Good evening,

This week brought some field activity as I noticed poultry manure being spread, lime being prepared for application, and wheat being top dressed.  As field conditions improve, some may decide to begin spring activities such as these.  When should manure be spread on a field?  Also, when is it okay to apply lime and how much can be applied at a time?  When should nitrogen be applied to wheat?  It is recommended that manure should not be applied when there exists a chance for run-off.  Manure should be incorporated when possible, and not over-applied.  For more information, OSU has put together ‘Best Management Practices: Land Application of Animal Manure’ which can be found at http://ohioline.osu.edu/agf-fact/0208.html.  See the article below about Pelletized Lime that has a link to an OSU Fact Sheet on lime application and the article on Nitrogen Recommendations for Wheat.  There is also some tile installation being done in the area, as I saw both some trenching and V-plow operations being done.

 

This summer we plan to  continue the soybean research that was started last year in Hardin County.  This research involves identifying yield-limiting factors in soybean production and the goal is to increase production.  I am currently looking for 2-3 farmers who would like to be a part of this study.  We are looking for fields at least 40 acres in size that will be planted to soybeans this spring.  The farmer is asked to complete a management practices survey.  I will come out and do soil sampling for nutrients and soybean cyst nematodes as part of the study.  Later, I will take some leaf samples for nutrient analysis and scout the field for insects, weeds, and diseases two different times.  Once the soybeans are harvested, we will ask for yield data from your combine monitor and a sample of grain will be sent to OSU for analysis.  Each process will be conducted in three separate areas of the field.  There is a $200 stipend paid to the cooperating farmer for participating in the study.  In the end, information will be shared with the farmer to potentially help increase production.  If you are willing to participate in this project, please let me know so that I can line up the materials and supplies by April 7.

 

Last week I told you about the honor the Sieg Dairy Farm received at the Dairy Farmers of America conference.  This week I have attached an article from their publication that tells you more about the Member of Distinction that this local dairy operated by Amanda and Nate Cromer received.  Each year at DFA’s Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, the co-op recognizes seven (one representing each of the 7 area councils) member families from across the U.S. that were selected by the farmer council members in their respective area, from a large group of nominees each year.  The Member of Distinction program recognizes members who excel on their operations, in their communities and in the industry.  They inspire others through their actions, leadership and involvement  and embody the Cooperative’s core values.  Look for a news article soon.  The Mideast Area Council of Dairy Farmers of America was very proud to have the Cromer Family be able to attend the Annual Meeting and accept this honor last week in front of hundreds of fellow dairy producers and industry leaders from across the nation.

Mideast Area News 2014

While  I am talking about dairy, don’t forget that the Diary Service Unit Spring Cheese Sale orders are due Monday, March 31.  I have attached another copy of the order form if you need one.  Also, I have attached a news release about the new Diary Feeder show at the Ohio State Fair.  Meetings this week include a rescheduled Master Gardener program on honeybees at the Mary Lou Johnson Library in Kenton.  This program will be Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 pm and will feature Master Gardener Volunteer Barb Snyder.  The same evening will be an Extension Advisory Committee meeting at the courthouse, starting at 7:00 pm.  Ag Council will be meeting Friday, April 4 starting at 7:00 am with a breakfast buffet.  The meeting will feature a policy development program by the Farm Bureau and will be held at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton.  The Fairboard will be holding their monthly meeting Saturday, April 5 at the fair office starting at 7:30 pm.

Cheese sale spring

State Fair Dairy Feeder Show

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

Weather Outlook – Jim Noel

For the remainder of March temperatures may range 5-10 degrees below normal with about normal rainfall. The outlook for the first week of April calls for temperatures a few degrees above normal and normal rainfall. The outlook for the remainder of April then switches back to slightly colder than normal temperatures (-1F to -3F) and slightly wetter than normal weather. Normal April highs are mainly in the 50 degree range and lows in the 30-35 degree range. Normal rainfall is about 0.75 to 1.00 inches per week now. It still looks like based on historical data that the last freeze could be 1-2 weeks late this spring. Years like this one would include the 1963, 1979 and 1994 spring seasons. Also, looking at those years, hail activity was increased with cold air aloft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pelletized Lime in Production Systems – Ed Lentz

Pelletized lime has been on the market for over ten years in Ohio. It consists of finely ground limestone held together by some form of binding agent to make a pellet. Since it requires more processing than traditional ag lime it often costs considerably more than bulk ag lime. However, since it is in a pellet form it can easily be blended with other fertilizers and applied with regular dry fertilizer equipment.  University research has shown that pelletized lime does not raise soil pH faster than high quality ag lime. This should not be a surprise since high quality ag lime includes a large portion of material this has been finely ground. To continue reading this article, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-7/pelletized-lime-in-production-systems.

