Author: Mark Badertscher

June 10, 2024

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Good afternoon,

As I write this edition of the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update, The Ohio Crop Weather report estimates that 95% of the corn is planted and 88% of the soybeans are planted across the state. Wheat is turning and it won’t be long until harvest will be happening in the county. Hay is being made in between rains, and corn is being side dressed. Herbicides are being applied to help control weeds. For the period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 1.78 inches of rain in Hardin County. Last year, the average rainfall for the same period was 1.72 inches. Rainfall for the April 15-30 period is 0.12 inches less than the ten-year average rainfall during the same dates. See the attached Extension rainfall report for more information for this period. Since then, there has not been a shortage of rainfall in the county. If you have unwanted farm pesticides that you wish to dispose of, I have attached a news release about the Ohio Department of Agriculture “Clean Sweep” program, which will serve as a collection site at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds on August 14 from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

Ohio Crop Weather

April 15-30 Rainfall Summary

Clean Sweep News Release

Tomorrow evening will be our Pond Clinic, sponsored by the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and OSU Extension, Hardin County. It will be held on Tuesday, June 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pond owners and prospective pond owners are invited to the clinic being held at the Liberty Conservation Club, 1552 State Route 235, Ada. Eugene Braig, Program Director, Aquatic Ecosystems from The Ohio State University Extension School of Environmental and Natural Resources will discuss weed management, fish stocking, and how to keep your pond ecosystem in balance so plants and fish co-exist. See the attached news release and flyer for more information. Although I have recently pulled the armyworm, black cutworm, and European Corn Borer traps from around the county, I have added corn earworm and western bean cutworm. You can read the attached fact sheets for more information about these corn pests.

Pond Clinic News Release

Pond Clinic Flyer

European Corn Borer Fact Sheet

Corn Earworm Fact Sheet

Western Bean Cutworm Fact Sheet

Our Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have been busy planning summer garden programs with events planned for “Raised Bed Gardening,” “Growing with Intentions,” and “Flower Arrangements” scheduled for the 3rd Tuesday 2024 Summer Garden Programs in the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located in Kenton. See the attached news release and flyer to read more about these events. Also, they are planning “An Evening Garden Affair” with the topic of Agritourism – A Blooming Business scheduled for June 24 with a garden tour and program to follow in the Simon Kenton School. I have also attached a copy of this news release and flyer for those who may be interested in attending. Master Gardener Volunteers will be stationed around the Friendship Gardens at this event to help answer your garden questions.

Summer Garden Programs News Release

Summer Garden Programs Flyer

An Evening Garden Affair News Release

An Evening Garden Affair Flyer

It has been an honor to serve as the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator since June 3, 2013. However, after over 11 years in this role, and over 25 years teaching agricultural education and serving as a FFA Advisor, I have decided to retire. I will have 37 years in public education as I approach the age of 60 in October. I want to thank everyone for accepting me as your Extension Educator and for cooperating with all my program events, research projects, and trapping insects over the years. I will miss working with everyone and all the opportunities that Extension has provided for me to learn and grow in this position. My final day with OSU Extension will be June 30 and the University will be hiring another person to fill this position. Until then, I hope to see you soon at an event in the county as I prepare for this next phase of my life. I hope you take every opportunity to welcome the next individual in this position and until then, I wish you the best. As always, enjoy reading the articles from the CORN Newsletter below.

 

Yours in agriculture,

Mark

 

Regional Updates: May 28 – June 2, 2024 – Lee Beers, Gigi Neal, Jordan Penrose, Nick Eckel, Stephanie Karhoff

Planting progress is still variable across the state, but the weather last week provided another window for field activities. Hear from Ohio State University Extension Educators and Specialists on crop conditions and pest issues across the state. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/regional-updates-may-28-%E2%80%93-june-2-2024.

