Posts

April 5, 2024

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Good afternoon,

We made it through the winter meeting season and there are only two more livestock banquets coming up this spring in Hardin County. This Saturday, April 6 is the Goat Banquet at 5:30 pm at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Kenton. Next Saturday, April 13 is the Horse Banquet at 6:00 pm at the Kenton Moose Family Center. I have attached copies of the news releases so that you may read more about them.

Goat Banquet News Release

Horse Banquet News Release

The big news is the upcoming solar eclipse which will move through Hardin County on Monday, April 8 with Forest being the prime location for viewing. As a farmer or landowner, there are some things that you should know in regard to securing property, livestock, equipment, and other items in case we get the influx of people that officials are expecting. There are concerns about liability and trespassers that have been brought up as well. See the attached article “Preparing Farms for the Solar Eclipse” to find out more regarding this upcoming event so you are prepared in case a situation arises.

Farm Solar Eclipse News Release

Once again, the Hardin County OSU Extension office will make free carrot, lettuce, cucumber, and sunflower seeds available starting April 10. This is made possible in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Victory Gardens program. Our Master Gardener Volunteers will also have seed available at their annual plant sale being held May 18 at the Friendship Gardens in Kenton. See the attached article for more information about the Ohio Victory Gardens program.

Victory Gardens News Release

Soon I will begin setting insect traps around the county to monitor crop pests. If you are interested in having a trap placed near a wheat or corn field, please contact me, and let me know the location of the field. I will check traps each Friday afternoon when I am out scouting and staging crops this spring. The results of the catches will be shared with the cooperating farmers and articles will appear in the CORN Newsletter throughout the growing season. As usual, see the attached articles for information related to agronomic crop production.

 

Mark

 

Spring 2024 Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 1 – Aaron Wilson

Following yet another warm winter (now the second warmest on record 1895-2024) and temperatures 2-6°F above average for the month of March, April soil temperatures are starting off on the warm side. Two-inch and four-inch soil temperatures across northern Ohio are in the low to mid 40s, while stations across the south are reporting low to mid 50s for daily averages. Soil temperatures should remain steady early this week, with a slight drop off this weekend possible as cooler air filters into the region. See more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/spring-2024-weather-soil-conditions-update-1.

 

Assessing Forage Stands and Winter Damage – Kyle Verhoff, Allen Gahler, Jason Hartschuh

Spring is here and now is a great time to walk fields and note how the forages faired. Winter damage is difficult to predict and the variability of temperatures this past winter across the state can present some difficult conditions for forages. Depending on the location and what type of forage field, winter damage may be a major concern, particularly for forages with taproots like alfalfa. Stands should be assessed carefully during spring green-up for concerns such as heaving and crown and root disease. A thorough and timely assessment will allow for planning any necessary adjustments for the 2024 season. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/assessing-forage-stands-and-winter-damage.

 

Battle for the Belt – Season 2, Episode 1: Kick-Off – Laura Lindsey, Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Joe Davlin

Year 2 of Battle for the Belt kicked-off with corn and soybean planting on March 25 at the Western Agricultural Research Station in Clark County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ukx_RvOrI&list=PLYlh_BdeqniJ4J-htcJ9Z5MjULk3E8Eqk&index=1. Planting conditions were good with adequate soil moisture; however, soil temperature was in the low 40s at a two-inch depth. Planting will continue at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station in Wood County and Wooster Campus in Wayne County when soil moisture conditions allow. Keep up with this ongoing research project now in its second year at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/battle-belt-%E2%80%93-season-2-episode-1-kick.

 

Spring Forage Establishment – Kyle Verhoff, Allen Gahler, Jason Hartschuh

As soil temperatures rise and the chances of a morning frost decline, the window to spring-establish forages is open. In the spring, the combination of weather and plenty to do make planting opportunities scarce. To take advantage of those short planting windows the following are items to consider to improve chances for a successful forage establishment this spring. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/spring-forage-establishment for information about establishing spring forages.