 

 

 

 

 

Nitrogen Recommendations for Wheat –  Ed Lentz, Laura Lindsey

Soon wheat will be greening-up across the state. Ohio State University recommends applying nitrogen between green-up and Feekes Growth Stage 6 (early stem elongation), which is generally the latter part of April. The potential for nitrogen loss will decrease by waiting to apply closer to Feekes 6. Greenup will be later this year and a common sense approach would recommend applying as soon as field conditions allow application equipment, particularly since days available for field activities may be limited between now and Feekes 6. To read more wheat nitrogen recommendations, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-7/nitrogen-recommendations-for-wheat.

 

 

 

 

 

2014 Farm Bill Meeting in Darke County Was a Big Success, Get Your DVD Now – Sam Custer

A standing room only crowd of more than 400 people attended the 2014 Farm Bill meeting at Versailles Schools. Attendees came from across Ohio and Indiana to hear from experts about how the bill will affect them.

Partners in sponsoring and hosting the meeting were: OSU Extension, Darke County; Farm Credit of Mid America; Ohio Ag Net – Ohio’s Country Journal; Versailles Ag Ed and FFA; USDA Farm Service Agency, Darke County; Ohio and Darke County Farm Bureau; and QBE NAU Crop Insurance.  See the attached article for more information about the event opportunity to order a DVD.

Darke County Extension News Release

 

 

 

 

 

Mercer County Ag Day – April 15 – Mercer County Fairgrounds. Celina  – Doors open at 7:00 am

Start the day off with an Ag Day Breakfast at 7:30 am, then check out the displays, vendors, and more.  OSU Extension Educator David Marrison is presenting a program called “Passing On the Farm.”   Greg Peterson from Peterson Farm Brothers who has been all over social media will be the guest speaker.  This event is open to the public and costs $10.  Call ahead to RSVP at 419-586-3239 by April 4.  See the attached flier for more information.

Mercer County Ag 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

Hello,

March 21 is here and spring has sprung, or has it?  The early morning snow had me wondering but it didn’t take long for it to turn into a nice day.  Driving to Mt. Victory this morning for a meeting, I had the opportunity to reflect on everything that has happened in the past few months.  Although I expected things to slow down some in the winter, I quickly learned that this is a very busy time in Extension with all of the meetings and events.  I have also learned that bad weather will not usually keep many farmers away from attending meetings.  In fact, sometimes bad weather works out good because not much else can be done on those types of days.  National Ag Day is coming up March 25, which is a part of National Agriculture Week which runs from March 23-29.  The Kenton FFA is celebrating this week with a Community Ag Breakfast on Wednesday morning, March 26 serving from 7:00-9:00 am in the high school cafeteria.  See the attached news release and make sure you listen for several agricultural and community leaders doing radio spots throughout the week.

National Ag Week News Release

Next Saturday, March 29 will be the Hardin County Pork Banquet.  This banquet will be at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kenton and will begin at 6:30 pm.   I continue to be impressed with the turn-out at the agriculture banquets with the quality of the programs, the amount of people who attend, the sponsors who support them, and of course, the great food!  The Master Gardeners will be having their monthly meeting March 24 at 7:00 pm at Harco Industries and their third library program will be held March 26 at 6:30 pm at the Mary Lou Johnson Library in Kenton.  The program will feature Master Gardener Volunteers Judy Dorsey, Sandy Pruden and Laura Bopp doing a presentation on “Selecting, Planting and Caring for Annuals and Perennials.”  The first program on honeybees that was cancelled because of snow and ice has been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 2 at 6:30 pm.

 

Have you sent in your spring cheese sale order to the Hardin County Dairy Service Unit yet?  Funds raised from this semi-annual sale are used for dairy youth scholarships, royalty, awards, and other activities.  See the attached news release and order form if you are interested.  While I am speaking about dairy, did you hear the great news about Nate and Amanda Cromer?  Sieg Dairy Farm was selected as the Member of Distinction award recipient at this week’s Dairy Farmers of America annual meeting held in Kansas City.  They were the Mid-East region winner, recognized for their service to their dairy, their families, communities and the industry.  Check out the following video about the Sieg Dairy Farm at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm0S-I6AwaY&list=UUy9Gm1jFYDAqUcP1dI2_-iA.