 

Rapid Growing Degree Day Accumulation in May – Aaron Wilson

Climate Summary: For May, temperatures averaged 2-6°F above the long-term mean (1991-2020). This led to a rapid accumulation of modified growing degree days, from 400-600 over the course of the month. This is 80-120 GDDs above the long-term mean for May with seasonal totals since April 1 now sitting between 600 and 1000 (north to south). Precipitation was highly variable. Parts of west central, northeast, and southeast counties only received 1-2” (50-75% of normal). Other areas including Marion/Wyandot/Crawford Counties, across southern Ohio, and from Canton to Steubenville picked up more than 5” (125-175% of normal). According to CoCoRaHS, a site near Withamsville in Clermont County received 6.93” in May. Even where precipitation was a bit on the lighter side, frequent rainy days plagued the region early in the month, with improvements in planting windows for northwest Ohio just before Memorial Day. Continue reading at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/rapid-growing-degree-day-accumulation-may.

 

Manure Science Review Coming Thursday August 6th – Glen Arnold

The annual Manure Science Review will be held on Tuesday, August 6th from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at the Farm Science Review Molly Caren Agricultural Center 135 SR 38 NE, London, OH. Morning educational topics will include manure placement and subsurface drainage, 360-RAIN liquid manure application, and best manure application practices. Attendees will also hear about updates on the H2Ohio program. Read more about the field demonstrations and other items planned at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/manure-science-review-coming-thursday-august-6th.

 

Statewide Slug Monitoring Project – Update #3 – Amy Raudenbush, Maddie Brillhart, John Barker, Nic Baumer, Frank Becker, Lee Beers, Amanda Bennett, Dirk Dempsey, Amanda Douridas, Ken Ford, Seth Kannberg, Kendra Stahl, Jacob Winters, Ted Wiseman, Kelley Tilmon

As we move into June, we continue to receive reports of slug damage on soybeans across Ohio. Slugs are more likely to be found in no-till fields where cover crops are grown. Slugs feed directly on the soybean, causing both seed and foliar damage that can result in complete loss of the plant. Because slugs are nocturnal, when you scout your fields, slugs may not be present; however, you may see signs of slug feeding such as holes in the cotyledon or slime trails. You are more likely to find slugs actively present in your field if you scout early in the morning or on cloudy/rainy days. Finish reading at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/statewide-slug-monitoring-project-%E2%80%93-update-3.

 

Scouting Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa – Kyle Verhoff, Curtis Young, Jason Hartschuh

With many looking to make first cutting alfalfa as soon as fields are fit and with others checking regrowth, we switch focus from one alfalfa pest to another. Potato leafhoppers (PLH) are a common alfalfa pest that arrives late into the first cutting, carried to Ohio fields by southern winds. The life cycle of PLH only takes around three weeks for the pest to reach maturity and there can be multiple, overlapping generations per year that can quickly become economically damaging. Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/scouting-potato-leafhopper-alfalfa to read more about scouting potato leafhopper.

 

Lep Monitoring Network – Last week for Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update # 7 – Stephanie Pflaum, Amy Raudenbush, Mark Badertscher, Lee Beers, Trevor Corboy, Dirk Dempsey, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Beth Scheckelhoff, Kyle Verhoff, Brooks Warner, Jacob Winters, Kayla Wyse, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

After rounding out our seventh and final week of monitoring for black cutworm and true armyworm in Ohio, it can be noted that this past week, Trumbull County saw the highest average of BCW pests, while Van Wert County has continued its streak of seeing the highest average of AMW pests. Despite nearing the end of the season for these pests, it should be noted that Van Wert saw a drastic jump in AMW pest numbers this past week, averaging a whopping 10.8 pests per trap, with the max number in one trap hitting 23 true armyworm moths. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-17/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-last-week-black-cutworm-and-true to get the latest Lep Monitoring Network information.

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

AgriTourism – A Blooming Business

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Hardin County – The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting “An Evening Garden Affair” on Monday evening, June 24 at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W. Kohler Street in Kenton. The event is from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and will feature Jessica Alger, Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteer intern and family owner-operator of Make a Bouquet U-Pick Flower Farm near Arlington.

There will be walking tours of the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County with light refreshments starting at 6:00 pm. Master Gardener Volunteers will be stationed in the Friendship Gardens to provide information. Garden tours may be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.

Participants will move to the Simon Kenton School building at 7:00 pm for the program speaker, Jessica Alger, family owner-operator of Make a Bouquet U-Pick Flower Farm near Arlington for her presentation about the latest trends in AgriTourism. Topics include What is AgriTourism? Examples of AgriTourism in the area and beyond; Flowers by Season; and Make a Bouquet U-Pick Flower Farm origin, history to present day along with the process, benefits, and challenges of owning your own business.