 

Scouting Early Alfalfa Weevil Activity – Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Maggie Lewis, Kyle Verhoff

Alfalfa weevils are one of the two key alfalfa pests in Ohio and now is the time to brush up on the scouting procedure and to add reminders to scout onto your calendar. Alfalfa weevil adults (and some eggs) overwinter in Ohio and lay eggs and become active when temperatures exceed 48°F. The larval stages of alfalfa weevil cause the most damage through foliar feeding, particularly during the 3rd and 4th instars. Peak larval activity and feeding damage are at their highest when heat units for the area are between 325 and 575 (accumulation from a base of starting at 48°F January 1st). As of writing this (Jan. 1 – March 31 ), heat units range from 270 in southwest Ohio to 118 in northeast Ohio. In terms of growing degree days, southern Ohio is comparable to this time last year but northern Ohio is ahead of schedule. Finish this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/scouting-early-alfalfa-weevil-activity.

 

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

Ohio Victory Gardens Offers Free Seeds

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Hardin County – It’s time once again to get your hands dirty and start growing! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio State University Extension offices are kicking off the fifth year of the Ohio Victory Gardens program. Due to high demand, the program has expanded to include 64 counties, up from 50 counties last year. Thousands of seed sample kits are available for free to the public to get people planting.

Specific days and times for each office are available on the Ohio Victory Gardens website, as well as planting resources and information. Hardin County OSU Extension will make available Ohio Victory Garden seed packets containing a combination of carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflowers. Seeds are currently available at the Hardin County OSU Extension Office, 1021 W Lima Street in Kenton and will also be available at its annual Master Gardener Volunteers Plant Sale being held Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W Kohler Street in Kenton.

Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. People were encouraged to find any usable space, plop in some seeds, and contribute homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the effort. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism.

While we’re not in wartime, we can all commiserate the past few months have been tough, mood-boosters are welcomed. So, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University are reviving the effort and once again inspiring people to get their hands dirty, realize the fruits of their labor and share with others if inspired. We believe a good day in the garden is good for the soul.

The Victory Gardens Program offers a full website with details on seed distribution, advice, and resources on every aspect of planting and harvesting produce at https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/online. All Victory Gardens participants will be eligible to win a free starter gardening toolkit by completing a short online survey to enter.

 

Article written by Ohio Department of Agriculture and edited by Mark Badertscher-OSU Extension, Hardin County

Horse Banquet

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Hardin County – The ninth annual Hardin County Horse Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 13 at the Kenton Moose Family Center. The doors will open at 5:30 pm for a silent auction to raise funds for the scholarship and food will be served at 6:00 pm. Banquet tickets this year are $18.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 18 and under. A child’s meal is $7.00 with kid-friendly food.

Reservations need to be made by April 5 by calling the following Hardin County Horse Club Advisors or committee members: Jonda Cole, Wendy Hooker, Ashley Haudenshield, Laura Gossard, Cinda Bame, or Ranee Liedel. The OSU Extension office can also take reservations by calling 419-674-2297 with all tickets paid for at the door at the banquet. The menu for the Horse Banquet will include a Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, side salad, cookie, and a drink. The kid’s friendly meal will be chicken nuggets, mac and cheese with one sauce, cookie, and a drink.

The purpose of the Hardin County Horse Banquet is to recognize the equine industry, including the youth and adults who work with horses in the county. Scholarship and royalty applications are available online at https://hardin.osu.edu/news/2024-livestock-commodity-banquet-dates-and-royalty-scholarship-information with applications due March 29th. As in the past, the new 2024 Horse King, Queen, Prince, and Princess will be crowned at this event. There are plans to present a $250 scholarship. Contact Ranee Liedel at 419-679-0110 or Laura Gossard at 567-674-3421 for more information or to donate door prizes for this event.