Spring Cheese Sale News Release

Cheese sale spring

This coming week will be the Corn Check-off vote.  Voting will take place March 24-26. The referendum is to increase Ohio’s Corn Check-off from ½ cent to ¾ cent per bushel.  Voting will take place at all county offices of The Ohio State University Extension between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  You can also vote at the Ohio Corn and Wheat Marketing office, 59 Greif Parkway, Delaware, Ohio 43015 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.  For more information, see the attached flier about who is eligible to vote.  Finally, if you are doing your taxes and need copies of the Farmer’s Tax Guide, we have them available in our office.  I have delivered several copies to banks and ag lenders around the county, so you may have picked up one  there.  Below are some articles and other information that you find interesting.

Ohio Corn Checkoff 2014 Voting Eligibility Info

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio Sheep and Goat Webinars Online – Did you miss one or more of the sheep and goat webinars that were held this past February at the Extension office?  If so, you can now view them online by visiting the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association website at ohiosheep.org.  There are four webinars lasting about one and half hours each on different topics of interest to producers.  Topics included information on lambing/kidding, forages for small ruminants, selecting the proper breed for your market, and record management systems.

 

 

 

 

 

Corn Flea Beetle and Stewart’s Leaf Blight Prediction  –  Ron Hammond, Andy Michel, Pierce Paul, Peter Thomison

Being March, it is time to put out the annual corn flea beetle and Stewart’s leaf blight prediction based on the average temperatures the past three months (Dec, Jan, and Feb.).  Stewart’s bacterial disease is dependent on the level of bacteria-carrying flea beetle survival over the winter.  Because higher populations of the flea beetle survive during mild winters  than during cold winters, winter temperatures have been used to predict the risk of Stewart’s disease.  Compared to recent years, and even the past few decades, the past three months have definitely been on the cold side.  To find out more, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-6/corn-flea-beetle-and-stewarts-leaf-blight-prediction.

 

 

 

 

 

Frost Seeding to Improve Pasture Quality –  Rory Lewandowski

At this point in March one has to hope that spring really is just around the corner.  One task that is well suited to the transition time between winter and spring is frost seeding.  Frost seeding involves broadcasting seed over a pasture area and letting the natural freeze/thaw cycles of late winter and early spring help to move the seed into good contact with the soil. A basic requirement for frost seeding success is exposed soil.  When looking down into the sod you should be able to see down to the soil.  The broadcast seed must be able to come into contact with the soil.  Frost seeding will fail when there is too much forage residual cover and the seed gets hung up in that residual.  Generally, a pasture is prepared for frost seeding by grazing it down hard, although some light tillage or a close mowing typically done in the late fall could also be used.  To continue reading this article, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-6/frost-seeding-to-improve-pasture-quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pork Industry Launches Three-Prong Strategy to Stem PEDV Spread  Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board, Des Moines, Iowa

New funding, research and collaboration will focus on mitigating loss and impact to pork supply. The National Pork Board has announced additional funds earmarked for research in the fight against the further spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), which was first identified in the United States last May. The funds – $650,000 through supplemental funding approved by the Pork Checkoff at last week’s Board meeting and $500,000 through a new agreement with Genome Alberta, will provide new opportunities for research.  Go to http://www.pork.org/News/4575/PorkIndustryLaunchesThreeProngStrategytoStemPEDVSpread.aspx?utm_source=PEDV_Update&utm_medium=email&utm_content=news_release&utm_campaign=Vol_2_No_5 to finish reading this article.

 

A Breeding Soundness Exam: Insurance for Your Breeding Season – Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

I received the call on a Monday. I seem to receive this call 6-8 times each year. This particular rancher had just finished getting his cows diagnosed for pregnancy. He had 43 fall calving cows. The previous fall, those cows were synchronized for artificial insemination and were exposed to one bull for about 5 weeks and a second bull for 7 weeks. Only 22 cows conceived and all of them conceived to the AI. The first question I asked this rancher was the obvious one; did you get a breeding soundness exam (BSE) performed on your bulls? His response; the bulls had one when he bought them but he had not had one done since (2-3 years). The bulls were checked and, sure enough, both were infertile.  Go to http://beef.osu.edu/beef/beefMar1914.html to continue reading this article and other beef articles.

