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Good afternoon,

During the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 4.08 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 1.56 inches.  Rainfall for the April 15-30 time period is 1.92 inches more than the ten-year average rainfall during the same dates.  That really sums things up for the past month.  The constant rains have kept people out of the fields as it gets later into what should be the planting season.  See the attached April 15-30 Extension Rainfall Report for details about township rainfall.  According to the most recent USDA Ohio Crop Weather Report, only 4% of the corn is planted compared to 50% this time last year.  There are only 2% of the soybeans in the ground compared to 28% in 2018.  I have attached both the May 6 and May 13 reports for your convenience.  Because of the late start, there have been a lot of related articles in the CORN Newsletter related to this topic, some of which I have included below.

April 15-30 Extension Rainfall Report

May 6 Crop Weather Report

May 13 Crop Weather Report

The previous e-newsletter included a fertilizer records form.  This time I have included a record form that you can use to record pesticide use.  Remember to keep these records for three years in case you get asked to see them during a possible ODA inspection visit.  Other forms of records are acceptable such as notebooks, spreadsheets, apps, etc. as long as you have the required information.  Another good resource to review are the regulations for fertilizer and manure application in the Lake Erie Watershed.  I have attached a copy of this information along with an Ohio Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Requirements brochure for your reference.  Remember that if you still need fertilizer recertification for this year (fertilizer certificate expires May 31), I am having an evening class at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 30 at the Extension office.  You can go online at http://www.cvent.com/events/may-30-2019-hardin-county-fertilizer-applicator-recertification-training/event-summary-90c45f4883c54d58883e1f56af197505.aspx or call to register for this class.  If you still need to get your fertilizer certification for the first time, Marion County Extension is having a 3-Hour certification class on August 22 (740-223-4040).  Your other option would be to study on your own and take a test at an ODA testing site.  You can find out more information at https://nutrienteducation.osu.edu.

Pesticide Records Form

Lake Erie Watershed Fertilizer and Manure Regulations

Ohio Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Requirements

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting nominations to honor Ohio farm families who are leaders in conservation for the 2019 Conservation Farm Family Awards. The Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized Ohio farm families since 1984 for their efforts in managing natural and human resources while meeting both production and conservation goals.  Five area finalists will be selected from across the state and will be recognized at the annual Farm Science Review in September.  They will also receive a $400 award, courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer Magazine.  Nomination forms can be obtained from local county soil and water conservation districts or by visiting ODA’s website at www.agri.ohio.gov.  Upcoming local events include a Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday, May 16 starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office, Hardin County Fair Dairy Beef Feeder Weigh-n Saturday, May 25 from 8:00-10:30 am at the fairgrounds, and a Master Gardener Volunteers meeting Monday, May 27 starting at 7:00 pm at HARCO Industries.  See the articles below for ag crops information while you are waiting for field conditions to improve.

Mark

Delayed Planting Effects on Corn Yield: A “Historical” Perspective – Allen Geyer, Peter Thomison

According to the USDA/NASS, for the week ending May 5, only 2% of Ohio’s projected corn acreage was planted – compared to 20% last year and 27% for the five-year average. Persistent rains and saturated soil conditions have delayed corn planting. The weather forecast this week indicates the likelihood of more rain, so it is probable that many soggy fields may not dry out soon. Long-term research by universities and seed companies across the Corn Belt gives us a pretty good idea of planting date effects on relative yield potential. The recommended time for planting corn in northern Ohio is April 15 to May 10 and in southern Ohio, April 10 to May 10.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/delayed-planting-effects-corn-yield-%E2%80%9Chistorical%E2%80%9D-perspective.

Adapting Burndown Herbicide Programs to Wet Weather Delays – Mark Loux

While it’s not terribly late yet, the wet soils and wet forecast could keep most of us out of the fields for a while.  The questions about how to deal with burndown herbicide treatments in delayed planting situations are rolling in.  One of the most common ones, predictably, is how to kill glyphosate-resistant marestail and giant ragweed and generally big weeds in soybeans when it’s not possible to delay planting long enough to use 2,4-D ester (Enlist soybeans excluded).  While we wrote last week about marestail populations being on the decline, this does not mean it’s gone by any means.  Overwintered marestail plants become tougher to kill in May, and the fact that fall weather was not conducive for herbicide applications makes the situation worse in some fields.  The good news is that we have some additional herbicide/trait options for help with burndown since the last time we wrote an article covering this in 2016, although our experience is that nothing we suggest here is infallible on large marestail. For more about late season burndowns, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-11/adapting-burndown-herbicide-programs-wet-weather-delays.

Getting Corn Off to a Good Start – Planting Depth Can Make a Difference – K. Nemergut, Alexander Lindsey, Peter Thomison

Planting depth recommendations for Ohio are 1.5 to 2 inches deep to ensure adequate moisture uptake and seed-soil contact. Deeper planting may be recommended as the season progresses and soils become warmer and drier, however planting shallower than 1.5 inches is generally not recommended at any planting date or in any soil type. According to some field agronomists, shallow plantings increase stress and result in less developed roots, smaller stalk diameters, smaller ears and reduced yields. In a 2011-2012 Ohio evaluation of planting depth, grain yields were about 14% greater for the 1.5-inch and 3-inch planting depths than the 0.5-inch planting depth in 2011, and 40% greater in 2012. The lower yields of the shallow planting were associated with reduced final stands and 6 to 7 times as many “runt” plants as the other two planting depths. Finish reading this article about corn planting depth at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/getting-corn-good-start-planting-depth-can-make-difference.

Establishing New Forage Stands – Mark Sulc

This month provides one of the two preferred times to seed perennial cool-season forages, the other being late summer. Two primary difficulties with spring plantings are finding a good window of opportunity when soils are dry enough before it gets too late and managing weed infestations that are usually more difficult with spring plantings. The following 10 steps will help improve your chances for successful forage establishment in the spring. Make sure soil pH and fertility are in the recommended ranges. Follow the Tri-state Soil Fertility Recommendations (https://forages.osu.edu/forage-management/soil-fertility-forages). Forages are more productive where soil pH is above 6.0, but for alfalfa it should be 6.5 – 6.8. Soil phosphorus should be at least 15 ppm for grasses and 25 ppm for legumes, while minimum soil potassium in ppm should be 75 plus 2.5 x soil CEC. If seedings are to include alfalfa, and soil pH is not at least 6.5, it would be best to apply lime now and delay establishing alfalfa until late summer (plant an annual grass forage in the interim). Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/establishing-new-forage-stands.

Will Planting Delays Require Switching Corn Hybrid Maturities? – Peter Thomison

According to the USDA/NASS, for the week ending May 5, only 2% of Ohio’s projected corn acreage was planted – compared to 20% last year and 27% for the five-year average. Persistent rains and saturated soil conditions have delayed corn planting. The weather forecast this week indicates the likelihood of more rain so it is probable that many soggy fields may not be drying out soon. Given this outlook, is there a need to switch from full season to shorter season hybrids? Probably not. In most situations, full season hybrids will perform satisfactorily (i.e. will achieve physiological maturity or “black layer” before a killing frost) even when planted as late as May 25, if not later, in some regions of the state.  Find out more about corn hybrid maturity selection at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/will-planting-delays-require-switching-corn-hybrid-maturities.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

The sun is finally shining!  Hopefully we will soon see a change in the weather pattern to a drier and warmer month.  This past Friday Ag Council met for breakfast and discussed the 2018 County Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Estimates.  Hardin County was fourth in Ohio in corn production this past year!  The West Central District that includes Hardin County was the breadbasket for Ohio, producing the highest yielding crops in the state.  Let’s hope that continues into this growing season.  I have attached these reports to this email that show total acres planted, harvested, as well as bushels produced along with the yields.  The weather has caused some farmers to consider changing corn planting maturities or methods.  See the attached Corn Planting News Release for recommendations about how you might make adjustments for this year’s planting season.  Gardeners have also been affected by all of these rains this spring and are looking for an opportunity to plant.  The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are having their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00-11:00 am at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County.  This is a new location at 960 W. Kohler Street, Kenton that is behind the HARCO Workshop near the Simon Kenton School.  Follow the signs for parking at the garden for this sale as it will not be at the fairgrounds this year.  See the attached news release and flyer for more information.