 

Goat Banquet

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Hardin County – The fifth annual Hardin County Goat Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 6 at the Family Center of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church located at 15436 State Route 309 in Kenton. Registration and seating will open at 5:00 pm with the public invited and the meal will begin at 5:30 pm. There is no cost, as each family is asked to bring a side dish and/or dessert. The main dish, drinks, and table service will be provided. There is no need for tickets, but pre-registration is encouraged by contacting the OSU Extension office at 419-674-2297 by April 1st.

There will be crowning of the 2024 Hardin County Fair Goat Royalty and announcing of the winner of the Hardin County Goat Boosters Scholarship. The evening will conclude with lots of fun door prizes, sponsored by businesses and individuals in the surrounding communities. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, and other raffles. Come join us for a fun evening! Questions about the Hardin County Goat Banquet can be directed to Jamie Ferguson at jamie.hazelton2020@gmail.com or by visiting the Hardin County Goat Banquet Facebook page.

March 8, 2024

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Good afternoon,

I hope that you have been enjoying the nice weather lately and have taken the opportunity to get things done outside. Maybe you have been working inside the shop or attending our winter Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension meetings, as there have certainly been enough events to keep you busy this winter. Our Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers just had their Spring Garden Seminar yesterday in Kenton. The Winter Livestock Banquets are in full swing, with the Lamb Banquet taking place this past weekend in Kenton. We had our Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification in Mt. Victory earlier this week, but there still is a Make-up/Specialty Pesticide-Fertilizer Recertification training being held at the Extension office in Kenton on March 27 if you missed it and still need to recertify before March 31.

Spring Garden Seminar News Release

Livestock Banquet Season Article

Lamb Banquet News Release

Pesticide Recertification News Release

The Pork Banquet is coming up March 16 at the Upper Scioto Valley School in McGuffey, The Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference is taking place in Ada next week on March 12-13. Find out how keynote speaker Alex Harrell, Soybean Yield Champion from southwest Georgia produced a yield of 206 bushels per acre. Go to ctc.osu.edu to register for this conference ($150 conference registration fee) or on-site at the Ohio Northern University McIntosh Center next Tuesday and Wednesday. The Beef Banquet is taking place March 23 in the Community Building at the fairgrounds in Kenton.

Pork Banquet News Release

Conservation Tillage Conference News Release

2024 CTC brochure

Beef Banquet News Release

There will be a “Battle for the Belt” regional Extension seminar in Kenton March 20 at the Extension office. You can register for this event online at https://go.osu.edu/2024hardinbattleforthebelt or call 419-674-2297. There is a $10 charge to help cover the cost of the catered lunch. Come hear OSU Extension state and field specialists review the results of the first year of corn vs. soybean planning date research for this statewide project. The Poultry Banquet will take place March 30 at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Kenton. See the attached news articles, brochure, and flyer for more information about these events.

Battle for the Belt News Release

Battle for the Belt flyer 2024_Hardin

Poultry Banquet News Release

Our next Hardin County Ag Council breakfast meeting will be held April 5 starting at 7:30 am at the McDonalds in Kenton. Come participate in our monthly roundtable discussion of county agricultural issues and events and get the latest information from OSU Extension. I hope to see you soon at one of the livestock banquets or upcoming Extension events. Until then, I have included some articles from the CORN Newsletter for your reference.

 

Mark

 

Spring Planting Weather/Climate Outlook – Jim Noel

Spring is quickly approaching. The question is, what is in store for planting season from Mother Nature? We have a strong El Niño ongoing in the eastern Pacific Ocean, but it is weakening quickly and should end during planting season. Often effects in the atmosphere can linger a bit longer. The years where strong El Niño events come to an end in spring include 2016, 1998, 1982, 1973, 1958 and 1878. You can see this in the first graphic above. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-05/spring-planting-weatherclimate-outlook.

 

Growers and Retailers Needed: Understanding Yield Response to K Applications in Ohio – John Fulton, Aaron Heilers

Potassium (K) is a key nutrient for growing profitable crops in Ohio. Recently in Ohio, consultants, retailers, and farmers have been concerned that soil K values have been decreasing. One cause for this decrease is higher soybean and corn yields leading to higher K removal rates in grain harvested from Ohio fields. Further, moving to annual applications of P and K for corn-soybean rotations has been the trend over the past decade. In recent years, certain regions in Ohio have noted corn and soybean yield responses to K that seem to fall outside the Tri-State Recommendations. Find out more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-05/growers-and-retailers-needed-understanding-yield-response-k.

 

Please Participate! Using Data-Driven Knowledge for Profitable Soybean Management Systems – Laura Lindsey

Help us help you grow more profitable soybeans through the power of data science. Soybean agronomists are developing an app to help you make decisions in real time. The more data we collect, the more accurate the tool will be. (And…the more data we have from Ohio, the more applicable the tool will be to our state!) The app will allow growers to drop a pin in a field, enter input variables, and receive crop management decision help directly and through online scouting tools such as Sporecaster and Tarspotter. Continue reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-05/please-participate-using-data-driven-knowledge-profitable-soybean.

 

EPA’s Existing Stocks Order for Dicamba Use in 2024 – Alyssa Essman, Peggy Hall

On February 6th, 2024, the registration of the three dicamba products labeled for over-the-top applications (OTT) in soybean were vacated by a federal court in Arizona. Read more about this in the previous C.O.R.N. newsletter, “Dicamba registration vacated.” On February 14th, the EPA issued an existing stocks order, which stated that dicamba ordered, packaged, and ready for shipment prior to the registration vacation can be sold and used in the upcoming growing season. An in-depth overview of this order can be found here, “EPA issues “existing stocks” order for over-the-top dicamba use.” In Ohio, the dates for sale and use of existing stocks of XtendiMax, Engenia, or Tavium for use on dicamba-tolerant soybean (ordered or in possession as of February 6th, 2024) are as follows: May 31st, 2024 – last date for sale, distribution, and June 30th, 2024 – last date for use. Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-05/epa%E2%80%99s-existing-stocks-order-dicamba-use-2024 to read more.

 

Ohio’s Premier Ag Conference March 12-13 in Ada – Mark Badertscher, Randall Reeder

Sixty outstanding presenters with topics on agronomic crops, soil health, nutrient management, water quality, carbon, and precision agriculture technology will bring approximately 800 participants to Ada, Ohio March 12-13. The Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference will be held for the 32nd year at Ohio Northern University. A great opportunity to listen, learn and network with farmers, Certified Crop Advisers, industry representatives, Natural Resources Conservation Service professionals, university professors and students, and about 25 Exhibitors will gather for this event. Finish reading about the Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-05/ohio%E2%80%99s-premier-ag-conference-march-12-13-ada.

 

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

Poultry Banquet

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Hardin County – The 2024 Hardin County Poultry Banquet will be held Saturday, March 30th at the Family Center of the Kenton Christian & Missionary Alliance Church located at 15436 State Route 309 in Kenton, Ohio.

Chicken will be provided as the main course. Each family attending is asked to bring their most requested, best-tasting side dish and dessert to share. There will be no charge for the evening, but reservations are necessary. Doors open at 5:00 pm, dinner will begin at 6:00 pm. Table service will be provided.

The 2024 Hardin County Fair Poultry King and Queen will be crowned and winners from the 2023 Poultry Department will be recognized. Enjoy a wonderful time of fellowship and delicious food along with awesome gift baskets and raffle prizes! Prepare your favorite dishes and come join us for a pleasant and fun-filled evening celebrating all things poultry in Hardin County!

The reservation deadline for this year’s Poultry Banquet is Saturday, March 16th. Please call, text, or email Catherine Scharf at (419) 996-9234 or ceoscharf@gmail.com to make a reservation. Reservations can also be made through the Hardin County OSU Extension office.

