Hello,
I am Mark Badertscher, the new Hardin County OSU Extension Educator for Agriculture and Natural Resources. I have officially worked one week in the Hardin County Extension office and have been so fortunate to meet so many people. Just this morning at Ag Council breakfast held at Henry’s Restaurant, I met several new individuals and learned about what they are doing at the current time with their work in agriculture. We spent the afternoon Wednesday visiting eight farms and agribusinesses. I hope that I can continue to put names with faces and get to know as many of you as I can over time. My start has been interesting with so many different phone calls, emails, meetings, and on-site visits. I believe that in order for an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator to be effective, they need to be out and about in the county to find out what the problems and needs are. This way we can deliver quality programming that fits the needs of the people.
There are a couple of Agronomy related research studies that are being started in Hardin County. One is soybean production yield-limiting factor study which requires the testing of soil, plant tissue, and grain. The other is the setting up of insect traps for the Western Bean Cutworm, which is a pest of corn. We have four traps to set around the county and one is already spoken for so I am looking for three more farmers who would approve of me setting up a trap so that I can check it periodically. We are continuing the research involving the monthly rainfall amounts in the 15 Hardin County townships and I have attached a report for the April 15-May 31 time period. This is the first report of the growing season. On a related note, I had someone ask me if anyone knew of straw available in the area. If you or someone you know has straw available or will once wheat harvest is complete, I would appreciate it if you would contact me regarding the amount available and the price per bale.
I want to thank both Mark Light and Gene McCluer, along with the office staff helping me get started in this new position. Being new to extension, it will take me some time to become efficient with this job. I have been an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor for 25 years, so many things are similar. Thanks to all who have made me feel welcome so far and I look forward to meeting you soon at a meeting, program, our when I am around the communities that make up Hardin County. Feel free to stop by and say hello if you are in the area. Let’s hope there are some rainy days on their way which will allow you to do that.
Thank you,
Mark Badertscher
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