2018 Corn Estimate

2018 Soybean Estimate

2018 Wheat Estimate

Corn Planting News Release

Plant Sale News Release

MGV Plant Sale Flyer

I have also included the Ohio Crop Weather reports for April 22 and 29.  The latest report shows the topsoil being 74% surplus moisture and subsoil being 68% surplus moisture.  26% of the winter wheat has jointed in Ohio, with 41% rated fair.  50% of the oats are planted with 24% emerged.  These reports also include detailed temperature and precipitation numbers from around the state.  I will receive an updated report later this afternoon from USDA.  When the fields do become fit for work, fertilizer application will be taking place if not already done.  Don’t forget that Ohio law requires fertilizer records be kept.  I have attached a copy of a fertilizer record sheet that you can use for this purpose.  If you have a commercial applicator spread fertilizer, they will have records for you.  For those of you who have a fertilizer applicator card that expires on May 31, 2019, you will need renew this before it expires if you have not already done so.  I am having another fertilizer recertification meeting at the Extension office on May 30 at 7:00 pm to provide one last opportunity to renew.  You can register for this one-hour recertification class at http://www.cvent.com/events/may-30-2019-hardin-county-fertilizer-applicator-recertification-training/event-summary-90c45f4883c54d58883e1f56af197505.aspx.

April 22 Crop Weather Report

April 29 Crop Weather Report

Ohio Fertilizer Record Sheet

If you know of a young person interested in forestry and wildlife, attached is information on Camp Canopy (formerly Ohio Forestry Camp) being held June 9-14, 2019.  This is a great camp for students 8-12th grade, who are interested in forestry and wildlife, to attend.  Hardin SWCD is offering $200 toward the cost of the camp for one additional camper.  There are also scholarships still available through the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Association to assist a camper(s).   Additional details and applications can be found at www.OhioForest.org.   If anyone is interested, it is important for them to submit an application as soon as possible.  Other upcoming local events include Farm Bureau meeting Tuesday (5/7) starting at 6:30 pm at Layman Farms, Men’s Garden Club meeting Monday (5/13) starting at 6:30 pm at the Extension office, and Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday (5/16) starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office.  Check out the articles below for information about ag crops.

2019 Camp Canopy Flyer

Mark

Assessing the Value of Variable Seeding Rates in Corn Production – Alexander Lindsey, Peter Thomison, Emerson Nafziger

Finding the best seeding rate is important for efficient corn production, but the “optimum” seeding rate – the one that maximizes profitability – can vary within and among fields with small differences in soils and weather. While adoption of variable rate technology is increasing, there are still questions related to how this technology will affect seeding rates, profitability, and be impacted by yield level compared to using a uniform (or fixed) seeding rate with modern hybrids. In order to help estimate the profitability of variable rate corn seeding, we used results of seeding rate trials in Ohio (93 trials) and Illinois (32 trials) to see how variable the response to seeding rates was, and to see if factors like yield level might help us do a better job of setting plant populations. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/assessing-value-variable-seeding-rates-corn-production.

Effect of Soybean Relative Maturity on Grain Yield – Laura Lindsey, Wayde Looker

Fall 2018 was extremely wet, and as a result, small grain and cover crops throughout the state were planted late. Some farmers are interested in planting soybeans with an earlier relative maturity to facilitate timely harvest and establish a small grain or cover crop. But, what is the yield trade-off? In 2017 and 2018, we conducted trials in Wood County and Clark County, Ohio to examine the effect of soybean relative maturity on grain yield. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/effect-soybean-relative-maturity-grain-yield.

Corn Management Practices for Later Planting Dates – Changes to Consider – Peter Thomison, Steve Culman

As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments. Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices  that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season.  Although the penalty for late planting is important, care should be taken to avoid tillage and planting operations when soil is wet. Yield reductions resulting from “mudding the seed in” are usually much greater than those resulting from a slight planting delay. Yields may be reduced somewhat this year due to delayed planting,  but effects of soil compaction can reduce yield for several years to come. Keep in mind that we typically do not see significant yield reductions due to late planting until mid-May or even later in some years. In 2017, favorable growing conditions allowed many growers to achieve exceptionally grain high yields in corn planted as late as early June.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/corn-management-practices-later-planting-dates-%E2%80%93-changes-consider to read more.

It’s All About the Weed Seedbank – Part 1: Where Has All the Marestail Gone? – Mark Loux

For the second year in a row, we are scrounging to find enough marestail at the OARDC Western Ag Station to conduct the research we had planned on this weed.  After years of having plenty of marestail, we have had to look around for off-site fields where there is still a high enough population.  Which, since we are scientists after all, or at least make our best attempts, left us thinking about reasons for the lack of marestail, and our overall marestail situation, and seedbanks.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/it%E2%80%99s-all-about-weed-seedbank-%E2%80%93-part-1-where-has-all-marestail to finish reading this article about marestail.

Dealing with Winter Injured Forage Stands – Mark Sulc

I’ve been hearing more reports from around the state of winter injured forage stands, especially in alfalfa. The saturated soil during much of the winter took its toll, with winter heaving being quite severe in many areas of the state. So, what should be done in these injured stands? The first step is to assess how extensive and serious is the damage. Review the CORN issue of the week of April 2, https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/assessing-winter-damage-and-evaluating-alfalfa-stand-health). If the damage is extensive and throughout the entire field, it usually is best to destroy the stand, rotate out, and plant an emergency forage. In these cases, corn silage is the number one choice for an annual forage in terms of yield and nutritive value. But corn silage won’t be an option in some situations. Forage might be needed before corn silage can be ready, or the equipment and storage infrastructure is not available.  Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/dealing-winter-injured-forage-stands to read more about dealing with damaged forage stands.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

This past week we had the Wheat/Barley Evaluation Stand field event near Wapakoneta.  During this event, we learned how to evaluate wheat stands to determine if the crop was worth keeping.  I have attached an article about the two wheat stand evaluation techniques we used out in the field, the Wheat Stem Count Method and the Fractional Green Canopy Cover Method.  Did you miss the Farm Bill Summit last week?  You can watch it in its entirety at the link: https://www.ocj.com/2019/04/live-farm-bill-summit-from-versailles-april-11-2019/.

Evaluating Wheat Stands News Release

With the change in the weather, planting season is just around the corner.  Because of the need to move farm machinery around from field to field, I have submitted an article to the media this week about farm machinery roadway safety.  Are you familiar with all the roadway laws for farm machinery?  Check out the article and the Roadway Law Bulletin to make sure you know the law and are being safe while out on the roads this spring.

Farm Machinery Road Safety News Release

Roadway Law Bulletin

Believe it or not, there have already been three Crop Weather Reports this spring so I have attached them for your review.  The latest report for week ending April 14 has soils at adequate to surplus moisture with 20% of oats planted and 41% of winter wheat in fair condition.  There is an OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers meeting Monday, April 22 starting at 7:00 pm at Harco Industries.  See the articles below for information about ag crops.

April 1 Crop Weather Report

April 8 Crop Weather Report

April 15 Crop Weather Report

Have a Happy Easter,

Mark

Spring Roller Coaster to Continue – Jim Noel

As discussed last week, we are in a more active weather pattern now that will last the rest of April. We expect a storm system every 3-4 days.  Overall, rainfall events will be classified as moderate in nature. But with the high frequency we expect rain for the rest of April to be slightly above normal. As shown on the attached 2-week rainfall graphic, expect 1.5-3 inches of rain for the most part for the rest of April. Isolated totals to 4 inches can’t be rules out. Normal rainfall is 1.5-2.0 inches. To read more about the approaching weather, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/spring-roller-coaster-continue.

OARDC Branch Station Near-Surface Air and Soil Temperatures – Aaron Wilson, Greg LaBarge

We are once again providing soil temperatures in the C.O.R.N. Newsletter for spring 2019. The Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) Agricultural Research Stations located throughout the state have two and four inch soil temperatures monitored on an hourly basis. Average daily air temperature (average of maximum and minimum daily temperatures; red-dashed), two and four inch soil temperatures for spring 2019 (brown and blue-solid, respectively), and two and four inch five-year average soil temperatures (brown and blue-dotted, respectively) for four OARDC stations from around Ohio (Northwest, Wooster, Western, and Piketon; see map insets). Conditions for 2019 are plotted through April 14^th.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/oardc-branch-station-near-surface-air-and-soil-temperatures.