Battle for the Belt – Corn vs Soybean

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Hardin County – Should I plant corn or soybean first in the spring? What crop has the smallest yield penalty for delayed planting? Can you adjust your management practices to mitigate losses due to late planting? How are diseases affected by planting date? OSU Extension is bringing this “Battle for the Belt” program to the Hardin County OSU Extension office, 1021 W Lima Street, Kenton, on Wednesday, March 20 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

We will answer these questions and more during our Battle for the Belt Winter meetings. Come hear OSU Extension State Corn Specialist Osler Ortez and State Soybean Specialist Laura Lindsey provide the first year’s results of this statewide research project along with graduate student Taylor Dill’s field observations.

Agronomic Field Specialist Stephanie Karhoff will provide corn disease and planting considerations. State Soybean Disease Specialist Horacio Lopez-Nicora will provide soybean disease and planting considerations. There will be follow-up questions and applications facilitated by research specialist Luke Waltz.

Find out the results of this year’s research and discuss them over a catered lunch made possible by the Ohio Soybean Council and Ohio Corn & Wheat. Registration is $10 per person at https://go.osu.edu/2024hardinbattleforthebelt or call 419-674-2297.

Beef Banquet

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Hardin County – The Hardin County Cattle Producers will hold their annual Beef Banquet on Saturday, March 23 in the Community Building at the fairgrounds, starting at 6:30 pm. Pre-sale tickets are $20 ($25 at the door), kids ages 7-10 are $10, and kids ages 6 and under are free. The 2023 Hardin County Junior Fair Beef Barn Exhibitors are free with a reservation given to any Cattle Producers Director or the Hardin County OSU Extension office.

Tickets can be purchased from the following county Cattle Producers Directors: Madisen Jolliff, Mackenzie Wallace, Dustin Badertscher, Adam Billenstein, Jeff Oestreich, Justin Eibling, Stacia Hall-Boughan, Derek Dunson, Kristie Royer, Brieanne Sullivan, Deana Gibson, and Dick Cronley by March 15.

Scholarship winners will also be announced the night of the banquet. The Hardin County Cattle Producers are offering $500 scholarships to qualified students for the 2024-25 school year. Scholarships will be awarded to applicants who themselves or their parents are current members of the Hardin County Cattle Producers or currently have a beef cattle project in either 4-H or FFA. Applicants for the Cattle Producers scholarships can go to go.osu.edu/2024beefscholarship to apply online by the March 15 deadline.

The Cattle Producers Service Award will be presented as well at the annual Beef Banquet. The Service Award is presented to a person or organization that has demonstrated dedication to the mission of the Hardin County Cattle Producers.

Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference March 12-13 in Ada

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Hardin County – The Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTC) will be held in- person March 12-13 at Ohio Northern University in Ada. The first day of this year’s conference will feature Alex Harrell, Soybean Yield Champion from southwest Georgia with a yield of 206 bushels per acre. His presentation has been made possible by sponsor Brandt Professional Agriculture.

Shawn Conley, Extension Soybean Specialist, University of Wisconsin, will return and be paired with Alex Harrell and Laura Lindsey, OSU Extension, during the Agronomic Crop Management session after lunch, Tuesday. Shawn Conley is always one of the conference’s most popular speakers.

Paul Jasa, Extension Agricultural Engineer, University of Nebraska, will return to CTC as another one of the main speakers, sponsored by Calmer Corn Heads, he will speak four times. Pioneer is sponsoring Dr. Nicolas Martin, University of Illinois, speaking on “Do Management Zones Increase Yields?”

With about 60 speakers total, CTC gives plenty of opportunities to gain valuable information. Among the speakers are Barry Fisher, a soil health expert; Dan Quinn, Purdue University; Kevin Erb, University of Wisconsin; Bill Lehmkuhl, Precision Agri Services; Jane Fife, 3 Bar Biologics; Laura Johnson, Heidelberg University; Shawn Lucas, Kentucky State University; Terry Hofecker, Soil 1; and about 25 OSU Extension Educators and campus faculty.

