Good afternoon,

There sure has been a lot of events going on in Hardin County agriculture the past couple of weeks.  We had our final Conservation Tillage Club breakfast program this past Tuesday with Steve Baker, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Soil Scientist speaking about Soil Health.  Baker is a well-known expert on soil health, speaking to audiences about the importance of building soil quality to maximize fertility and improve crop production.  The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers were recognized by the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance this past Thursday for the 2016 Community Service Award.  The Dairy Banquet was held this past Saturday, recognizing Meadow Cromer as the 2017 Dairy Princess along with a presentation from Hope Hazelton about her dairy internship on four Australian farms this past summer.  This morning the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, David Daniels was in Mt. Victory to speak to the Farmers Breakfast about the nutrient management issues in Lake Erie. 

Tonight will be the final Ohio Beef Cattle School at the Extension office here in Kenton.  Dr. Justin Sexten, Supply Development Director for Certified Angus Beef, will be discussing “Meeting consumer demand: Perspective from the feed yard to the consumer.”  He will challenge the audience to consider questions such as: How do feeder, packer, grocer and restaurateur demands influence the decisions the cow/calf manager makes?; Does an end-user focused cow herd work on the farm?; What opportunities exist to capture value added processes?  Feel free to join us tonight at 7:00 pm for this webinar program.  I have attached a copy of the flyer for more details of the Ohio Beef Cattle School.

Beef Cattle School Flyer

There will be a 3 hour Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training at The Inn at ONU on Monday, March 6 from 6:00-9:00 pm for anyone who has yet to get certified for fertilizer.  Remember that the deadline is coming up September 30, 2017 and this is at a convenient location.  See the attached news release and flyer for more information about how to pre-register for this state required training.  Have you made your plans to attend this year’s Conservation Tillage Conference in Ada?  This year’s conference will be this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, March 7-8 at Ohio Northern University.  Last year over 900 participants attended the event which featured about 60 speakers and several vendors.  See the attached news release, Ohio No-Till News article from mid-February, and flyer to prepare for this year’s event.

Fertilizer Training News Release

3 Hour Fertilizer Training Ada Flyer

Conservation Tillage Conference News Release

CTC Flyer 2017

Ohio No-Till News Article

The Hardin County Pork Producers will hold their annual Pork Banquet on Saturday, March 11 at St. John’s Evangelical Church, starting at 6:30 pm. The fun-filled evening will include selection of the Queen and Scholarship Recipients as well as amazing food and door prizes.  Ticket prices are $8, and half price for 2016 Hardin County Junior Fair Swine Exhibitors, as well as Fair Workers from the Food Pavilion, and children under the age of 12.  The banquet is open to all interested persons but advance tickets are required.  Tickets can be purchased through March 6 from the following county Pork Producers Directors: Grant Mizek, Kevin (Dewey) Skidmore, Steve Searson, Doug & Christine Heilman, Tim Holbrook, Mark Watkins, Rob Wilson, Matthew Holbrook, Lavern & Nancy Weaver, Rob Underwood, Nathan Weaver, Tyler & Tiffany Sparks, Rusty Bingham, Wes VanScoy, and Jody Dye.  Tickets can also be obtained from the Extension office at 1021 West Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton.

 Pork Banquet News Release

Other local ag events this week include Tractor Safety and Machinery Operation for Youth – Session 4 on Wednesday (3/1) from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Extension office, New & Small Farm College – Session 7 on Thursday (3/2) from 6:00-9:00 pm at OSU Lima Campus, Hardin County Lamb Banquet on Saturday (3/4), starting at 6:30 pm at St. John’s Church in Kenton, and the Hardin County Fairboard, starting at 7:30 pm at the fair office on the same day.  If you are interested in finding out about how our OSU Extension Nitrogen Timing plots data worked out, feel free to join us for Ag Council on Friday, (3/3) starting at 7:00 am for breakfast in the banquet room at Henry’s Restaurant in Kenton.  Normally February usually is a time that some producers are thinking about frost seeding.  I have attached an article about frost seeding clover with a drill that caught my attention recently so I wanted to pass it on to you.  Even though it may seem very nice outside, it still is February so I have also included some agronomy articles for you to read if interested.

Frost Seeding Clover with a Drill Article

Mark

Steps to keep Palmer amaranth out of your operation – Mark Loux

As of the end of 2016, Palmer amaranth had been found in 18 Ohio counties, and the majority of it is resistant to both glyphosate and ALS-inhibiting herbicides (site 2) based on OSU greenhouse screening.  Not all of these “finds” represent problem infestations, and in some cases the potential for a few plants to become an established patch was remedied by timely removal and subsequent monitoring.  There are however a number of fields where Palmer became well established and effective control has since required extremely comprehensive herbicide programs combined with removal be hand.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-4/steps-keep-palmer-amaranth-out-your-operation to finish reading this article.