Modified Relay Intercropping: Now is the Time to Make Sure your Plan will Work – Jason Hartschuh

Spring planting is just around the corner and so is modified relay intercropping planting of soybeans into growing wheat. This is a very versatile system working across multiple row spacing’s and planting dates. Eighteen years of MRI soybean planting have been done in Bucyrus with wheat yields averaging 75 bushels per acre and soybean yields of 33 bushels per acre. Over the past 3 years we have had outstanding double crop soybeans, but MRI has out yielded them by about 10 bushels per acre averaging 42 bushels per acre. One challenge though is that straw cannot be baled in the MRI system but can be in double cropping. The lower price of soybeans and higher price of straw is driving more producers to double crop soybeans. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-08/modified-relay-intercropping-now-time-make-sure-your-plan-will to learn more about modified relay intercropping.

2018 County Yield Estimates Available – Bruce Clevenger

The 2018 Ohio county estimates for crop yields were recently published by the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service.  This annual report provides a look back to the previous production year and give an average of planted and harvested acres as well as the county yield in bushels per acre and a total estimated production for the county.  The report additionally groups counties into nine reporting districts and provides an overall state yield estimate for corn and soybean. Ohio county estimates for the 2018 wheat crop were released back in December of 2018.  Finish reading about the 2018 county yield estimates at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-08/2018-county-yield-estimates-available.

What are your Bedding Options; Is Keeping a Thin Wheat Stand Worth It? – Jason Hartschuh

Wheat fields are finally turning green, as we do stand evaluations (https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/estimating-wheat-yield-stem-counts) many producers are weighing poor stands versus their need for livestock bedding. As you weigh your options be sure to consider alternative agronomic crop fodder or cover crops as a bedding source. The two most common beddings wheat straw and sawdust are both already in short supply across the state. The first harvestable option is to look at cover crops you or a neighbor have planted. One option that has gained some popularity is precut rye straw. If your wheat stand is present but not thick enough to take to head you could follow these same principles making precut wheat straw then planting soybeans a month earlier for improved yields over double crop soybeans. Continue reading about bedding options at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/what-are-your-bedding-options-keeping-thin-wheat-stand-worth-it.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon,

Ag Council met this past Friday and we discussed the Lake Erie Bill of Rights.  With the recent passage of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR), Lake Erie has now been granted the same legal rights normally reserved for a person.  That means that any Toledoan who believes a business in the watershed is doing something they deem as detrimental to the lake could sue on the lake’s behalf.  Ohio’s agricultural community is working together to represent the interests of the farmer and has issued the attached letter.  Make sure you take a look at this letter, as the outcome of the current lawsuit filed by a Wood County farmer could have an impact on the direction this takes in the future.  OSU Extension has put together a Law Bulletin describing affirmative defenses that farmers may have if they are named in a possible lawsuit regarding water quality or other issues.  I have attached a copy of this bulletin to this email.

LEBOR Commodity Letter

Affirmative Defenses For Ag Production Law Bulletin

The recent warm weather has the discussion turning to the upcoming growing season.  Although it has been too wet for area farmers to begin spring work in most fields, several are taking a close look at their wheat fields and trying to decide if the crop is worth keeping or not.  If you are one of these people, there was an article in the CORN Newsletter addressing this issue that I have included below.  Also, there will be a Wheat/Barley Stand Evaluation field event tomorrow morning near Wapakoneta, starting at 10:30 am with the purpose of teaching you how to evaluate wheat or barley stands and talk about the economics of keeping the crop.  See the attached flyer for more information about this event.  Have you seen the county crop yield estimates recently released by USDA for this past year?  Hardin County averaged 190.0 bushels per acre corn, 61.9 bushels per acre soybean, and 71.1 bushels per acre wheat.  I have attached a copy of a news release I wrote about this topic.

Wheat/Barley Stand Evaluation Flyer

Crop Yields News Release

Since the winter meeting season is now officially compete, I have looking for cooperating farmers who might be interested in doing on-farm research in the county.  This past year, three local studies were included in the eFields publication that can be found at https://digitalag.osu.edu/efields.  This year, we are especially interested in conducting on-farm research with corn nitrogen rate trials, corn seeding rate trials, soybean seeding rate trials, soybean planting date + fungicide and insecticide trials, soybean fungicide trials, and stink bug insecticide trials.  If you are interested in other types of trials, we can also set these up to answer your “what if” questions, but they might not appear in the eFields publication for 2019.

Other upcoming events include the Farm Bill Summit on Thursday, April 11 from 6:30-9:30 pm in Darke County (see flyer), Dairy Service Unit Cheese Sale pick-up Friday, April 12 from 12:00-7:00 pm and April 13 from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at Wagner Dairy Farm.  I am now looking for rainfall reporters for both Goshen and Pleasant Townships, so let me know if you would like to help out monitoring rainfall this growing season in those townships.  As usual, I have included some articles below that you may be interested in reading while you wait for the fields to get fit.

2019 Farm Bill Summit Flyer

Mark

Estimating Wheat Yield With Stem Counts – Laura Lindsey

Between planting in the fall and Feekes 4 growth stage (beginning of erect growth) in the spring, winter wheat is vulnerable to environmental stress such as freezing temperatures with limited snow cover, saturated soils, and freeze-thaw cycles that cause soil heaving. All of which may lead to substantial stand reduction. However, a stand that looks thin in the spring does not always correspond to lower grain yield. Rather than relying on a visual stand assessment, farmers should estimate the yield potential of their winter wheat crop by counting stems, before deciding whether a field should be destroyed. To continue reading this article, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/estimating-wheat-yield-stem-counts.

New Requirements to Apply Dicamba! – Jennifer Andon

As of October of 2018, the EPA announced that the registration for dicamba will be extended for two years for over-the top use of dicamba resistant corn and soybeans.  Additionally, new regulations now require that to mix, load or apply dicamba, you must be a licensed pesticide applicator.  The trained serviceperson is no longer qualified under the new regulations.  To receive a pesticide license to mix, load or apply dicamba, one must pass both the Core and Category 1 (Grain and Cereal Crops) exams offered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.  The Ohio State University Pesticide Safety Education Program has prepared training videos to assist growers in preparing for the Core exam.  These trainings are supplemental to the study manuals and will not include the annual dicamba training, which is also mandatory.  For more information regarding the New Pesticide Applicator Training courses and videos, and online dicamba training, please go to: https://pested.osu.edu/PrivNewApp.

Keep an Eye Out for Water Quality Risk This Spring – Greg LaBarge

Research measuring nutrient losses from surface and subsurface drainage in Ohio indicates that not all fields contribute equally to various water quality issues. Fields with higher than average potential losses have some characteristics observed during everyday field activities or when working with agronomic records.  For example, a stream bank collapsing and sloughing off is adding to downstream sedimentation issues, or a field with a soil test report showing phosphorus levels above agronomic need can result in higher soluble phosphorous losses. Having landowners and operators recognize these higher risk scenarios and react to them by contacting conservation professionals can help speed water quality improvements. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/keep-eye-out-water-quality-risk-spring to finish reading this article.

Assessing Winter Damage and Evaluating Alfalfa Stand Health – Rory Lewandowski, Mark Sulc

The winter of 2019 has seen a lot of variability including large temperature swings, snow cover, no snow cover, rain, sleet and ice.  One constant for most areas of the state is that soils have remained wet and/or saturated throughout the fall and winter period.  Add all of this together and there is the potential for some significant winter injury.  Forage growers should plan to spend time assessing winter damage and evaluating the health of their forage stands, particularly alfalfa stands.  Assessment and stand health evaluation can begin once plants start to green up and produce 2 to 4 inches of growth. One of the primary concerns is the possibility of heaving damage.  Tap rooted crops such as alfalfa and red clover are particularly susceptible to heaving damage. To read more, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/assessing-winter-damage-and-evaluating-alfalfa-stand-health.