 

 

 

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,

Another year of Pesticide Applicator Training Recertification is in the books for the county. This week, 65 private applicators attended the two sessions held in Kenton with presentations in Core, Grain and Cereal Crops, Forage Crops and Livestock, and Fumigation.  If anyone who attended the program needs additional areas of training such as Fruit and Vegetable Crops, Nursery and Forest Crops, or Greenhouse Crops, they need to contact the Extension office before March 31 to make arrangements for these areas.  Otherwise, if your license expires March 31, 2014 and you have yet to attend a recertification training program, you can go to pested.osu.edu and look for other programs to attend in other counties.  If someone does not attend recertification before their license expires, they would need to re-test with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

 

Unfortunately this past week’s weather cancelled the first scheduled Master Gardener Program.  However, this coming Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 pm will be a program by Master Gardener Sue Brown entitled “Are you Dieing to Learn about Dyeing Fabric?”  This program is open to the public at the Mary Lou Johnson Library and is about using natural plant dyes.  March 18-20 are the days for voting on the Beef Check-off Program.  The referendum is to increase Ohio’s Beef Check-off from $1 to $2 per head.  Voting will take place at all county offices of The Ohio State University Extension between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm and at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.  For more information, see the attached flier about who is eligible to vote.

Voting instructions and eligibilty 2014

The Hardin County Pork Banquet is scheduled for Saturday, March 29 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Kenton, starting at 6:30 pm.  Ticket prices are $6, and half price for 2013 Hardin County Junior Fair Swine Exhibitors, as well as Fair Workers from the Food Pavilion, and children under the age of 12.  You can purchase tickets through March 24 from the following county Pork Producers Directors: Grant Mizek, Kevin (Dewey) Skidmore, Steve Searson, Aaron Hefner, Christine Heilman, Doug Heilman, Tim Holbrook, Mark Watkins, Nancy Weaver, Luke Underwood, Rob Wilson, Dick Cronley, Lavern Weaver, Mike Martino, Rob Underwood, and Nathan Weaver.  Tickets can also be purchased from the Extension office.  See the attached news article for further details.

Pork Banquet News Release

National Agriculture Week is coming up March 23-29.  In order to celebrate this special week and thank those involved in agriculture, the Kenton FFA Chapter is holding their Ag Community Breakfast.  They would like to invite you to participate.  This event will be held March 26 from 7:00-9:00 am in the Kenton High School Cafeteria.  I hope to see you there!

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

Evaluating Winter Wheat Stand  –  Laura Lindsey, Ed Lentz, Pierce Paul

This year, many areas of Ohio experienced extremely low temperatures for several days.  (-20° as I was driving to an Extension meeting in Coshocton County on January 28.)  Snowfall was also above average in many areas causing standing water as the snow melted.  Where does this leave our winter wheat crop? Winter wheat is a cold season grass that can tolerate fairly harsh weather conditions.  Wheat “hardens” in the fall to acclimate to cold conditions.  Cold acclimation is variety-dependent and requires a period of growth when temperatures are between 30° and 60°F followed by slowly declining soil temperatures.  After hardening, wheat can tolerate temperatures between 0 and 10°F especially when there is good snow cover.  To continue reading this article, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-6/evaluating-winter-wheat-stand.

 

 

 

 

 

Phenology for Beekeepers – March 19th from 9AM to 10AM – Denise Ellsworth, The Ohio State University OSU Extension, Department of Entomology

Phenology is the study of recurring biological phenomena and their relationship to weather and climate. Bird migration, hunting and gathering seasons, blooming of wildflowers and trees, and the development stages of many insects are examples of phenological events that have been recorded for centuries. Participants will learn about the science and practical use of phenology, including how to track bloom time of local plants based on Ohio’s web-based biological calendar. We’ll give a special focus to those plants most visited by honey bees. http://go.osu.edu/theOSUbuzz. To access via iPad or iPhone, download the Adobe Connect app.

 

 

 

 

 

Corn, Soybean and Wheat Connections Webinars Are Now Available for Viewing Online – Greg LaBarge

The Soybean Production program featured ‘Everything but the Kitchen Sink: High Input Soybean Production’ with  Dr. Laura Lindsey, State Specialist Soybean & Small Grains Production, Ohio State University Extension and ‘Updates on Fungicides and Resistance, Soybean Cyst Nematode and Seed Treatments’ with Dr. Anne Dorrance, State Specialist Plant Pathology Soybeans, Ohio State University Extension. The program can be viewed at http://go.osu.edu/cswconnect2-11-14.