Don’t Get in a Hurry to Apply Nitrogen to Wheat – Ed Lentz, Laura Lindsey

Normally we would be concerned about producers applying nitrogen to wheat on frozen ground this time of year. The recent wave of abnormally warm temperatures has removed any frost that was in the ground and suggests that green-up may come sooner than recent years. Even if wheat comes out of winter earlier, the crop still does not require large amounts of N until stem elongation/jointing (Feekes Growth Stage 6), which is generally the middle or the end of April depending on the location in the state and spring temperatures. Ohio research has shown no yield benefit from applications made prior to this time period. Soil organic matter and/or N applied at planting generally provide sufficient N for early growth until stem elongation. For more information on top dressing wheat, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-4/don%E2%80%99t-get-hurry-apply-nitrogen-wheat.

What’s Limiting Soybean Yield in Ohio? – Laura Lindsey

2013, 2014, and 2015, with funding from Ohio Soybean Council and help from county extension educators, we measured soybean yield limiting factors on 199 farms across the state. Data collected included management practices (i.e., crop rotation, variety, row width, etc), soil fertility status, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) egg counts, and soybean yield. These were the top yield-reducers in our research: planting date, soil fertility, soybean cyst nematode.  To read about how you can reduce these soybean yield limiting factors, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-4/what%E2%80%99s-limiting-soybean-yield-ohio.

2017 On-Farm Fertilizer Trials for Corn, Soybean, and Wheat – Steve Culman, Greg LaBarge, Harold D. Watters, CPAg/CCA, Ed Lentz, Anthony Fulford

Ohio State is looking for farmer cooperators and crop consultants to help conduct on-farm field trials for the 2017 field season. The 2017 field season will likely be our last year of field trials before Ohio fertilizer recommendations are updated and/or revised. We are looking specifically at N, P, K and S in corn, soybean and wheat. We are collecting data from a large number of farms across the state to determine fertilization rates that maximize farmer profitability. These trials should be considered an opportunity to learn more about your farm’s fertility needs, but also contribute to a state-wide effort for better nutrient management and water quality outcomes. To find out how you can participate in on-farm research, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-4/2017-farm-fertilizer-trials-corn-soybean-and-wheat.

Xtend soybean/dicamba information – Mark Loux

The latest blog post on the OSU weed management website, u.osu.edu/osuweeds, has information on XtendiMax and Engenia.  This includes primary labels and soybean supplemental labels for both products, along with an ODA fact sheet summarizing key aspects and differences between the labels.  We have also posted an OSU Powerpoint that summarizes some of the key stewardship information from labels.  BASF and Monsanto have started to provide approved tank-mix components on their websites – www.xtendimaxapplicationrequirements.com and www.engeniatankmix.com.  Reminder that anything that will be mixed with Engenia or XtendiMax – herbicides, adjuvants, etc – must be listed on these websites prior to use.  The same goes for nozzles, and approvals for these are starting to appear on the websites as well

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 morning,

Today there is an OSU Extension Nutrient Management Plan Writer available to assist farmers in developing free Nutrient Management Plans in the Western Lake Erie Basin of Ohio here at the Hardin County Extension office.  Plans provide both fertility recommendations and an environmental site risk for fields that help identify resource concerns impacting nutrient and sediment loss.  The plan writer has an open schedule for today, so feel free to stop by the office.  Please arrive by 2:00 pm to get work started on your nutrient management plan.  Contact Jessie Schulze at 419-782-4771 or schulze.72@osu.edu to schedule an appointment for the March 30 session if you haven’t already set up an appointment.  See the attached flyer and form to see what you need to bring to an appointment and how you can benefit from this service free of charge.  They will accept all farmers on a first come, first served basis, per day in the AM (9-12) and PM (12-3).

Hardin Co. NMP County Flyer

NMP Request for Service Form

Ohio State University Extension announces two agronomy webinars available to producers, Certified Crop Advisors and industry offered in February 2017.  The Corn, Soybean and Wheat Connection series is scheduled for broadcast across Ohio on both February 21 and 28.  These webinars will focus on issues and updates in grain crop production.  Each webinar will begin at 7:00 p.m. and can be viewed from your home or office computer with an internet connection.  The February 21 webinar topic will be improving soil health and utilizing cover crops by Dr. Steve Culman and Dr. Ryan Haden, both from Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster.  The webinar on February 28 will give producers management strategies to increase soybean yield and provide updates on insect trends from 2016.  This session will be taught by Dr. Laura Lindsey, State Soybean & Small Grains Specialist, OSU Extension and Dr. Kelley Tilmon, State Field Crops Entomology Specialist, OSU Extension.  See the attached flyer and news release for information about how to view these webinars.

