In soybeans, frogeye leaf spot and white mold on susceptible varieties when the environment is favorable for disease easily pay the cost of application plus save yield losses.  Let’s dig a bit deeper.  Both of these diseases are caused by fungi but frogeye leaf spot is a polycyclic disease, meaning that multiple infections occur on new leaves through the season while white mold is monocyclic and the plant is really only susceptible during the flowering stage.  Both of these diseases are also limited geographically in the state.  White mold is favored in North East Ohio and down through the central region where fields are smaller and air flow can be an issue.  Frogeye has been found on highly susceptible varieties south of 70, but it is moving a bit north so it is one that I am watching.  Find out more regarding soybean and corn fungicide applications in hot and dry conditions at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-21/drought-projections-do-not-go-well-fungicide-applications.

Mid-Season Weed Management in Soybeans – Hot, Dry Edition – Mark Loux

A few weed-related observations while we try to stay cool and hope for a day of rain or at least popup thunderstorms. One of the frequent questions during extended dry weather is – do I wait for rain before applying POST herbicides, or just go ahead and apply before the weeds get any larger and tougher to control.  Our experience has been that it’s best to go ahead and apply when weeds are still small, even if it’s dry, and herbicides will usually do what they are supposed to.  Letting them get larger without any sure forecast for rain can make for a tough situation that requires higher rates or a more injurious mix.  On the other hand, waiting to apply can be fine if there is a good chance of rain within the next few days.  It’s not always an easy decision. There’s more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2020-21/mid-season-weed-management-soybeans-%E2%80%93-hot-dry-edition.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu