September 27, 2013

Good afternoon,

Harvest is here!  It is a welcome sight to see the combines working in the fields as several soybean fields are being taken off around the county.  I haven’t heard much yield information yet but the machines are kicking up a bunch of dust so the crop looks to be dry.  There has also been some wheat being planted as yesterday was the fly-free date for Hardin County.  It looks like the rain is going to hold off after last week’s event at least until Sunday or Monday.  See the article below for the harvest forecast.

The Hardin County Sheep Tour mailing went out this week.  If you are not on the sheep producer mailing list but might be interested in attending the tour, it is October 26-27.  It starts out in the Findlay area as our first stop is the University of Findlay Animal Sciences Center and goes to the Mt. Hope area.  I have attached a copy of the letter if you would like to find out more information regarding this annual event to learn about sheep management practices as we visit three sheep farms and two sheep production related agribusinesses.

Sheep Tour Invitation Letter 2013

The Hardin County Agricultural Hall of Fame deadline for nominations is coming up October 15.  See the attached press release, and I have also attached both a Word document and pdf copy of the application to this email.  Please encourage individuals to apply as we plan to recognize these worthy applicants at the Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame Banquet on December 3.  Applications are also available at hardin.osu.edu and at the local OSU Extension Office.

Ag Hall of Fame Nominations     Ag Hall of Fame Purpose and Nomination form 2013     Ag Hall of Fame Purpose and Nomination form 2013

The Hardin County Extension Office is seeking an office associate.  This individual will serve multiple roles in the office, including word processing, financial management, editing and mailing educational resources, data base management, and greeting public.   The full time position is located in the Kenton office of OSU Extension, and will begin on as soon as hired.  Our current office associate, Carrie Newland has moved on to a new position so we will be looking to fill this position soon.  The new person would be an OSU employee and have full benefits.  To assure consideration, applications must be received online no later than October 13, 2013.  Questions about the position should be directed to Mark Light.  For more information, see the attached job announcement.  Please bear with us as we make the transition to getting someone on board in our office.

officeassoc

The October Ag Council meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 4.  The meeting starts at 7:00 am in the banquet room of Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton.  Feel free to join us to share agricultural information if you are available.  Below is a list of current articles that you might find useful.  Be safe as you begin the harvest season and let’s hope for bountiful crops.

Mark

 

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October Weather Update –  Jim Noel

After a heavy rainfall event last week, we will return to above normal temperatures and mainly dry weather this week. Fields will dry quickly as warm days will combine with low humidity levels. Temperatures will average 3-6 degrees above normal this week. Rainfall will generally be zero, though a few spots in the far south part of the state may see isolated showers midweek.  To read more about the upcoming harvest weather patterns, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-32/october-weather-update.

 

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Be on the Lookout for Unexpected Lodging During Harvest – Andy Michel, Ron Hammond

For the past few years, we have been warning about the presence of Bt-resistant western corn rootworms.  We have not yet detected the presence of resistant rootworms in Ohio, but detecting damage is often difficult.  As corn producers begin their harvest, keep a sharp eye out for any areas of significant lodging that may be indicative of western corn rootworm damage in corn expressing Bt.  To find out more information, read the full article at http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-32/be-on-the-lookout-for-unexpected-lodging-during-harvest.

 

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Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth Problems Developing in Ohio – What Dairy Producers Need to Know – Dr. Mark Loux, Extension Specialist, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, The Ohio State University

We have plenty of glyphosate-resistant weed populations in Ohio.  Resistance currently is known to occur in four weed species here – marestail (horseweed), giant ragweed, common ragweed, and waterhemp – and many of these populations are also resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (Classic, FirsRate, etc.).  The good news is that our resistance problems are overall less severe than in the southern United States, where the now widespread occurrence of Palmer amaranth has had a substantial impact on crop yields and profitability of cotton and soybean growers and forced a semi-permanent change in the amount of herbicide that has to be used.  As we expected though, glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth populations are starting to show up here in Ohio.  To read more of this and other dairy articles, go to http://dairy.osu.edu/bdnews/Volume%2015%20issue%205%20file/Volume%2015%20Issue%205.html#Glyphosate.

 

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Abnormal Corn Ears – Peter Thomison

Farmers frequently encounter abnormal corn ears in their fields when the crop has experienced stress conditions, such as drought, temperature extremes, disease, insect injury, or misapplied chemicals. These abnormalities often affect yield and grain quality adversely. We have prepared a poster (Fig.1) highlighting ten abnormal corn ears with distinct symptoms and causes. The purpose of the poster is to help corn growers and agricultural professionals diagnose various ear disorders. A reduced 11 x 14 inch version of the poster is available for online at http://agcrops.osu.edu/specialists/corn/specialist-announcements/AbnormalCornEarsPoster_000.pdf/view.

 

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Preplan for Quality Soil Test Results – Greg LaBarge 

Soil testing is a very profitable practice to manage fertility input cost and promote environmental stewardship. The primary goal is to measure the soil’s ability to provide the soluble nutrient needed for crop production for two of our three macro nutrients (phosphorus and potassium) plus measure soil acidity which governs availability of micro nutrients and other soil functions. A secondary goal is to compare soil test results over time with crop response and fertilizer additions to identify trends in the fertility program as it is executed or what is becoming known as “adaptive management”. The key to accomplishing both these goals is to take a quality soil sample that represents the field area being sampled.  To read more, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-32/preplan-for-quality-soil-test-results.

 

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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

September 20, 2013

Good evening,

This afternoon I finished up the Hardin County Weed Survey.  This is a statewide research project done every year by OSU Extension.  I ended up checking a total of 105 soybean fields around the county for problem weeds.  Weed problems were identified as occasional, large patches, and wide spread.  The weed that occurred the most and also in the greatest amount was giant ragweed as it was spotted in 32 fields.  32 fields also had volunteer corn, but these fields were in smaller concentrations.  Marestail was also a problem, as it was spotted in 28 fields with a medium amount of concentration.  I saw several fields that weed control was not an issue around the county.  While out checking soybean fields for the weed survey, I also noticed smaller amounts of lambsquarter, pigweed, and various grasses.

Harvest has begun in the county as there have been some early soybean fields combined.  I also noticed one corn field shelled, and another where the end rows were taken off.  In addition, I have noticed some corn that has been harvested for silage.  I haven’t heard much information about yields, moisture and test weights, so if you are willing to share that information, I would be interested in knowing how the crops are doing.  One early report I heard was a bean field at 56 bushels per acre.  There has also been some cover crop sowing activity.  I saw one field that looked like it had been planted with a drill and heard reports of seeding with an airplane in existing corn and soybean fields.  There has also been a lot of activity with the installation of conservation structures around the county.

The Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association is putting the finishing touches on their annual fall sheep tour.  This year’s tour will be Saturday, October 26 through Sunday October 27 and will visit the University of Findlay Animal Sciences Center  and Mt. Hope area.  More information will be coming soon so let me know if you are interested in joining us this year and I will make sure you get the information.  If you are in Ada tomorrow, be sure to stop by the Harvest & Herb Festival and visit the Hardin County Master Gardener booth.  They will have garden stones, tree seedlings, and may also be able to help you with your horticulture and gardening questions.

Also, if anyone is interested in becoming a Master Gardener, I have attached information about the upcoming classes in Allen and Putnam Counties which will be starting soon.  The Master Gardeners are an OSU Extension educational group that exists to teach people proper gardening techniques and to help solve related horticulture problems that people have with their own landscapes, yards, trees, and gardens.  Hardin County residents can get their training in a neighboring county and then volunteer in Hardin County.

Allen MG Enrollment Form     Allen MG Class – syllabus 2013     Putnam Welcome letter     Putnam registration form     Putnam Class schedule

Finally, I have attached the press release and official judge’s results from the Hardin County Carcass Show of Champions. Take a look at the information to find out how this year’s county fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion steers, barrows, gilts, lambs, and goats did on the rail.  Thanks to Mt. Victory Meats, the Hardin County Cattle Producers, the Hardin County Pork Producers, the Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association, and the Hardin County Fair for sponsoring this event.  In addition, I have included a few articles below that you might be interested in reading.

2013 Carcass Show summary news release     Hardin Co 2013 Carcass Results

Mark

 

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Evaluating Corn Hybrid Demonstration Plots – Peter Thomison

This is the time of year when many farmers visit and evaluate hybrid demonstration plots planted by seed companies and county Extension personnel, among others. When evaluating these plots, it’s important to keep in mind their relative value and limitations.

Demonstration plots may be useful in providing information on certain hybrid traits that are usually not reported in state corn performance summaries. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-31/evaluating-corn-hybrid-demonstration-plots to read about some traits to consider when examining hybrid demonstration plots.

 

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Palmer Amaranth Update – Mark Loux

You may be sick of hearing about Palmer amaranth already but get used to it.  A few things to be aware of right now. There appears to be somewhat of an epicenter of new Palmer amaranth infestations in an area southwest of Columbus, bordered roughly by Midway on the north and Washington CH on the south.  There is a dairy in the area that has been using cottonseed products for feed and a local grower has been transporting these products to the dairy from somewhere in the south.  There are Palmer amaranth plants in a number of fields in the area and also on the grounds of the dairy.  One grower contacted us after finding it in his field, and has since been busy digging out and removing plants.  If you farm in this area, be sure to take some time to scout fields and roadsides now for Palmer amaranth and take appropriate action as necessary.  Palmer amaranth is a prohibited noxious weed in Ohio.  Go tohttp://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-30/palmer-amaranth-update-2013-send-lawyers-guns-and-money-the-has-hit-the-fan for more information.

 

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Cover Crop Tips – Jim Hoorman

First, do not broadcast treated wheat seed or other treated cover crop seed into soybeans or corn.  Some farmers broadcast some left over treated wheat seed into a soybean field and at harvest they found treated wheat seed mixed in with the soybeans.  Also, since the soil is dry, it is best to drill or plant cover crop seeds to get good seed to soil contact and germination.  Cover crop plants need 60 to 90 days of growth to get established and/or to survive the winter.  Be careful of broadcasting cereal rye or winter rye on dry soil if you are planning to plant wheat after soybeans next year.  Some farmers are finding that cereal rye that does not sprout this year will grow in wheat fields next year and become a weed.  Getting the seed drilled or planted at least 1 inch deep will generally induce the seed to germinate this year rather than carrying over to another crop next year.

 

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Corn, Beans, Wheat and Cows . . . Who Says That Rotation Can’t Work? – Stan Smith, OSU Extension PA, Fairfield County

I think I’ve told this story before, but considering the discussion that follows, it’s appropriate to mention it again. Dad was a mechanic for a local farm implement dealer. Once while out on a service call in mid summer he asked the farmer if he’d gotten all his hay made. The response – in a slow German accent – was, “Yes, I got it made . . . but it rained so much, I was never able to get it baled.”  Despite that being the case in some parts of Ohio earlier this summer, the fact is that we still have an abundance of feedstuffs available that will maintain beef cows cost effectively if managed and supplemented properly. Over the years we’ve spent a lot of time in this publication discussing the planting of small grains in late summer and fall for supplemental forage. With over 700,000 acres of wheat planted in Ohio this year, the opportunities were huge for producing additional forages there.  To continue reading this and other beef articles, go tohttp://beef.osu.edu/beef/beefSep1813.html.

 

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Modified Relay Intercropping – Getting Started  –  Steve Prochaska

Modified Relay Intercropping (MRI) is the planting of soybeans into headed wheat that may occur up to 6 weeks prior to wheat harvest.   MRI is system where two crops, wheat and soybeans can be harvested in the same growing season.  To determine equipment suitability for modified relay intercropping;  begin in fall by running wheat drill/planter set to appropriate row spacing  in fallow ground and then ‘soybean seeder’  to evaluate where tractor tires, planting equipment tires and openers will fit in wheat rows. Plan for a tram line and also make wheat row spreaders for tractor tires and planting equipment to move wheat out of row when planting.  To find out more about growing soybeans along with wheat, go tohttp://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-31/modified-relay-intercropping-2013-getting-started.

 

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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

September 13, 2013

Good evening,

It’s Friday again.  Where do these weeks go?  Today I finished pulling all of the Western Bean Cutworm traps that were placed around the county.  I want to thank Dan Hiller, Jerry Layman, Steve Poland, and Paul Ralston for volunteering their fields for use for this study.  This growing season did not produce any confirmed Western Bean Cutworms in our Hardin County traps.  This is good news for area corn producers and was standard for much of the state.  Today also marked the start of the fall weed survey.  Thanks to Glen Arnold, OSU Extension Manure Management Specialist and former Putnam County Agriculture Extension Educator for training me for this project.  We worked in the northeast corner of the county, recording weed data from soybean fields, mostly seeing Marestail, Giant Ragweed, and volunteer corn in the 25 fields we surveyed.  Other weeds noticed in smaller numbers included Lambsquarter, Pigweed, and Giant Foxtail.  We did see several fields that were mostly weed free.

The August rainfall report numbers are in from our Hardin County township reporters.  During the month of August, there was a reported average of 1.94 inches of rain in the county.  Last year we received 3.84 inches of rain during the same month.  That puts us at 18.48 inches of rain for the growing season, which is 1.11 inches below the 10 year average for the same time period in the county.  For more details, see the attached press release.

August 2013 summary

This week was the Hardin County Carcass Show of Champions.  The results turned out to be interesting as the reserve champions won every class except for the gilts.  I will include the official results in next week’s email as I still need to summarize the information.  Don’t forget that the big event in Ohio agriculture this coming week will be the Farm Science Review on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Our office will be sending in remaining pre-sale tickets on Monday afternoon.  Enjoy your weekend and if you are interested, below are some articles might be of use to you.

Mark

 

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“Nosing Back” and “Zipper Ears” in Corn  – Peter Thomison

Recently I’ve received reports of corn ears exhibiting “nosing back” symptoms. This condition, also referred to as “tip-back”, or “tipping back”, is not unusual and we encounter it every year although the magnitude of the problem varies greatly. Tip dieback is associated with unfertilized ovules and aborted kernels at the ear tip. Even in fields that receive timely rains, corn ears with unfilled tips may be common. No kernels may be evident on the last two or more inches of the ear tip. Several factors may cause this problem.  To find out more about these factors, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/c.o.r.n.-newsletter-2013-29/nosing-back-and-zipper-ears-in-corn.

 

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Important Wheat Management Guidelines: A 2013 Update –    Ed Lentz, Ron Hammond, Andy Michel, Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul

As growers make preparations for planting wheat this fall, we would like to remind them of a few management decisions that are important for a successful crop. Nearly every farm in Ohio has a field or two that could benefit from planting wheat, if for no other reason than to help reduce problems associated with continuous planting of soybeans and corn. Consistent high yields can be achieved by following a few important management guidelines.  Read more at http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/2013-30/important-wheat-management-guidelines-a-2013-update-1 for recommended wheat guidelines.

 

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2013 Eastern Agricultural Research Station Beef School –  October 3 and 10, 5:45-8;00 pm – 16870 Bond Ridge Road, Caldwell, OH 43724

Topics for this beef school include – October 3: Livestock handling and working facilities, Forage quality concerns, Pocket ag apps for beef producers.  October 10: Biggest health concerns for cattle and calves, Pregnancy blood test kits.  If you are interested in finding out more about this training, see the attached flier.

BeefSchool2013Revised

 

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OSU Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership Campus Visit Days – September 26, October 18 and 25

Do you have a son, daughter, or grandchild interested in majoring in Agriscience Education, Agricultural Communication, or Community Leadership?  The Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership at The Ohio State University will be hosting three visit days this fall for interested high school students to tour campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about the major of their choice.  Parents and teachers are also welcome to attend, as there will be sessions on financial aid and supporting your new college student in addition to group tours and lunch. For more information, check out the attached flier.

QR Visit Days Poster (Classrooms)

 

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Fall Webworm Update – Dave Shetlar, Curtis Young, Gary Gao, Joe Boggs

There have been some calls the past couple of weeks regarding fall webworms.  Fall webworm moths typically have two generations per year in Ohio and despite their common name, first generation nests usually appear in late spring.  Fall webworm caterpillars only feed on the leaves that are enveloped by their silk nest.  As caterpillars grow in size, they expand their nest by casting silk over more leaves to accommodate their expanding appetites.  For more information about this pest, go to http://bygl.osu.edu/content/fall-webworm-update-0.

 

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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

 

September 6, 2013

Good evening,

It’s been a busy week with the Hardin County Fair.  This is my first time at the Hardin County Fair and I can say that I am impressed with the way the people work together to make things happen.  I have witnessed this with the set-up, operation of shows, and also in the commodity group food stands.  The shows have had high quality livestock and I have noticed how most people in attendance take a sincere interest in the shows.  It is nice to see the families working together in the barns and I have enjoyed meeting several people so far at this year’s fair.  I hope that many of you come out tomorrow to support the youth at the Jr. Fair Livestock Sale and continue to patronize the local businesses and groups participating in the fair.  We couldn’t have asked for better fair weather.

Don’t forget to attend the Hardin County Carcass Show of Champions Tuesday after the fair on September 10.  The program will begin at 6:00 pm at Mt. Victory Meats.  Also, remember that Ag Council will be a week later than normal this month on September 13.  The program will begin at with breakfast being served at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton at 7:00 am.  We still have Farm Science Review tickets for sale in the Extension office.  This year’s Farm Science Review runs from September 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London.  See the article below for the agronomic schedule of events.

I haven’t had a chance to watch the Ohio State football game from last week yet so hopefully things will slow down soon so I can catch up.  Western Bean Cutworm traps will be pulled this coming week and I will need to collect farm management surveys from those participating in the soybean research study so that the cooperating farmers can receive their stipend for participating.  Enjoy the next couple weeks and get rested up if you can so that we can have a safe harvest.  As usual, below are some articles that might be of interest to yo

Mark

 

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Estimating Corn Yields Prior to Harvest   – Peter Thomison

Two procedures that are widely used for estimating corn grain yields prior to harvest are the YIELD COMPONENT METHOD (also referred to as the “slide rule” or corn yield calculator) and the EAR WEIGHT METHOD. Each method will often produce yield estimates that are within 20 bu/ac of actual yield. Such estimates can be helpful for general planning purposes.  Go tohttp://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/c.o.r.n.-newsletter-2013-25/estimating-corn-yields-prior-to-harvestif you are interesting in finding out how good your corn crop might be.

 

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Fall Harvest Considerations for Alfalfa   – Rory Lewandowski,  Mark Sulc

A popular question as we enter September is: What is the last date to harvest alfalfa?  Unfortunately, there is not one single right answer to this question.  It really depends upon a number of risk factors and how comfortable the alfalfa grower is with varying degrees of risk.  Based on risk, there are guidelines that can be used to help determine a last fall harvest date.  To read more about these guidelines, go tohttp://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/c.o.r.n.-newsletter-2013-29/fall-harvest-considerations-for-alfalfa.

 

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Agronomic Crops Team Schedule for Farm Science Review  –  Harold Watters, CPAg/CCA

There is a chance for one more field day, that lasts for three days – the September 17, 18 and 19 OSU Farm Science Review at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London Ohio. One way to learn is to see first-hand the research that the Agronomic Crops Team conducts. The Agronomy demonstration plots are to the east of the exhibit area, on the path from the parking lot to the main pedestrian entrance at Gate C. We’ll be there all day, all three days from 8AM to 5PM. Look for the tent, stop and visit.  For the complete Agronomic schedule, go to

http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2013/c.o.r.n.-newsletter-2013-29/agronomic-crops-team-schedule-for-farm-science-review.

 

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Sheep Breeding and Selection Program – Rory Lewandowski

The Ohio Heartland Sheep Improvement Association (OHSIA) is sponsoring a program entitled “Breeding and Selecting Sheep for Maximum Profit” on Saturday, September 28.  The program will be held at the Kidron Livestock Auction Sprunger Building, Kidron OH and will run from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm.  Topics that will covered during the day include: Selection principles, Ewe breeding, management and ultrasound demonstration, Ram management and breeding soundness exam demonstration, Farm biosecurity, Practical uses of artificial insemination in sheep, Genetic selection for parasite resistance, Fecal egg count discussion and demonstration.   Pre-registration is required by September 20 and the registration fee is $30 for the first member of the family and $15 for additional family members.  For more information contact Don Brown at 330-897-4320, email: don.pllc@gmail.com or Kathy Bielek at 330-264-5281, email:kathy.bielek@gmail.com.  An informational flier and registration form is posted on the Wayne County Extension web site at: wayne.osu.edu, then click on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

 

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Staying Safe Around Grain –  Kathy Mann – Agricultural Safety and Health Program Coordinator

As harvest time is approaching, take time to refresh your family, friends and employees about the hazards of grain.  Grain can create a deadly flow regardless of where it is stored. Bridged grain or grain stuck to the side or over an opening can engulf a person once it is broke free. A person can become trapped in this grain within seconds, which can lead to suffocation. It only takes 3 to 4 seconds for an adult to become helpless in grain and only 20 seconds for an adult to become totally covered.

Help protect your family by:

•         Locking doors, gates and discharging chutes of any grain storage units.

•         Keep kids out of grain wagons, carts, semi beds.

•         Have ladders and grain elevator legs high enough kids cannot climb on then, if this is not possible make sure to secure a barrier to prevent access.

•         If entry into the bin is necessary, always have at least 3 people and make sure all augers are turned off. One person is to enter the bin and the others remain outside in case an emergency occurs. Always use a body harness with a lifeline secured to the outside of the bin.

For more information about grain entrapment, view http://ohioline.osu.edu/atts/PDF-English/Bin-Entrapment.pdf

 

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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