CSW Connection 2017 Flyer

CSW Connection 2017 News Release

There will be a Planter University February 28 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Beck’s Hybrids, 720 US 40, London, Ohio.  Hear from experts sharing practical information on the latest setups and technologies to ensure peak performance of your planter.  If you are interested in attending this workshop held adjacent to the Farm Science Review site, make sure you register by February 20.  See the attached brochure for more information and registration fees.  Liberty National Bank will be holding a Farmers Breakfast again this year at the Plaza Inn Restaurant on February 28 as well.  This breakfast starts at 7:30 am and will feature Ohio Department of Agriculture Director David Daniels who will be speaking on ‘Nutrient Management of Lake Erie.’  Contact Liberty National Bank by February 17 by calling 419-634-5015 or email HCox@myLiberty.bank to RSVP.  See the attached flyer for more information about this event.

Planter University Registration Brochure

Farmers Breakfast Flyer

The Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association will hold their annual Lamb Banquet on Saturday, March 4 at St. John’s Evangelical Church in Kenton at 6:30 pm.  Tickets for the banquet can be obtained from the Extension office at 1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton.  Adult tickets are $15, Children $7, and 2016 Hardin County Junior Fair Sheep Exhibitors FREE with a reservation given at 419-674-2297 by February 24.  Banquet guests are asked to arrive early to participate in the silent auction bidding for various items that were donated to provide funds for the scholarship program.  Tickets can be purchased until February 24 from the following county Sheep Improvement Association Directors: Dave Ramsey, Megan Burgess, Scott Elliott, Cory Wagner, Dave Burkhart, Kristie Fay, Max Garmon, Don Haudenschield, Kenny Williams, Jeff Bowers, Bruce Oberlitner, Peter Previte, or Russell Senning.  Tickets can also be purchased from Madelyn Lowery.  The banquet entertainment will consist of dinner music provided by the band ‘In a Jam’.  A dinner will be prepared with various cuts of lamb for the banquet guests to enjoy.  See the attached news release for more information about the Lamb Banquet, scholarship, and queen application procedure.

Lamb Banquet News Release

A training course for new Master Gardener Volunteers will be held at OSU Lima Campus March 7-April 25.  The classes will meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm and will prepare local gardeners for volunteering as OSU Extension Master Gardeners.  See the attached news article for more information about how to sign up for this opportunity to help others with research based horticulture knowledge.  Other local events this week include Tractor Safety and Machinery Operation for Youth – Session 2 Wednesday (2/15) from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Extension office, Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday (2/16) starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office, Allen County Ag Outlook program (call 419-222-6045 to RSVP) Thursday, (2/16) starting at 7:30 am at the Old Barn Out Back in Lima, and the New & Small Farm College – Session 5 Thursday (2/16) at OSU Lima campus from 6:00-9:00 pm.  See articles below for further reading.

New Master Gardener Volunteer Course News Release

Mark

Handy Bt Trait Table for U.S. corn production updated for 2017 – Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel

Most corn hybrids planted in the U.S. contain one or more transgenic traits for weed or insect management. There are many different available traits, which can sometimes cause confusion about a hybrid’s spectrum of control or refuge requirements. The Handy Bt Trait Table provides a helpful list of trait names and details of trait packages to make it easier to select and understand products and their refuge requirements, and read company seed guides, sales materials, and bag tags. To read more and see a full-sized view of this Bt table, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-3/handy-bt-trait-table-us-corn-production-updated-2017.

Winter Application of Manure – Glen Arnold, Kevin Elder

Given the warmer than normal winter and large amounts of rainfall received in areas, some livestock producers will be looking to apply manure in February when farm fields are frozen enough to support application equipment. Permitted farms are not allowed to apply manure in the winter unless it is an extreme emergency, and then movement to other suitable storage is usually the selected alternative. This article is for medium and small livestock operations. In the Grand Lake St Marys watershed, the winter manure application ban from December 15th to March 1st is still in effect. Thus, no manure application would normally be allowed in February. In the western Lake Erie basin watershed, the application of manure to frozen and snow covered soils require there to be a growing crop in the field. This could be a pasture, alfalfa, clover, ryegrass or rape crop. There must be enough vegetation visible to provide 90% cover of residue and growing vegetation, Radishes and oats would not qualify as a growing crop as both are typically winterkilled.  Go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-3/winter-application-manure to read more about winter manure application rules.