 

The Herbicide program featured an ‘Update on New Herbicides, Recommendations for Marestail and Palmer Amaranth controls plus making herbicide selections using site of action information’ with Dr. Mark Loux, State Specialist Weed Management, Ohio State University Extension can be found http://go.osu.edu/cswconnect2-25-14.

The Corn Production program features Dr. Peter Thomison, State Specialist Corn Production, Ohio State University Extension discussing ‘Optimizing Corn Yields-Assessing the Contribution of Key Agronomic Management Factors.’  Plus ‘Seed Treatments in Corn: Impacts on Pests and Pollinators’ presented by Dr. Andy Michel, State Specialist Field Crops Entomology, Ohio State University Extension and Dr. Reed Johnson, Entomologist Apiculture, The Ohio State University. The program can be viewed at http://go.osu.edu/cswconnect1-14-14.

 

 

 

 

 

Go ‘behind the scenes’ of the veterinary medical center at The Ohio State University – April 5 – 9:00 am-3:00 pm

The College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting its Annual Open House from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday (4/5). Activities are designed for all ages, including the popular children’s activity center, information booths featuring student groups and community organizations.  There will be demonstrations and seminars on a variety of topics including applying to vet school and careers in veterinary medicine, pet care and animal nutrition.  Attendees will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours of the Veterinary Medical Center.  There will be a special guest appearance by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.    Admission is free and open to the public.  For more information, see the attached flier and go to:  http://vet.osu.edu/AnnualOpenHouse.

2014 Open House

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Bill Update Webinar – March 21, 2014 – 8:00 am

We are pleased to announce a Webinar program focused on the 2014 Farm Bill taught by Dr Carl Zulauf on March 21, 2014 starting at 8:00 am. The webinar is free and no registration is required. You can log in and test your system starting 24 hours prior to the webinar at http://carmenconnect.osu.edu/ohioagmanager.  The webinar address will be the same the morning of the webinar. Participants will have the opportunity to type in questions in the chat box and we will try to get all of them answered during the webinar.

 

 

 

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,

Is spring around the corner?  The warm day today may be evidence that we might not be too far off from a weather change.  Spring brings to mind gardening activities, so the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardeners will be starting their spring Library programs at the Mary Lou Johnson District Library meeting room in Kenton.  Each program will begin at 6:30 pm with time after the presentation for questions and discussion about that evening’s topic or other general gardening questions.  The series will begin on March 12th with Master Gardener Barb Snyder and a program on Bees.  Information on the “Life, Habitat and Misconceptions of Bees” as well as their importance to agriculture and the home gardener will be discussed.   See the attached news release for further information about this and the other weekly programs being offered.

MG Library Programs News Release

Spring also brings to mind field work for those involved with crop production.  Thursday, March 13 will be the Hardin County Pesticide Applicator Training recertification program at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton.  There are two programs planned, one at 9:00 am and the other at 2:00 pm.  If your private applicator license expires this year and you haven’t yet registered, call the Extension office so we can get your name on the list of who to expect so we can better plan for the event.  You may have already registered online at pested.osu.edu or sent in a registration form to OSU Extension in Columbus.  We will be providing training in Core, Grain and Cereal Crops, Forage Crops and Livestock, and Fumigation.  Other areas of certification will need to make special arrangements with our office.

 

The Hardin County Cattle Producers will hold their annual Beef Banquet on Saturday, March 22 in the Community Building at the fairgrounds, starting at 6:30 pm.  Tickets can be purchased until March 21 from the following county Cattle Producers Directors: Holli Underwood, Tony Good, Rina Thacker, Bruce Donnelly, Rick Royer, Adam Billenstein, Paige Guenther, Deana Gibson, Deb Oestreich, Rick McCullough, Brian Jordan, or Renee Hoffman. Tickets can also be purchased from the Extension Office at 1021 West Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton.  Junior Fair Beef Barn exhibitors are free if they get their ticket before the banquet.  For more details, see the attached news release.

Beef Banquet News Release

Below are some articles and also information regarding a training class for first time private pesticide applicators.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

New Private Pesticide Applicator Class – Putnam Co. Extension Office – March 25

For anyone wanting to either add categories or take the pesticide applicator test for the first time, Putnam County Extension will be holding training on March 25^th.   Cost is $20 for the training but the testing is free.  You need to pass a CORE test and at least 1 category to get your pesticide license.  You will be notified if you pass and then you will need to send in $30 for your license and be required to get recertified every 3 years by attending three hours of pesticide applicator training (PAT).  You also have the option of skipping the PAT training if you just want to retake the test.  The Extension office has study materials which we suggest you pick up to study at least a couple days or weeks before the test is given.  Call the Putnam County Extension office at 419-523-6294 if you are interested.

 

 

 

 

 

Weather outlook for March to May calls for near normal temperatures – Jim Noel

Winter will go down as much colder than normal with above normal snowfall and slightly above normal precipitation. Temperatures across Ohio for winter will end averaging 3 to 9 degrees below normal from southeast to northwest. Precipitation will average 100-125 percent of normal.  The March outlook calls for below normal temperatures and near normal precipitation. The outlook for March to May calls for below normal temperatures to relax to near normal.  Precipitation will be near normal. The big challenge this spring will be below normal soil temperatures that will likely linger into April and possibly May. Also, the Great Lakes ice cover is very high over 80%. This will mean the Great Lakes water temperatures will lag with below normal readings into Spring. This will likely keep a northwest flow of colder air from Canada into the eastern corn and soybean belt into spring.  To continue reading this article, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2014/2014-5/weather-outlook-for-march-to-may-calls-for-near-normal-temperatures.

 

 

 

 

 

Winter Fish Kills – Ed Lentz

Many of us have asked how the cold and excess snow may have affected the survival of plants and wildlife. However, Ohio State University Extension’s pond specialist, Eugene Braig, has noted that this year’s severe winter may have an effect on fish populations in ponds. He has reported that winter fish kills are uncommon in Ohio. However, the prolonged cold and abnormally large amount of accumulating snow may have created environments for fish kills this winter.  To continue reading about winter’s effect on fish kills in ponds and what you can do to prevent them in the future, see the attached article.

Fish winter

 

 

 

 

 

New Online Tool Helps Well Owners Understand Water Test Results – Anne Baird, Rebecca Fugitt, Cliff Treyens

Private well owners are encouraged to have their well water tested regularly, but when they do, they’re often stumped when trying to decipher the lab results. And with more Ohio well water being analyzed under a mandate that shale energy companies provide such tests for any wells within 1,500 feet of proposed horizontal drilling sites, more Ohioans have been left scratching their heads when trying to interpret the findings. That’s why Ohio State University Extension has teamed up with the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to provide a free online Well Water Interpretation Tool.  To find out more about testing your well water and how to understand the results, go to http://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/new-online-tool-helps-well-owners-understand-water-test-results.

 

 

 

 

 

Safety around the Barnyard Babies – Kathy Mann

Spring is right around the corner bringing new life on the farm. Who doesn’t love seeing the cute and cuddly baby animals? Although some farm animals are pets, most animals on the farm are considered livestock. And while livestock may look cute and cuddly, they can pose a hazard when working around or handling them. It is important for children to have adult supervision whenever they are near livestock.  Livestock exhibit certain behavioral traits. Recognizing and understanding these traits can help prevent injuries. The first trait is maternal. To mothers of young farm animals, you are a dangerous predator. When they feel their young are in danger, they will snort, kick, or charge. Livestock are unpredictable. They can become scared, tired, hungry, or irritated quickly without warning. It is important to always remain alert when working around mothers with their young. Another behavior trait is territorial. Just like us, animals want their own pen, stall or space. Cows tend to walk into the same stall day- after-day. When people invade or try to remove them from this area, they may feel threatened.

 

In addition to the behavioral traits, animals give visual signs when they feel unsafe or nervous. Just as our faces show our feelings, livestock use body language to communicate feelings. For example:

-When animals lower their heads, paw at the dirt, bellow, or snort, they are getting ready to charge. Likewise, animals that pace their stall or circle around their baby may charge if you try to approach.

– Ears that are laid back against the neck or head means animals are mad and will likely try to kick or bite.

 

While enjoying the new babies on the farm this spring, remember to stay alert, watch for visual discomfort signs, and make sure children are always supervised when around livestock. For more information about Working Safely With Livestock (AEX-990-08), visit ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/pdf/AEX_990_08.pdf

 

 

 

 

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