April 21, 2015

Hello,

This past Thursday I saw the first evidence of spring field work going on as I drove through Marion County.  There was a farmer incorporating anhydrous ammonia in a field near the Hardin County line.  By Friday evening there were a couple fields worked in southern Hancock County, and by Saturday morning I saw both urea and 28-N being top dressed on wheat in Hardin County.  Field work has begun in the county, but after talking with a farmer today on the phone, I was told that about a half inch of rain fell on Sunday.  Even though I am on vacation in Florida, I was able to look up the rainfall reports on cocorahs.org  to find out the exact amounts that were reported.

 

Rain also changed plans again for the April 22 Cover Crops Field Day in Auglaize County.  Tomorrow’s event will be moved to the St. Marys Township house 1/8 mile north of the field (located at 10752 SR 364) because of wet conditions.  See the attached flyer for more information.  As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers.  If you are a person who takes the time to notice the flowers, you may be interested in reading Hancock County Extension Educator Ed Lentz’s article about daffodils that I have attached to this email.

Cover Crop Field Day

Daffodils

If you are interested in gardening, the Master Gardener Volunteers have planned their spring library programs.  The first program will be held April 29, starting at 6:30 pm in the Forest-Jackson Public Library in Forest.  It will be about ‘Planting for Pollinators’ and will be presented by Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteer Barb Snyder.  There will also be programs the following two Wednesdays at the Mary Lou Johnson District Library in Kenton.  See the attached news article for more information about these three upcoming programs.  If you are an avid gardener, you will be pleased to know that the Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine (BYGL) has now begun its weekly schedule and is available at bygl.osu.edu.  Look for the interactive version.

MG Library Programs News Release

Other upcoming programs next week include a Master Gardener Volunteers meeting on Monday, April 27 at Harco Industries starting at 7:00 pm.  Ag Council will be meeting Friday, May 1 at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton starting at 7:00 am.  The Fair Board will have its monthly meeting Saturday, May 2 in the fairgrounds office starting at 7:30 pm.  Have you been able to get any field work done?  I have included some articles below from the Crop Observation and Recommendation Network Newsletter (corn.osu.edu) if you are interested in some agronomic reading as you wait for fields to get fit for work.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

Burndown of Cover Crops – Mark Loux

It can be difficult to find a comprehensive source of recommendations for the control of all of the possible cover crops prior to planting.  Some resources we have used recently: “Successful termination of cover crops”, Purdue Extension, Pub #WS-50-W, available free online. “A weed scientist’s perspective on cover crops”, a Powerpoint pdf by Kevin Bradley, University of Missouri Weed Science, available free online.  Contains a summary of his research on cover crop termination and effect of residual herbicides on cover crop establishment. For more information on what we have gleaned on cover crop burndown based on these and various other resources, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-08/burndown-of-cover-crops.

 

 

 

 

 

Wheat Management by Growth Stage – Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul, Ed Lentz, Mark Loux

The winter wheat crop is greening up and as such growers will need to pay attention to crop growth stage in order to make adequate management decisions. Wheat growth stage identification is critical for effective timing of fungicide, insecticide, herbicide, and fertilizer applications. Hence, crop growth staging is extremely important, since failure to correctly identify these stages may lead to inadequate timing of applications, which may result in violation of pesticide label restrictions (products being applied off label), inferior efficacy or product performance, and injury to the crop. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-08/wheat-management-by-growth-stage to continue reading this article.

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Your Corn Crop Off to a Good Start in 2015 – Peter Thomison

Mistakes made during crop establishment are usually irreversible, and can put a “ceiling” on a crop’s yield potential before the plants have even emerged. The following are some proven practices that will help get a corn crop off to a good start. Perform Tillage Operations Only When Necessary and Under the Proper Soil Conditions: Avoid working wet soil and reduce secondary tillage passes. Perform secondary tillage operations only when necessary to prepare an adequate seedbed. Shallow compaction created by excessive secondary tillage can reduce crop yields. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-08/getting-your-corn-crop-off-to-a-good-start-in-2015 to finish reading this article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing Marestail This Spring – The Perfect Storm? – Mark Loux

This spring is shaping up to be one where marestail control problems abound, based on the following: Not many fields were treated with herbicide last fall due to wet weather and the late harvest.  Fall treatment results in a field free of overwintered marestail in spring, which takes the pressure off spring burndown treatments – they just have to control the newly emerging small marestail.  One strategy to compensate for lack of fall treatment is to apply herbicide early in spring when overwintered marestail plants are still small, but…. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-08/managing-marestail-this-spring-2013-the-perfect-storm to continue reading about how to manage Marestail this spring.

 

 

 

 

 

Those Last-Minute Items on the ‘To-Do’ List Before the Planting Rush – Anne Dorrance, Andy Michel

We all have those “I wish I had done list” – we won’t discuss how long ours are after one of these rush seasons. Double check your varieties and their traits. Herbicide resistance is one of the most common, we don’t see it as often, but there is a growth in the non-glyphosate arena so to avoid a mis-application double check the bags labels. SCN resistance – for your fields with a history of SCN or those with SCN plus sudden death syndrome, make sure your varieties with the SCN resistance package gets planted there. The same goes for Phytophthora resistance.  To read more, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-08/those-last-minute-items-on-the-2018to-do2019-list-before-the-planting-rush.

 

 

 

 

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
 

 

April 8, 2015

Good afternoon,

Now that spring has arrived, so have the rains.  Early forecasts are that it is going to be wet and cool early this spring with it drying later and becoming warmer as we enter the planting season.  The Cover Crop Strategies field day planned for April 7 in St. Marys (Auglaize County) was postponed because of the recent rains until April 22, same times, same place.  See the updated flyer for more details of this event.

Cover Crop Field Day

A good resource to check on current rainfall in the county is the CoCoRaHS website, which can be found at http://www.cocorahs.org/.  Here you can check on Hardin County and other area rainfall that was reported for the previous day or any time period you are interested in looking at.  There are also other reports and maps that are interesting to track precipitation throughout the growing season and compare trends.  All you need to do is go to the website, click in Ohio on the top map, and then select Hardin County.

 

Currently we have 16 active CoCoRaHS rainfall stations in the county and I would like to work on filling the areas that are not covered.  Give me a call or email if you are interested in being a CoCoRaHS rainfall reporter.  This rainfall research is done in addition to our traditional Township Rainfall Reporting that you may have seen in the newspaper or heard about on the radio over the past 22 years.  This rainfall information is compiled monthly during the growing season from the time period April 15 through October 15 .  You can see monthly and the past ten years’ reports by going to http://hardin.osu.edu/program-areas/agriculture-and-natural-resources/growing-season-rainfall.

 

So what can you do on a rainy day?  Check out the article by Ed Lentz that I have attached regarding ‘Planter Tune-up.’  Is your planter ready to go to the field?  I have also attached a copy of the ‘County Crop Yields for 2014’ news release that I wrote this past week.  There are also other articles below that you may be interested in reading.  Upcoming events include Ag Hall of Fame Committee Thursday, April 9, starting at 7:00 pm in the Extension office.  The Master Gardener ‘Phenology’ program registration is due April 11.  See the attached flyer for more information.  The Sheep Improvement Association Directors will be meeting April 14, starting at 7:30 pm in the Extension office.

Planter Tune-up

Crop Yields News Release

Phenology Flyer

The season’s first edition of the OSU Extension Vegetable and Fruit Crops Newsletter (VegNet) is available at http://vegnet.osu.edu/sites/vegnet/files/imce/newsletters/VegNet/4.6.15VegNet%20Newsletter.pdf.  Check in each week to learn about what is going on with Ohio vegetable and fruit growers.  The first Dairy Margin Protection Program margin was announced for the January/ February period.  January’s calculated margin was $7.6553950, and February’s was $8.3356850 (got to love all those decimals) making the 2 month average $7.9955400.   Therefore, if farmers “bought up” to $8 coverage they will receive the difference between $8 and $7.9955400 or $0.00446 per covered hundredweight.  The cost to cut and mail checks is likely to be higher than the indemnity payments.  FYI, The attachment shows the calculated margins for 2015, 2014, and the last third of 2013.

2015 Jan Feb mpp Prices

Also, remote sensing in agriculture continues to grow and serve a data layer for agronomists and growers to evaluate soil and crop variability.  A majority of these images become “pretty” pictures with limited value to the grower.  Please see the attached flyer and consider being part of a project to evaluate remote sensing from a variety of platforms, image resolution and acquisition times.  If you have an interest contact me by Friday.  The vendors are scheduling flights now.

Grower

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

A Wet Start to April is Expected  –  Jim Noel

April looks to go down as slightly warmer than normal and much wetter than normal except about normal wetness in the far northwest part of the state. The good news is warmer than normal temperatures are expected for a good deal of April. This likely means the last frost and freeze will not be far from normal unlike last year with late frost and freeze events well into May. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/c.o.r.n-newsletter-2015-07/a-wet-start-to-april-is-expected to continue reading this article.

 

 

 

 

 

Managing Risk for Bt Resistant Rootworms  – Andy Michel

For the past few years, the Western corn belt has been dealing with populations of western corn rootworm that have developed resistance to two Bt genes: Cry3Bb1 and mCry3a. US-EPA has recently developed a framework for managing Bt resistance, and is requesting comments from stakeholders (see: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2015/extends-rootworm.html). The deadline for the comment period is April 15th. We have not documented any cases of suspected resistance, and, in the rest of the eastern corn belt (which has been dubbed “The Fringe”), there have only been a few cases. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/c.o.r.n-newsletter-2015-07/managing-risk-for-bt-resistant-rootworms to continue reading this article.

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 1  – Peggy Hall, Glen Arnold

Ohio’s legislature passed a bill intended to control algae production in Lake Erie and its western basin. The law will regulate manure and fertilizer applications in the watersheds of the western basin of Lake Erie. The effective date of this new law is June 21, 2015. Go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/c.o.r.n-newsletter-2015-07/senate-bill-1 to continue reading this article that explains the final bill and its provisions.  This new legislation will affect approximately half of Hardin County which drains into this watershed.

 

 

 

 

 

Search Begins for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year – Pork Checkoff

America’s Pig Farmer of the Year award program, announced by the National Pork Board in early March, is accepting applications from now until May 17 at americaspigfarmer.com. The award honors the U.S. pork producer who best excels at raising pigs using the ‘We Care’ ethical principles and wants to share how he or she does that with the public. For more information about how to nominate a pork producer, go to http://www.pork.org/search-begins-for-americas-pig-farmer-of-the-year/.

 

 

 

 

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

 

April 1, 2015

Good evening,

Is spring finally here?  If the wheat is greening up and the tile are flowing, that is a good sign.  It’s been a very busy winter, but the time has went by fast with all of the trainings, meetings, and banquets.  Eventually, we will see the start of fieldwork in the county.  Before that happens, I want to update you on some items.

 

The Hardin County Dairy Service Unit is currently in the middle of their semi-annual cheese sale fundraiser.  I have attached a copy of this news release and order form to this email in case you are interested in placing an order by April 6.  Details are on the form about where to send it and where to pick up the cheese and trail bologna.

Spring Cheese Sale News Release

2015 Cheese Sale Flyer

The Master Gardener Volunteers have already met twice and are planning some upcoming spring programs.  The first spring program will be on ‘Phenology,’ which is the science of when things happen in nature.  This is important to a gardener, because they can know when to expect certain plants to bloom and when insects may hatch, therefore knowing what to expect so that they can better manage issues as they happen.  I have attached a copy of the news release and flyer for this April 18 program which will be open to the public.  There is a pre-registration deadline of April 11 and a $10 registration fee.  See the attached documents for this upcoming program which also includes presentations about ‘Planting for Pollinators’ and ‘How to Plant a Bare Root Rose.’

 

There is a ‘Cover Crop Strategies’ field day in St. Mary’s on April 7.  See how different types of cover crops over-winter. Observe what’s happened “BELOW” the soil surface, and view and discuss results since planting in August 2014.  Other topics of this field day include managing cover crops in the spring, how to prepare for planting your crop, and year-round tips for effective cover crop usage.  See the attached flyer for more information regarding this field day, and which tours will be held at three different times during the day to make it more convenient for farmers to attend.

Cover Crop Field Day

Upcoming local meetings include Ag Council Friday, April 3 starting at 7:00 am.  Join us for breakfast at Henry’s Restaurant for a combined discussion on Ag Policy Development with Farm Bureau.  There will be a Fair Board meeting on Saturday, April 4 starting at 7:30 pm in the fairgrounds office.  The Farm Bureau Board will meet Tuesday, April 7 starting at 7:00 pm at Ag Credit.  Enjoy the warmer weather and below are some articles that you may be interested in reading.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is in full swing  –  Jim Noel

Spring is in full swing. Expect big swings in weather the next several weeks. April Outlook: Near normal temperatures and slightly wetter than normal. May-July Outlook: Slightly warmer than normal and normal to slightly drier than normal. The climate models continue to point toward wetness giving way to some dryness as we go from planting season to summer growing season.  For more information regarding the weather forecast for the coming months, go to http://corn.osu.edu/newsletters/2015/2015-06/spring-is-in-full-swing.

 

 

 

 

 

Algae Control Bill Awaits Governor’s Approval – Peggy Kirk Hall

Ohio’s Senate and House of Representatives have agreed upon a final bill intended to control algae production in Lake Erie and its western basin.  Senate Bill 1, as amended by the House, passed both chambers on March 25 and now awaits Governor Kasich’s signature. The law will regulate manure and fertilizer applications in the western basin of Lake Erie, require monitoring of phosphorous for certain publicly owned treatment works, regulate the placement of dredged materials in Lake Erie and its tributaries, change how the Healthy Lake Erie Fund may be used and establish agency coordination and research on harmful algae management and response.  To continue reading about this new bill, go to http://aglaw.osu.edu/blog/tue-03312015-1025am/algae-control-bill-awaits-governors-approval.

 

 

 

 

 

Increasing the Digestibility of Forages = Economic Benefits! – Dr. Francis L. Fluharty

Despite the decline in prices over the past year, feed costs remain the majority of the expense of maintaining a beef cattle operation. Corn prices remain around $3.60 to $3.70 per bushel as I write this. This averages 6.5 cents per pound, or $130 per ton. Dried distillers grains are currently in the price range of $190 to $210 per ton, and the price of corn gluten feed is keeping pace on an energy and protein basis, at approximately $150 to $160 per ton, so there are no cheap supplemental feeds for cow-calf producers or stocker cattle operations. Therefore, forage-based operations must utilize cost effective management tools that maximize forage digestibility.

Go to http://u.osu.edu/beef/2015/04/01/increasing-the-digestibility-of-forages-economic-benefits/#more-207 to continue reading this and other beef related articles.

 

 

 

 

 

Importance of Collecting Good Milk Samples – Dr. Luciana da Costa

As basic as it looks, some producers are still not fully aware and familiarized with the importance of or how to collect a milk sample. Part of mastitis control programs consist on culturing and on the microbiological analysis of milk samples. However, to be able to identify the bacteria, strict aseptic procedures must be used when collecting the samples. Aseptic collection is extremely important to avoid contamination with bacteria present on the skin of the cow, hands of the sampler, and environment. And yet, the importance of collecting a good sample goes beyond udder health. Improper milk samples can interfere with how much producers are paid (improper samples can lead to violations for high SCC or high bacterial count). It is also detrimental for processors when evaluating milk quality (results based on an inaccurate sample can put at risk the whole tanker load of milk).  To continue reading this and other dairy articles, go to http://dairy.osu.edu/bdnews/Volume%2017%20Issue%202%20files/Volume%2017%20Issue%202.html#Markets.

 

 

 

 

 

Herbicide-resistant weeds: The tillage dilemma – Liz Morrison – Corn and Soybean Digest

“Do we need to till or not?” Purdue University weed scientist Bryan Young often hears this question from Midwest soybean growers fighting herbicide-resistant marestail, waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. In parts of the south, multi-herbicide-resistant Palmer pigweeds have forced growers to include or intensify tillage, Young says. Likewise, in western Kansas, glyphosate-resistant kochia has led some dryland wheat growers to resort to tillage. But before Midwest farmers put steel to the ground to attack resistant weeds, he says, it’s important to understand weed biology. Tillage affects not only emerged weeds but also germination and weed seed banks. Tillage decisions must also balance weed control and soil conservation. Equally important, growers who resort to tillage for weed control should also adopt a diversified herbicide program.  Go to http://www.agprofessional.com/agpro-university/nufarm-learning-center/should-tillage-be-used-control-resistant-weeds?ss=agpro_university,nufarm_learning_center to finish reading this article.

 

 

 

 

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