February 28th Precision Planting Event – Register Now! – Mary Griffith

OSU Extension will host a Planter University on February 28th, 2017 at Beck’s Hybrids in London, Ohio. This event will focus on utilizing precision planting technology to optimize yield through controlled planting and data management to promote profitable decision-making. Topics include UAVs to support planting decisions, managing compaction, data utilization to improve planter management, the future of planting technology, a panel discussion with industry experts, and more. CCA credits are available. For more information, and to register, click https://fabe.osu.edu/programs/precision-ag/technology/planter-university.

Take the Next Step: Conservation Tillage Conference – Mark Badertscher

So you think you are ready to make an effort to improve soil health?  Wondering how to produce corn in the most profitable and environmentally safe way?  Do you want to know how to fit cover crops into your operation?  Maybe you are looking for ways to apply manure to make the most efficient use of your nutrients.  Ready to find a way to make better use of the technology integrated into your tractor, combine, planter, or sprayer?  Will the new herbicide management programs give that bump in soybean yield you’ve been looking for?  Are you ready test your ideas with on-farm research, develop a nutrient management plan, or make that move to a no-till system?  Find out more about the Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) at http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-3/take-next-step-conservation-tillage-conference.

Options for Managing Mud in Pastures This Winter – Chris Penrose

Most forage livestock producers do not mind the cold temperatures in the winter, nor do most mind some snow. One thing we do mind is the mild, wet weather we have had this winter. I think we all know the stress for us when we are trying to feed in the mud, especially if we get stuck. Whether it is our tractor or our boots, it never is a good experience. What happens when our fields are grazed to the ground and our sod can no longer support the livestock, feeders and equipment? The fields decline rapidly, round bale feeders become “mud magnets” and tire tracks rut fields. To continue reading this article, go to http://u.osu.edu/beef/2017/02/08/options-for-managing-mud-in-pastures-this-winter/.

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,

As we move through February, there are some interesting events coming up that you might want to make plans to attend.  The annual Hardin County Dairy Banquet will be held on Saturday, February 25 at 12:00 noon at the Plaza Inn Restaurant, Mt. Victory.  Tickets this year are $13.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12 and under.  Junior Fair Dairy Exhibitors from the 2016 Hardin County Fair are eligible for a complimentary ticket by contacting the Extension office.  Tickets are available until February 17 from the following county Dairy Service Unit Directors: Philip Bauer, Nate Cromer, Keith and Jean Dirkson, Corey Ledley, Chad Hazelton, Bret Rager, Larry and Janice Rall, Parry Rall, Vaughn Rall, Clair and Sue Sanders, Dan and Molly Wagner, or from the Extension Office.  The entertainment for the banquet will be Hope Hazelton sharing photos and experiences from her internship working on four Australian dairy farms.  See the attached news release for information about the dairy banquet, scholarship, and princess applications.

Dairy Banquet News Release

Tomorrow is an eventful day with the Conservation Tillage Club breakfast at 7:30 in the morning and the Ohio Beef Cattle School in the evening.  Cal Whewell will speak to the Conservation Tillage Club.  He will be presenting the Grain Marketing Outlook, providing area farmers with grain marketing strategies.  Whewell is no stranger in grain marketing circles.  He is a Risk Management Consultant and Regional Director at FC Stone, serving the Toledo area.  Dr. Francis Fluharty, Research Professor, The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences, will be the featured at the Ohio Beef Cattle School on February 7 at 7:00 in the evening.  This session will compare grazing versus confinement growing systems for feeder cattle.  Dr. Fluharty will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these two distinctly different management systems and explore how calf health and management impact the end product.  See the attached flyers for more information on both the Conservation Tillage Club and Ohio Beef Cattle School programs.

Conservation Tillage Club Flyer

Beef Cattle School Flyer

The Ohio State University Extension has four Nutrient Management Plan Writers working to assist farmers in developing free Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) of Ohio. Plans provide both fertility recommendations and an environmental site risk for fields that help identify resource concerns impacting nutrient and sediment loss.  These nutrient management plan writers will be at the Hardin County Extension office both February 14 and March 30 to assist farmers by writing nutrient management plans to help improve the water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin.  See the attached news release, brochure, and form to see how you can benefit from this service free of charge.  March will soon be upon us.  The Conservation Tillage Conference (CTC) is a major agronomic crops conference happening in Ada at The Ohio Northern University.  I have attached an article from the Ohio No-Till News (mid-Jan) and brochure so you can start preparing to take advantage of this local event.  Early bird registration ends February 27 for a reduced registration fee.

NMPW Brochure 2016

NMP Request for Service Form

Hardin Co. Dates News Release

CTC Flyer 2017

No-Till News January 2017

Other local upcoming events include a Farm Bureau meeting Tuesday, February 7 at Ag Credit starting at 7:00 pm.  The Tractor Safety and Machinery Operation Course for Youth Session 1 is Wednesday, February 8 at the Extension office starting at 6:00 pm.  The New & Small Farm College Session 4 is Thursday, February 9 at OSU Lima starting at 6:00 pm.  Friday, February 10 is the Cover Crops Workshop at the Plaza Inn from 8:30 am-3:30 pm.  The Hardin County Horse Banquet will be this Saturday, February 11 at the Moose Lodge starting at 6:00 pm.  There is plenty to keep you busy this winter, but if you would rather stay at home and read some articles, I have included a variety of topics below.  Enjoy the nice weather.

Mark

2016 Northwest Ohio Corn Silage Test – Rich Minyo, Bill Widdicombe, Peter Thomison, Allen Geyer

In 2016, 47 corn silage hybrids representing 16 commercial brands were evaluated in a joint trial with Michigan State University (MSU). One Ohio location is combined with Michigan’s two southern (Zone 1) silage locations. The Ohio test site was located in our Northwest Region at Hoytville (Wood County). The two MSU sites were located in Branch and Lenawee counties, which are on the Ohio/Michigan state line.  The test results from the three 2016 locations are treated as one region. To find out the results of these corn silage tests, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2017-2/2016-northwest-ohio-corn-silage-test.

Key to Beef Cattle Profitability; Dare to be Different – Stan Smith

Regardless what aspect of agriculture – or life – we might be involved in, occasionally we all slip into the “same old, same old” trap. That is, doing it the way we’ve always done it simply because we always have. As the extraordinary cattle prices we enjoyed in recent years have settled back to levels that many might now call normal, perhaps it’s time to take another look at ways to enhance profitability in the cow/calf sector. In fact, today, let’s explore marketing and approach it not by thinking about the next high in the beef cattle market, but instead simply trying to avoid some very predictable annual lows. To read more about making beef cattle profitable, go to http://u.osu.edu/beef/2017/01/18/key-to-beef-cattle-profitability-dare-to-be-different/#more-2795.

Preventing Slips and Falls During Icy Conditions – Kent McGuire

When the temperature drops, ice can become a severe problem on the farm.  Water troughs ice over, barn doors freeze shut, and ice glazes over travel paths or equipment stored outside.  Icy conditions can cause severe slip / fall injuries because an individual slides abruptly causing a loss of balance and impacting the surface below. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, there were 34,860 workplace slip-and-fall injuries involving ice, sleet or snow that required at least one day away from work to recuperate. This does not include thousands more winter slip-and-fall related injuries that were minor and did not result in lost work time. Go to http://agsafety.osu.edu/newsletter/ag-safety-stat/january-2017/injury-prevention/preventing-slips-and-falls-during-icy to finish reading this article.

Ohio Legislature Changes Transfer on Death Designations Following Certain Life Events – Peggy Kirk Hall

Many Ohioans choose to avoid the probate process by using a transfer on death designation. Since 2000, Ohio has permitted property owners to use transfer on death designations to transfer property upon the owner’s death. Since 2009, Ohio law has required property owners to make transfer on death designations by using an affidavit instead of a survivorship deed. Under a new Ohio law, transfer on death affidavits may automatically terminate after certain life events.  If you are interested about how this might affect your estate plan, click on http://aglaw.osu.edu/blog/fri-01062017-201pm/ohio-legislature-changes-transfer-death-designations-following-certain-life.

Milk Prices, Costs of Nutrients, Margins, and Comparison of Feedstuffs Prices – Alex Tebbe

Milk Prices: The October Class III price closed at $14.82/cwt and was projected to remain relatively unchanged in November, followed by a $2/cwt rise to $16.88/cwt for the month of December.  The Class III price for the month of November and December actually closed at $16.76 and $17.40/cwt, respectively. For the month of January, the price is expected to stay stagnant at $17.45/cwt and drop 72¢/cwt in February to $16.73/cwt. Although prices rose at the tail end of 2016, domestic demand in the state of Ohio is currently sluggish and total milk produced has risen. As a result, there is no added bonus from the producer price differential for milk checks in the months of November and December and Ohio farmers should expect their mailbox price to be around $15.40 and $16.80/cwt, respectively; much below the actual prices listed above. Go to http://dairy.osu.edu/newsletter/buckeye-dairy-news/volume-19-issue-1/milk-prices-costs-nutrients-margins-and-comparison to find out more about dairy economics.

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