Tri-State Farm Bill Summit – Sam Custer

The 2018 Farm Bill, passed by Congress and signed by President Trump, now awaits implementation by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), agencies like the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Risk Management Agency and many others. The passage of the farm bill authorizes funding for many of the federal programs producers utilize throughout the growing season. This bill is considered to be mostly evolutionary not revolutionary, but there are still changes that will be important to producers and agribusinesses. The Ohio State University, the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture, the University of Kentucky and Farm Credit Mid-America are jointly sponsoring a Farm Bill Summit on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at the Versailles High School in Versailles, Ohio. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/tri-state-farm-bill-summit.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good afternoon, 

I just returned from an OSU Ag Crops Team meeting in Columbus today.  Driving back to Hardin County, I noticed that the fields looked to be starting the drying out process.  Still I have not seen any field activity except for some tile drainage work.  The days are getting warmer and hopefully soon, fieldwork will be a common sight around the county.  There have been alot of meetings this winter, and tomorrow we will have our final one with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Make-up & Specialty Training.  If you have a fertilizer or pesticide license that is expiring soon, you may want stop by the Extension office tomorrow (3/29) morning to get your recertification taken care of.  We will be starting with fertilizer at 11:00 am and then move on with pesticide at 12:00 pm.  The training cost payable to OSU Extension is $10 for fertilizer and $30 for pesticide recertification if you still need the recertification training.  If you already have your recertification completed, make sure you return the license renewal form and $30 license renewal fee payable to the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg.

Spring burndowns may start soon so make sure you are up on the dicamba rules.  In late October 2018, the EPA approved revised labels for Xtendimax, FeXapan, and Engenia.  All three products are restricted use pesticides, meaning an applicators license must be held in order to purchase and apply these products.  It is no longer acceptable to simply operate under the supervision of someone with a license for these chemicals.  The dicamba specific training is still required so if you need it yet for this year, go to https://pested.osu.edu/ as there are two online training links provided by BASF and Monsanto.  If you were able to get cover crops planted this past fall, you might want to read the news release that I have attached about terminating cover crops.  This article was written by Auglaize County Extension Educator and weed scientist Jeff Stachler.

Dicamba-Precautions Update

Cover Crop Termination News Release

Have you ordered from the Hardin County Dairy Service Unit Cheese Sale yet this spring?  Orders are coming due on April 1 so if you are interested, I have attached a copy of the news release and order form.  Funds from the semi-annual cheese sale are used to support dairy youth activities such as scholarships, royalty, awards, and other activities planned by the Dairy Service Unit.  Events coming up in the area include a Farm Bill Summit being held April 11 at Versailles High School in Darke County.  See the attached flyer for more information.  This Saturday (3/30) is the Hardin County Goat Banquet being held at the Kenton Christian & Missionary Alliance Church starting at 5:30 pm.  There is a Farm Bureau meeting April 2 at Layman Farms starting at 7:00 pm; Fairboard meeting April 3 at the fair office starting at 7:00 pm, and Ag Council breakfast April 5 at McDonalds starting at 7:30 am.  Come join our group for information about the Lake Erie Bill of Rights and a roundtable discussion about county agriculture.  Be safe and enjoy the articles below.

Spring Cheese Sale News Release

Cheese Sale Spring Order Form

2019 Farm Bill Summit Flyer

Mark

Soybean Cyst Nematode Samples – Spring is still a good time! – Anne Dorrance

Lots of news about Soybean cyst nematode at Commodity Classic a couple of weeks ago. We have continued support to run assays and education sessions for farmers throughout the region to be able to answer “What’s your number?”  There are fields throughout the Midwest, where not only are SCN numbers creeping up to economic levels but also the reproduction factor, which is the ability to reproduce on the one source of resistance (PI 88788) is also creeping up.  The good news is that adaptation to the PI 88788 type of resistance towards SCN in soybean is going to be slow – but it is happening in a couple of fields in Ohio where the number of cysts are up to 27% of the susceptible check. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-06/soybean-cyst-nematode-samples-%E2%80%93-spring-still-good-time.

Fertilizer License and Poultry Litter – Glen Arnold

There have been a few phone calls from farmers calling about needing to get their fertilizer license in order to receive or spread poultry litter. This has been the law in Ohio for several years since Senate Bill 1 was passed. Any farmer handling, receiving, or applying poultry litter (or any other manure) from a permitted farm in Ohio must have either a fertilizer license or a Certified Livestock Manager certificate or be a Certified Crop Advisor. Most poultry farms in Ohio are permitted so nearly all the poultry litter available to farmers is from permitted farms. If you need new fertilizer license certification there are still a few opportunities in March and April. Here is a website you can access for dates and locations. https://nutrienteducation.osu.edu/trainingopportunities

Late season rains impacted seed quality – Anne Dorrance (Co-author: Felipe F. Sartori, Ohio State Department of Plant Pathology)

Lots of calls and samples concerning seed quality (Figure 1) and I’ve also heard about the rejections at the elevators.  I was in Florida a couple of weeks ago with my colleagues (soybean pathologists) from across the country and Ontario, Canada and we are not alone.  We were not the only state whose soybeans had plentiful rains through and after grain fill with some still in the field! What is causing all of the low germination? From the samples we have received, we are culturing the expected seed borne pathogens:  Phomopsis, Diaporthe, Fusarium, and Cercospora spp. (Figure 2, 3)  All of these will affect seed and seedling health if the seed is not treated with a fungicide that can control true fungi. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-06/late-season-rains-impacted-seed-quality to finish reading about soybean seed quality.

Reducing the Risk of Back Injuries – Kent McGuire

Back pain can be a common issue in the agricultural industry because of the physical nature of work and the vast array of tasks associated with agriculture. Many workers are required to do heavy lifting, a tremendous amount of walking and work in awkward positions to complete tasks.  There are a number of factors that can contribute to back pain including force, posture, repetition, and even inactivity. Back injuries can be chronic or short term, but at some point everyone will experiences some form of back injury. Once a back injury has occurred, special consideration needs to be given to the spine, muscles and tendons to prevent a back injury from occurring again. There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of a back injury and many tasks can be modified to relieve stress placed on the back. Read more at https://agsafety.osu.edu/newsletter/ag-safety-stat/january-2019/injury-prevention/reducing-risk-back-injuries.

Dragline application of manure to growing soybeans – Jason Hartschuh, Glen Arnold

As we continue to search for profitable ways to expand the manure application window in Ohio, we have begun to research dragline application of manure to growing soybeans. While this would potentially open up more time for manure application in the spring, our initial research goal is to look at the ability to apply manure to emerged double crop soybeans after wheat. For many years, livestock producers have successfully applied liquid manure to newly planted soybeans in July to help provide moisture for germination and emergence. In 2018 we conducted trials at Western and Northwest OARDC to determine the yield effects a loaded 5 inch drag hose would have on growing soybeans. Find out more about this research at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-06/dragline-application-manure-growing-soybeans.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

We are approaching the end of the winter meeting season, and I wanted to keep you informed of the remaining programs that we have planned in the area.  We will begin our two session Computerized Record Keeping with Quicken workshops tomorrow afternoon at the Extension office.  We still have additional room for up to six farms (2 people per farm) if you are interested.  See the attached flyer for more information about this 12:30-3:30 pm workshop.  Another program that began last week and will continue next Tuesday is the Grain Marketing Webinar at the Extension office.  It is also during the day from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.  Feel free to join us for the 2^nd session of this program if you would like to learn more about this topic.  Our Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting a Spring Garden Seminar on Thursday, March 21 at Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton.  I have attached a copy of the news release and brochure from this all day program if you are interested in filling any remaining spots.  Make sure you call Kim Thomas at 419-674-8012 as they have to finalize meals and materials soon.

Quicken Record Keeping Workshop Flyer    

Grain Marketing Webinar Flyer

Spring Garden Seminar News Release

Spring Garden Seminar Flyer

The livestock banquets are in full swing as well.  After this Saturday’s (3/16) Poultry Banquet, starting at 6:00 pm at the Kenton Christian Missionary Alliance Church, there will be the Beef Banquet on Saturday, March 23 starting at 6:00 pm at the Community Building at the fairgrounds.  I have included a news release for the Cattle Producers Beef Banquet, and also for the Goat Banquet which will be held March 30, starting at 5:30 pm at the Kenton Christian Missionary Alliance Church.  There is also a flyer announcing details of this upcoming event.  Do you still need to obtain your fertilizer applicator certificate or know of someone who would like to get theirs?  OSU Extension is having a Regional 3-Hour Fertilizer Certification Training in Botkins on March 25 for this purpose.  You can choose from either an afternoon or evening time with dinner included.  Fertilizer certification is required for anyone in Ohio applying fertilizer on 50 or more acres of crops for sale.  The other option to become certified in fertilizer is to study the fertilizer manual and pass a test with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.  By attending the 3-Hour OSU Extension training, you can bypass the test.  Check out the attached flyer for details.

Beef Banquet News Release

Goat Banquet News Release

Goat Banquet Flyer

Fertilizer Certification Flyer

Are you interested in raising poultry on your farm?  We are having a Backyard Poultry Seminar at the Hardin County Extension office Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30-8:30 pm.  See the attached news release and flyer for details if you are interested in this class and register at http://go.osu.edu/hardinbackyardpoultry if you plan to attend.  Other upcoming local events include a Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday, March 21 starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office.  There is a Master Gardener Volunteers meeting Monday, March 25, starting at 7:00 pm at Harco Industries.  Friday, March 29 is a Make-up/Specialty Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification starting at 11:00 am for fertilizer and 12:00 pm for pesticide at the Extension office.  If you would like to attend, make sure you register at pested.osu.edu or contact our office at 419-674-2297.  I am still looking for a Goshen Township Rainfall Reporter, so let me know if you live in that township and can help by keeping track of daily rainfall from April 15-October 15.  Other than that, enjoy the longer days and check out the agronomy articles that I have included below.

Backyard Poultry Seminar News Release

Poultry Workshop Flyer

Mark

Wetter Pattern than Normal will Continue into March…and Possibly April – Jim Noel

Not a lot of great news in the short-term. The wet pattern so far this year is likely to persist into March as an active weather pattern from the Pacific Ocean moves across the U.S. In addition, the temperature gradient is amplified more than normal this late winter into early spring meaning colder north and warmer south. This will help fuel the storms and keep things active. The outlook for March calls for temperatures near or slightly below normal with precipitation above normal. The outlook through May calls for near normal temperatures and near to above normal rainfall. Read more about the weather at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-05/wetter-pattern-normal-will-continue-marchand-possibly-april.

What’s Legal to Apply to the LL-GT27 Soybean – The (maybe almost) Final Story – Mark Loux

Having to issue a retraction to previous C.O.R.N. article where we thought we had it right is always fun.  About a month ago we ran an article that covered the legality of POST glyphosate and glufosinate applications to the LL-GT27 soybean, which is resistant to both herbicides.  The issue at that time was the legality of applying a mix of both herbicides, based on questions we had received.  Cutting to the quick, our conclusion was that because it was legal to apply the mixture since both herbicides could legally be applied and labels did not prohibit mixing.  We were naïve apparently, because that article caused the issue over whether it was actually legal to apply glyphosate to the LL-GT27 soybean to be raised.  Since then, ODA, USEPA, and the companies who are the involved registrants have been working to come to a solution that clarifies this issue and keeps us all moving forward toward a resolution. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-05/what%E2%80%99s-legal-apply-ll-gt27-soybean-%E2%80%93-maybe-almost-final-story.

Nitrogen Application Timing for Weak Wheat Stands – Ed Lentz

Late-planted wheat fields had little opportunity for growth before cold and wet conditions moved into the area last November. Fall tiller production was limited because of early cold weather soon after planting. In addition, some wheat stands have been damaged this winter from lack of snow cover, standing water, saturated soils, ice sheets, and days of very cold temperatures. In these situations, producers have asked whether they should apply nitrogen earlier to increase the number of spring tillers. Keep in mind, it is fall tillers that provide most of the yield in a wheat field. Heads developing from spring tillers generally are much smaller than heads from fall tillers. Find out more information about nitrogen timing for weak wheat stands at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-05/nitrogen-application-timing-weak-wheat-stands.

Prepare to Evaluate Forage Stands for Winter Injury – Mark Sulc, Rory Lewandowski

Forage stands will begin spring green-up in the next few weeks, especially in southern Ohio. While winter injury in forages is very hard to predict, this winter has presented some very tough conditions for forage stands. This is especially true of legumes like alfalfa and red clover. Producers and crop consultants should be prepared to walk forage stands early this spring to assess their condition in time to make decisions and adjustments for the 2019 growing season. We had some days with very cold air temperatures, but the soil temperatures have been much more moderate than you might expect. The soil temperature at the 2-inch depth is associated with the temperature of plant crowns.  You can read more about this topic at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-05/prepare-evaluate-forage-stands-winter-injury.

Topdressing Wheat with Liquid Swine Manure – Glen Arnold

Wheat fields will begin to firm up in Ohio and the topdressing with nitrogen fertilizer will soon start. There is usually a window of time, typically around the last week of March or the first week of April, when wheat fields are firm enough to support manure application equipment. By this date, wheat fields have broken dormancy and are actively pulling moisture and nutrients from the soil. With the limited fall and winter opportunities to apply manure to fields, many livestock farms have more manure than usual for this time of year. The key to applying the correct amount of manure to fertilize wheat is to know the manure’s nitrogen content. Most manure tests reveal total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen and organic nitrogen amounts. The ammonia nitrogen portion is readily available for plant growth. The organic nitrogen portion takes considerably longer to mineralize and generally will not be available when wheat uptakes the majority of its nitrogen in the months of April and May.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-05/topdressing-wheat-liquid-swine-manure.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

March has arrived and so has another month of Extension programs.  As we wind down the winter, make sure you take advantage of this season to attend programs and events that you don’t normally have time for during the growing season.  This weekend the Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association will hold their annual Lamb Banquet on Saturday, March 2 at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kenton at 6:30 pm.  Next weekend The Hardin County Pork Producers will hold their annual Pork Banquet on Saturday, March 9 at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kenton, starting at 6:30 pm.  The 3rd annual Hardin County Poultry Banquet will be held at 6:00 pm, Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the Family Center of the Kenton Christian Missionary Alliance Church.  I have included news releases for these events in case you are planning to attend and celebrate the accomplishments of the 4-H/FFA youth in the county as well as the work of our adult producers.  The Poultry Banquet also has a flyer that I have attached for more information.

Lamb Banquet News Release

Pork Banquet News Release

Poultry Banquet News Release

Poultry Banquet Flyer

Does your pesticide or fertilizer applicator license expire this year?  The Hardin County Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification meetings are coming up soon.  The first recertification meeting is scheduled for March 8 at the Plaza Inn Restaurant, starting at 9:00 am for pesticide and 1:00 pm for fertilizer.  Lunch will be made available for extra cost.  If that date does not work for you, there is a Make-up and Specialty Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification class planned for March 29 at the Extension office.  We will begin with fertilizer at 11:00 am and continue with pesticide at 12:00 pm.  Finally, there is a 7:00 pm Fertilizer Recertification class scheduled for May 30 at the Extension office for those who have certificates that expire on May 31.  You can attend whichever class works the best for you as long as it is before your pesticide or fertilizer license expiration date.  For more information and how to register, see the attached news release and flyer.

Pesticide Recertification News Release

Hardin PAT-FACT Flyer

Do you want to do a better job of pricing your corn and soybeans?  Is grain marketing a confusing and daunting task?  If so, you can learn about Grain Marketing from the comfort of your farm office or join other local farmers for a webinar series at the Hardin County OSU Extension office for two consecutive Tuesdays, March 12th and 19th from 11:00 am–1:00 pm.  Participants will learn to identify their personal risk tolerance and their farm’s financial risk capacity.  Participants will also learn how crop insurance products effect marketing decisions and effect risk capacity.  Information on the different grain marketing contracts will be presented.  These include basis, hedging, cash, futures, and option contracts.  Additionally, participants will be provided an example of a grain marketing plan and the fundamental principles that should be included.  I have attached a news release and flyer that contains more details about what these webinars have to offer.  For specific times, as well as program registration instruction, go to http://go.osu.edu/grainwebinar.  The deadline to register is March 8 and the cost is $30 for the series. 

Grain Marketing Webinar News Release

Grain Marketing Webinar Flyer

Are you a farmer looking for a better way to keep your farm records?  As farm size, income or debt increases, many farmers and lenders look for computer programs that allow fast data entry, have internal checks for accuracy and allow summarizing of data.  Most farmers begin their search by asking “Is there a simple computer program that will keep my records like the farm account books?”  Plan on attending Hardin County OSU Extension’s “Computerized Farm Record Keeping Workshops using Quicken.”  A series of two workshops will be held at the Hardin County Extension office on Fridays, March 15th and 22nd from 12:30-3:30 pm.  Participants will learn about Quicken® using an OSU Computer Lab provided during workshop with Quicken® software installed.  A workshop manual/home reference will be provided.  Registration is $75.00 per farm business (Maximum 2 people per farm) and can be paid when registering for the workshops.  Registration is due no later than March 8.  Space is limited to 10 workstations.  More information about the class can be obtained by checking out the attached news release.

Computerized Record Keeping Workshop News Release

Another event you may be interest in is the 2019 Western Ohio Corn College being held in Darke County on March 13 from 8:00 am-3:00 pm.  This all day program includes several speakers and topics dealing with improving corn production.  I have included a flyer that includes more specific information and registration details.  Don’t forget about the Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) being held this coming week in Ada on March 5-6.  Approximately 60 speakers from several land grant universities, agencies, and industry will gather in Hardin County as about 900 attendees will hear about the latest topics in soil health, nutrient management, precision agriculture, water quality, cover crops, along with corn and soybean production topics.  See the article below for more details.  Other local events include the Dairy Service Unit annual meeting at the Extension office, starting at 6:30 pm on March 4; Pork Producers meeting at Ag Credit, starting at 6:30 pm on March 5; Farm Bureau meeting at Layman Farms, starting at 6:30 pm on March 5; Fairboard meeting at the Fair office, starting at 7:00 pm on March 6; and the Ag Society Consignment Sale at the fairgrounds, starting at 9:00 am on March 9.  There’s a lot to do this month, so don’t get left behind.

Corn College Flyer

Mark

Conservation Tillage Conference: March 5-6 in Ada – Mark Badertscher, Ed Lentz

A world-renowned scientist will be the keynote speaker on the first day of this year’s Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) in Ada.  Christine Jones, an Australian Soil Ecologist, will be giving the keynote of the annual event with the topic “Building New Topsoil Through the Liquid Carbon Pathway for Long Term Production and Profit.”  The annual conference is scheduled for March 5th and 6th at Ohio Northern University.  The McIntosh Center and Chapel on campus will once again be the location where about 60 presenters, several agribusiness exhibitors, and approximately 900 participants will come together to learn about the latest topics in crop production. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-04/conservation-tillage-conference-march-5-6-ada to read more about this local agronomy conference.

Winter Wheat Update – Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul, Clay Sneller

Due to late planting and wet weather, winter wheat in some areas of the state has not yet emerged. In Ohio, we do not have first-hand experience with this situation. Further west (Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas), there have been reports of winter wheat emerging extremely late due to dry soil conditions. A winter wheat planting date study in Kansas found a 43 to 59% reduction in grain yield when winter wheat was planted in January and February compared to October. This yield reduction was associated with reduced tillering (reduced number of heads) per plant.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-04/winter-wheat-update.

Updated Field Guide Available – Harold Watters

The newly revised Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Forages Field Guide is a compilation of the latest research by Extension specialists from The Ohio State University in partnership with Pennsylvania State University. Designed as a guide for scouts, crop advisors, and farmers, this handy spiral-bound book contains updated information and images to aid with insect, disease, and weed identification. Major revisions to the book include the latest fertilizer recommendations, broadleaf weed ID keys, and a manure sampling and manure applicator calibration section. Tar spot, a new disease to Ohio, is now included in the Corn Disease section. The Forages section also received a major upgrade, and now includes grass crops as well.  Find out more about this updated field guide at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-04/updated-field-guide-available.

Ohio Farm Business Analysis Program – Dianne Shoemaker, Haley Shoemaker

How well do you know your farm?  Sure, you could probably drive your fields blindfolded and you could name without a doubt the cow that will always come in the parlor last; but what about your farm as a business?  If this question made you stop and think, then it’s time to become more familiar with your cost of production and other financial measures that make the rest of your farming operation possible. The Ohio Farm Business Analysis Program is focused on working with farmers across Ohio to better understand the numbers behind their farm business in order to make more informed production, marketing and financial management decisions that will impact the farm’s overall profitability. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-04/ohio-farm-business-analysis-program.

OSU’s Corn College workshop is March 13 – Sam Custer

Producers and agriculture professionals can get an update on the 2019 corn season by experts from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. The 2019 Corn College is a daylong workshop offered on March 13 that will focus on what farmers need to know to develop a successful corn growing operation, said Sam Custer, an Ohio State University Extension educator who is organizing the program.  Find out more about the Ohio Corn College workshop at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-04/osu%E2%80%99s-corn-college-workshop-march-13. 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

Things are heating up as far as Extension programs go.  If you haven’t started penciling in dates on your calendar, now is the time to do so in order that you don’t miss out on several learning opportunities coming your way.  Our final Conservation Tillage Club breakfast will be Tuesday, February 19 at the Plaza Inn Restaurant in Mt. Victory starting at 7:30 am.  “Ag Technology” will be the topic of an interactive panel presentation delivered by the Ridgemont FFA.  See the attached article for more details.  There will be six OSU Extension state specialists coming to Hardin County on Thursday, February 21 for an “Ohio Intensive Soybean Management Workshop” which will be held at the Extension office in Kenton.  This all-day workshop will begin at 9:00 am and end at 3:30 pm.  The end goal is to make you a more profitable soybean producer.  See the attached article and flyer for more information about how to register online at go.osu.edu/hardinsoybean by the 14^th of February.  Because this event has lunch, refreshments, books, and bulletins, there is a fee of $35 that can be paid at the door.

February 19 Conservation Tillage Club Breakfast News Release

Soybean Intensive Management Workshop News Release

Soybean Workshop Flyer

The Hardin County Horse Banquet is coming up Saturday, February 23 at 6:30 pm.  This event will be held at the Kenton Moose Lodge.  Doors will open at 5:30 pm for a silent auction to raise funds for a scholarship.  Banquet tickets this year are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for youth under 18 years of age.  Children age 6 and under are admitted free.  Tickets are available until February 20 from the following Hardin County Horse Club Advisors or committee members: Jolene Buchenroth, Jonda Cole, Wendy Hooker, Ashley Haudenshield, Alesia Martin, as well as reservations taken at the Extension office.  The Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) is coming up March 5-6 at Ohio Northern University in Ada.  Check out the attached Ohio No-Till News and the flyer for more information about this annual agronomy conference held here in the county.  Be sure to register for this conference by the early bird deadline of February 21 to get the best rate.

Horse Banquet News Release

Ohio No-Till News

Conservation Tillage Conference Flyer

Other events coming up in the area include eFields meetings for Northwest Ohio February 20 in Wauseon and for Western Ohio February 28 in Piqua.  Both of these meetings will include information about the on-farm research studies conducted in Hardin County.  See the attached flyers for more details if you are interested in making the trip.  I have copies of the eFields books available at the Extension office if you would like a copy to review the statewide results of this OSU Extension research conducted in partnership with local farmers.  Other programs include a Livestock Mortality Composting Clinic in Darke County on February 20 at 7:00 pm and a two-day Soil Health Workshop being held February 27 and March 1 in Auglaize County.  Upcoming local meetings include Cattle Producers tonight (2/11) at Allmax Software in Kenton starting at 7:30 pm; Sheep Improvement Association tomorrow night (2/12) at the Extension office starting at 7:30 pm; Soil and Water Conservation District at the SWCD office February 21 starting at 7:30 am; and the Hardin County Dairy Banquet at the Plaza Inn February 23 starting at noon.  I hope to see you soon at one of these events.  Until then, I have included some ag crops articles for you to read.

Northwest Ohio eFields Flyer

Western Ohio eFields Flyer

Livestock Mortality Composting Flyer

Soil Health Workshop Flyer

Mark

Weather Outlook – Jim Noel

The weather and climate pattern has been on a real roller coaster ride and it is expected to continue right into spring. Currently, the climate models are struggling to deal with the ocean conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Most models have been forecasting an El Nino this winter into spring and it just has not happened as of this time. In addition, without an El Nino or La Nina going on, this creates greater uncertainty in our weather and climate. It appears this may at least last into early spring. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-03/weather-outlook to read more about the weather outlook.