Connect with other farmers and CCAs, experience new ideas, and increase your net income. Historically over 800 individuals will attend each day of this two-day conference, making it the largest agricultural meeting in northwestern Ohio. Plenty of CCA and CLM credits will be available. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss one-on-one with speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. Bring a friend and/or family members.

The meeting and program have been developed by The Ohio State University Extension Specialists along with Agriculture and Natural Resources Educators in local counties with assistance from local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ohio Department of Agriculture, and United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Farmers, consultants, industry representatives, and government officials will meet each day to listen to university specialists, industry representatives, and producers discuss new products and ideas for agriculture. Master Farmer Awards and the Ohio CCA of the Year will be announced.

Tuesday sessions will include No-till, Cover Crops, and Soil Health; Nutrient Management; Agronomic Crop Management; and Precision Ag & Technology. Wednesday sessions will include No-till, Cover Crops and Soil Health; Agronomic Crop Management; Water Quality; Climate, Carbon, and Soil Health.

Registration is $100 (https://www.allenswcd.com/cttc/) and is a flat rate of $100 if postmarked before March 1, 2024 and then $150. (On-site registration will be $150.) Registration will include access to all recorded presentations from about April 15 to July 1, including CCA and CLM credits. QR codes will be active for those weeks. (Crop Consultants must register individually to receive CCA credits.) For more information about the conference, go to https://ctc.osu.edu.

Pork Banquet

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Hardin County – The Hardin County Pork Producers will hold their annual Pork Banquet on Saturday, March 16 at the Upper Scioto Valley School auditorium in McGuffey, starting at 6:30 pm. The evening will include naming of the Hardin County Pork Industry Queen and Pork Producers Scholarship Recipients, as well as pork dishes and door prizes. Adult and non-exhibitor ticket prices are $8, fair workers from the Pork Producers Pavilion are $4, and free for 2023 Hardin County Junior Fair Swine Exhibitors.

All Hardin County Junior Fair Swine Exhibitors attending the banquet will receive a hoodie from the Hardin County Pork Producers. When calling in reservations, you must give shirt sizes for the swine exhibitors by March 1st to receive your hoodie.

The banquet is open to all interested people, but advance tickets are required. Tickets can be purchased through March 8 from the following county Pork Producers Directors: Tyler Skidmore, Steve & Kelly Searson, Doug & Christine Heilman, Tim Holbrook, Mark Watkins, Matt Holbrook, LeVern & Nancy Weaver, Nathan Weaver, Rusty Bingham, Wes VanScoy, Ranae Sherman, Alyson Purcell, Jody Dye, and Dillon Rall. Tickets can also be reserved from the Extension office by calling 419-674-2297.

The Hardin County Pork Producers are offering up to six $750 scholarships to qualified students. Scholarships will be awarded to high school or college students from the six county schools. Applicants must be a son/daughter of a Hardin County Pork Producer or have been a 4-H or FFA member who has/had swine projects at the Hardin County Fair. Questions about the scholarships can be addressed to Steve Searson at 937-407-0785.

The Pork Producers are also looking for 2024 Pork Industry Queen Contestants. Eligible candidates for the title of Hardin County Pork Industry Queen must be age 15 through 19 as of January 1, 2024. To be eligible for the State Pork Industry Queen contest, the entrant must be 17 prior to January 1 of the year they will be competing. Anyone qualified and interested can become Hardin County Pork Industry Queen, but only those who reside on a farm on which hogs are raised and is the daughter of parents now actively engaged in the production of pork will be eligible for the State Pork Industry District III Queen Contest in 2024. Selection will be held before a panel of judges at the Pork Banquet on Saturday, March 16. Questions about the Pork Industry Queen can be addressed to Nancy Weaver at 567-674-0559 or Alyson Purcell at 567-674-4512.

Applications and rules for both the Hardin County Pork Producers Scholarships and Hardin County Pork Industry Queen can be found at hardin.osu.edu and must be received online by March 1, 2024.