The LL-GT27 soybean – what’s legal? – Mark Loux

We are starting to see the availability of soybean varieties with more than two herbicide resistance traits, which can expand the herbicide options, improve control, and allow multiple site of action tank mixes that reduce the rate of selection for resistance.  One of these is the Enlist soybean, with resistance to glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D.  As of this writing, full approval for the Enlist soybean is still being held up by the Philippines (because they can apparently).  The other is the LL-GT27 soybean, which has resistance to glyphosate, glufosinate, and isoxaflutole (Balance).  Read more about these new types of soybeans at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-03/ll-gt27-soybean-%E2%80%93-what%E2%80%99s-legal.

Learn More about eFields at Regional Meetings – Elizabeth Hawkins

The Ohio State Digital Ag team is hosting four regional eFields meetings this month. Join us to learn more about the eFields program and results we are seeing across the state. Each meeting will feature presentations highlighting local trials including seeding rate, nutrient management, and crop management. There will be a panel discussion featuring cooperating farmers who are conducting on-farm research with Ohio State Extension. We would also like to hear from you about what topics you are interested in seeing in eFields in the future. Find out more about these upcoming eFields meetings at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-03/learn-more-about-efields-regional-meetings.

Cover Crop Resources from Purdue – Alan Sundermeier

Purdue has recently published cover crop recipes intended to provide a starting point for farmers who are new to growing cover crops.  With experience, farmers may fine-tune the use of cover crops for their systems.  Additional Purdue resources are also listed: Post Soybean, Going to Corn: Use Oats/Radish (Indiana Cover Crop Recipe series, MCCC-101/AY-357-W) — available from www.mccc.msu.edu select states/provinces, then Indiana.  For more cover crops resources, click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-03/cover-crop-resources-purdue.

Ohio Intensive Soybean Management Workshop – Hardin County – Mark Badertscher

This past crop season was a good year for soybean production across the state.  The weather cooperated and yields were high.  However with the lower soybean prices, intensive management practices become more important to produce a successful crop.  Several OSU Extension state specialists will be spending the day on Thursday, February 21 in Hardin County to share information with farmers in a small group hands-on workshop being held at the OSU Extension office, 1021 W Lima Street in Kenton.  The workshop will begin at 9:00 am and conclude by 3:30 pm.  This soybean workshop is open to soybean producers from across Ohio.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-03/ohio-intensive-soybean-management-workshop-hardin-county for more details.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

Hopefully we will soon be over this cold spell.  Along with the snow this morning, it affected our Ag Council breakfast attendance so I have extra copies of the OSU eFields books.  For those of you who were unable to attend the past Conservation Tillage Club breakfast meeting, we had a good program for our Grain Marketing Outlook and I have included an article about it.  Our next breakfast meeting is coming up February 5 at the Plaza Inn Restaurant in Mt. Victory starting at 7:30 am.  You won’t want to miss OSU Extension state specialist Dr. Pierce Paul discussing Corn Diseases and how to manage them.  If you are still on the fence about whether to attend, I have also included an article and flyer promoting this upcoming event.  I have attached a copy of our Northwest Region Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter that was supposed to arrive in mailboxes in early January.  It has Extension programs for this winter for Hardin, as well as counties northwest of us.  It turned out to be a nice publication so make sure you check it out.

January 22 Conservation Tillage Club News Release

February 5 Conservation Tillage Club News Release

Conservation Tillage Club Flyer

Northwest Region Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter

There is a “Lunch and Learn” Women for the Land program on February 27 at the Extension office focusing on Nutrient Management.  See the attached flyer and contact the Soil and Water Conservation District office at 419-673-7238, extension 3 if you know someone who would like to attend.  The Hardin County Dairy Banquet will be the first of seven winter livestock banquets scheduled for this year.  It will be held Saturday, February 23 at the Plaza Inn Restaurant beginning at noon.  This year the Dairy Service Unit is also encouraging Dairy Beef Feeder project families to attend with Jr. Fair exhibitor discounted tickets and eligibility for scholarships.  See the attached news releases for information about how to get a ticket and read about the other winter livestock banquets coming up so you can put them on your calendar.  Are you a budding or experienced gardener?  If so, you may be interested in our upcoming Regional Master Gardener Volunteer Training Course coming up in March and April at the OSU Lima Campus.  See the attached article and flyer for more details and help spread the word as we need more horticulture volunteers in the county.

Lunch and Learn Women for the Land Flyer

Dairy Banquet News Release

Livestock Banquet Season News Release

New Master Gardener Volunteer Course News Release

Allen-Hardin MGV Class Flyer

Other upcoming events that you might be interested in include the Allen County Ag Outlook on February 7 in Lima.  The program includes a speaker on the grain market forecast, phosphorus and run-off data from farm fields, and a farm bill update.  See the attached news release for registration information.  A Dicamba-Specific Training is being provided by Monsanto on February 20 from 9:00-11:00 am at the Plaza Inn Restaurant.  This training is required each year for anyone applying dicamba to Xtend soybeans.  Go to https://pested.osu.edu/DicambaTraining to register for either this training or the other area ones including one coming up the same week in Findlay.  A request I have is that the Goshen Township Extension Rainfall Reporter has decided to retire from collecting rainfall amounts this coming year.  I will need to find a new person to take this over from April 15-October 15.  It involves writing down daily rainfall amounts throughout the growing season and then sending this data sheet to the Extension office at the end of the month.  I will provide this person with a special rain gage for this purpose.  Let me know if you live in Goshen Township or have a neighbor who might be interested.  Other than that, enjoy the warming trend and take a look at the ag crops articles below.

2019 Allen County Ag Outlook News Release 

Mark

Winter Application of Manure – Glen Arnold

This past fall was particularly tough on livestock producers and commercial manure applicators trying to land apply livestock manure. Weather conditions were warmer and wetter than normal with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) station at South Charleston recording 32 days with measurable rainfall totaling 9.91 inches in November and December. In these same two months, the OARDC station at Hoytville recorded 24 days with measurable rainfall totaling 6.04 inches. The wet weather prevented many acres of cover crops being planted and has severely limited the number of days that field conditions were dry enough or frozen enough for manure application equipment to operate.  To read about the rules and regulations with winter application of manure, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-01/winter-application-manure.

2018 Northwest Ohio Corn Silage Test – Rich Minyo, Bill Widdicombe, Allen Geyer, Peter Thomison

In 2018, 63 corn silage hybrids representing 16 commercial brands were evaluated in a joint trial with Michigan State University (MSU). One Ohio location is combined with Michigan’s two southern (Zone 1) silage locations. The trials were divided into two maturity groups designated early and full season on the basis of the relative maturity (RM) submitted by the companies with results listed in separate tables.  The Ohio test site was located in our Northwest Region at Hoytville (Wood County).  Read about the corn silage test results at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-01/2018-northwest-ohio-corn-silage-test.

2019 Outlook Meetings to be held Across Ohio – Amanda Douridas

Ohio State University Extension is pleased to announce the 2019 Agricultural Outlook Meetings! In 2019, there will be seven locations in Ohio. Each location will have a presentation on Commodity Prices- Today’s YoYo. Additional topics vary by location and include U.S. Trade Policy: Where is it Headed, Examining the 2019 Ohio Farm Economy, Weather Outlook, Dairy Production Economics Update, Beef and Dairy Outlook, Consumer Trends, and Farm Tax Update. Join the faculty from Ohio State University Extension and Ohio State Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Developmental Economics as they discuss the issues and trends affecting agriculture in Ohio. For more information, click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-02/2019-outlook-meetings-be-held-across-ohio.

Changes to labeling for Engenia (BASF), XtendiMax (Monsanto) and FeXapan (DuPont) for 2019 – Greg LaBarge

Both commercial and private applicators should note changes to labeling for Engenia (BASF), XtendiMax (Monsanto) and FeXapan (DuPont) for 2019. If these products will be part of your 2019 herbicide program, please review the revised labels and requirements. Of special note is the change that only license applicators can purchase, mix, load, apply or clean application equipment removing the “supervision by a certified applicator” option for these products.  Find out more information about the changes to the dicamba label for soybeans at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-02/changes-labeling-engenia-basf-xtendimax-monsanto-and-fexapan.

Northern Ohio Crops Day – Allen Gahler

Northern Ohio Crops Day, held annually on the first Thursday in February at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed near Gibsonburg, Ohio in Sandusky County is all set for another outstanding program that the progressive grain crop producer will not want to miss. Thursday, February 7, 2019, the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a look at fungicide use in alfalfa led by Jason Hartschuh, Ag Educator in Crawford County.  Alan Sundermeier, Ag Educator in Wood County will then provide an update on the status of palmer amaranth and waterhemp in the area along with management strategies.  A discussion on temperature inversions and their impact on our spray practices will be led by OSU Extension climatologist Aaron Wilson. To read more about this event, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-02/northern-ohio-crops-day.

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

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

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

Good evening,

Welcome to a new year of meetings and programs. I hope you were able to attend our first Conservation Tillage Club breakfast meeting held this past Tuesday on controlling pigweeds. If you were unable to attend, there is a West Central Ohio Weed Science Day coming up next week on January 17 in Mercer County. There will also be an industry required dicamba training provided by BASF that you can use to meet this yearly requirement if you plan to apply Xtendimax, Engenia, or FeXapan on soybeans. Lunch will be included in this day-long program, so if you are interested in attending, make sure you read the attached news release and flyer for details. You will need to contact Denny Reithman at the Mercer County Extension office (419-586-2179) to register so he can have a lunch count. All attendees also receive a free 2019 Weed Control Guide. I have also attached information about the revised label for these dicamba products effective starting in 2019.

West Central Ohio Weed Science Day News Release

2019 West Central Weed Science Day Flyer

Dicamba-Precautions for 2019

One of the new requirements for using dicamba on soybean in 2019 is that the person doing the mixing and spraying must be a licensed pesticide applicator and not just someone working under the person who holds the license. Because of this new requirement, there may be new people on the farm who need an Ohio Pesticide Applicator License. I have scheduled a new pesticide applicator class on January 29 at the Hardin County Extension office from 12:30-4:30 pm. See the attached news release and flyer for details about how to register for this class. The next Conservation Tillage Club breakfast is January 22 at the Plaza Inn featuring a Grain Marketing Outlook by Bailey Elchinger of INTL FC Stone. See the attached flyer for more information about this breakfast meeting. If you are looking for a listing of upcoming OSU Extension programs in the region, be sure to read the attached Top of Ohio Agriculture and Natural Resources Newsletter. You may want to save it for future reference.

New Pesticide Applicator Class News Release

New Pesticide Applicator Class Flyer

Conservation Tillage Club Flyer

2019 Top of Ohio ANR Winter Newsletter

Other programs in the region that are coming up include a few grain marketing classes in Fayette, Champaign, Miami, and Darke counties starting this month. See the two attached grain marketing flyers for more information about these educational opportunities. If you are involved with specialty crop production, you won’t want to miss the Southern Ohio Specialty Crop Conference on February 5. See the attached brochure and register as soon as possible because this event sells out most years. Upcoming local events in Hardin County include County Fair Livestock and Sale Committee meetings on Wednesday, January 16 starting at 6:30 pm at the fair office, Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday, January 17 starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office, and a Pork Producers meeting Tuesday, January 22 starting at 6:30 pm at the Ag Credit office. Stay warm and take a look at the ag crops articles that I have included for you to read below.

Grain Marketing Classes Fayette-Champaign Flyer

Grain Marketing Classes Miami-Darke Flyer

Southern Ohio Specialty Crop Conference Brochure

Mark

Results of the Ohio Crop Performance Trials Available Online – Laura Lindsey, Mark Sulc, Peter Thomison
The purpose of the Ohio Crop Performance Trials is to evaluate cultivars, hybrids, and blends for yield, and other characteristics. The results are published to provide a source of objective information from various locations in Ohio on the relative performance of seed currently available to Ohio farmers on several crops. Results of the 2018 corn, forage, soybean and wheat performance trials conducted by The Ohio State University Horticulture and Crop Department are available online at https://u.osu.edu/perf/. This web page also provides a link to archives of corn, forage, silage, soybean, and wheat trials. When results of the 2018 Corn Silage Test are finalized, those results will be added to this web page.

2018 eFields Research Report Available January 9th – Elizabeth Hawkins, John Fulton, Jenna Lee
High quality, relevant information is key to making the right management decisions for your farm. The eFields program at The Ohio State University was created to provide local information about critical issues for Ohio agriculture. The 2018 eFields Research Report highlighting 95 on-farm, field scale trials conducted in 25 Ohio counties will be released on January 9th. Research topics include nutrient management, precision seeding, crop management, soil compaction management, remote sensing, and data analysis and management. To help identify trial locations that are similar to your operation, each study includes information about weather, soil types, and management practices. Additionally, economic analysis was added to select trials this year. QR codes that link to videos featuring the researchers and partner farmers are available in the report. To find out how to download your copy of this research that includes three Hardin County trials, click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-01/2018-efields-research-report-available-january-9th.

Conservation Tillage Club Breakfast Series – Mark Badertscher
The 2019 Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program series will begin on Tuesday, January 8 at the Plaza Inn Restaurant in Mt. Victory. Each session will start at 7:30 am with a complimentary buffet breakfast followed by the program at 8:00 am. Other sessions will be held on January 22, February 5 and 19. On January 8, the program will feature Dr. Mark Loux, OSU Extension State Specialist in Weed Science speaking on No Pigweed Left Behind. The January 22 program will feature Bailey Elchinger, an INTL FC Stone, Risk Management Consultant with Grains. Her presentation will focus on the 2019 Grain Marketing Outlook. February 5 Dr. Pierce Paul, OSU Extension State Specialist in Corn and Small Grain Diseases will speak to the Conservation Tillage Club about Corn Diseases. The February 19 program will feature an interactive panel discussion of “Agriculture in 2030: A Look at Innovation through the Next Generation’s Eyes” presented by the Ridgemont FFA chapter. For more details about these upcoming breakfast programs, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-01/conservation-tillage-club-breakfast-series.

West Ohio Agronomy Day – Debbie Brown
The 2019 West Ohio Agronomy Day will be held on Monday, January 14th at St. Michael’s Hall in Fort Loramie. A light breakfast will be available starting at 8 a.m. with a marketing update from Cargill and Sunrise Cooperative at 8:30 a.m. Once again, Purdue’s Dr. Fred Whitford will be there, this time to talk about “Mixing Chemicals: Is there a right order?” Also presenting will be Dr. Pierce Paul, OSU Plant Pathology on “Plant Diseases,” Dr. Kelley Tilmon, OSU Entomology with a “Field Crop Insect Update,” and Dr. Jeff Stachler, OSU Extension Educator addressing “Management of Key Weeds” and “Principles of Weed Management.” In addition, Dr. Elizabeth (Libby) Dayton, OSU Research Scientist will be updating us on the “On-Field Ohio: Use Case for the Revised Ohio Phosphorus Risk Index” and Alan Sundermeier, OSU Extension Educator will be talking about “Using Cover Crops to Manage No-Till Soil Fertility” and “Is Your Soil Alive?” Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2018-41/west-ohio-agronomy-day.

West Central Ohio Weed Science Day – Dennis Riethman
Mercer County OSU Extension will host the 2019 West Central Ohio Weed Science Day. The program will be held on January 17, 2019, at the Knights of St. John Hall, 8608 St. Rt. 119, Maria Stein, Ohio, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The program will address the current weed situation in area fields along with weed identification and understanding herbicide site of action. Dr. Jeff Stachler, Auglaize County OSU Extension educator, and Harold Watters, OSU Extension Agronomic Crop Specialist, will be discussing Weed ID, Herbicide Site of Action and Weed Management Stategies. Peggy Hall, Director, OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program, will also give an explanation of the Noxious Weed Law. Finish reading about this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-01/west-central-ohio-weed-science-day.

Mark A. Badertscher
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
OSU Extension Hardin County
1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326
419-674-2297 Office
hardin.osu.edu