This event is free and open to the public, rain, or shine. Those who have an interest in gardening will not want to miss this event. Parking is available at the garden off West Kohler Street or in front of Simon Kenton School. For further information contact the OSU Extension office at 419-674-2297.

Summer Programs at the Friendship Gardens

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Hardin County – The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting three summer garden programs at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W. Kohler Street in Kenton. The programs will begin with an event on “Raised Bed Gardening” on June 18, “Growing with Intentions” on July 16, and another on “Flower Arrangements” on August 20. All programs will begin at 6:00 pm and end by 7:00 pm.

“Raised Bed Gardening” will be the topic on June 18. Master Gardener Volunteer Stewart Coats will present how to construct a raised bed garden, bed depth based on plants to be planted, and where they should be located. Also, he will speak about what kind of soil, fertilizer, best plants to grow in raised beds, and how to water to be successful with this type of gardening.

“Growing with Intentions” will be the topic on July 16. Jessica Alger and her family run Make a Bouquet U-Pick Fields, a flower farm near Arlington. Her program will talk about the meaning of different flowers. Did you know that some flowers symbolize prosperity or appreciation and some mean jealousy? Jessica will demonstrate making a bouquet and will bring flowers for a limited number of participants to make their own bouquet at minimal cost.

“Flower Arrangements” will be the topic on August 20. Brandy Hunsaker of Farmyard 1832, which is a 7-acre flower farm in Hardin County that grows fresh cut flowers for bouquets, arrangements, and events will present a program on flowers to put in arrangements. Brandy and her family are about spreading joy throughout the community and making long lasting relationships.

These events are free to attend and open to the public, rain or shine with the featured program inside the shelter house at the Friendship Gardens with seating. Registration is not necessary to attend. Master Gardener Volunteers will be stationed throughout the Friendship Gardens before and after the programs to answer your gardening questions. All interested gardeners are encouraged to attend.

Pond Clinic

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Hardin County – A Pond Clinic, sponsored by the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and OSU Extension, Hardin County will be held on Tuesday, June 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pond owners and prospective pond owners are invited to the clinic being held at the Liberty Conservation Club, 1552 State Route 235, Ada.

Eugene Braig, Program Director, Aquatic Ecosystems from The Ohio State University Extension School of Environmental and Natural Resources will discuss weed management, fish stocking, and how to keep your pond ecosystem in balance so plants and fish co-exist.

This will be a question-and-answer pond clinic. Bring all your pond management questions for the expert to answer.

The program will be held outside so bring your lawn chair and dress for the weather conditions. Light refreshments will be provided by the Hardin SWCD. If you have any questions, please contact the Hardin SWCD or Hardin County OSU Extension.

May 10, 2024

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Good afternoon,

Rain has slowed down local Hardin County spring planting. According to the attached Ohio Crop Weather report for May 6, 26% of corn has been planted along with 20% of soybeans so far in the state. I would estimate that here in the county we are above that number, but water currently lays in some fields. Wheat has been rated as good in 56% of the fields in Ohio. Hopefully, most spring forages have been planted by now. See the attached article about Spring Forage Establishment that I submitted in early April to the news media. As you are waiting for fields to become fit for planting, you might want to read the attached article comparing Hardin County Crop Yields for 2023 with other adjacent counties. Hardin County averages for corn in 2023 was 188.8 bushels per acre, soybean was 62.1 bushels per acre, and wheat was 97.6 bushels per acre so overall it was a good crop year. Remember to take your time and be safe when you are out in the fields and on the roadways this spring.

Ohio Crop Weather Report

Spring Forage Establishment News Release

Crop Yields News Release

The Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteers have been active early this spring. They will have a children’s activity at the Market on Main Spring Fest tomorrow, May 11 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, so see the attached article for more information. Their annual MGV Plant Sale will be Saturday, May 18 at the Friendship Gardens in Kenton from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Arrive early as plants often go fast. We will also have free Ohio Victory Garden seeds available at this event. The location of the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County is 960 W Kohler Street, Kenton. See the attached article and flyer for more details. In addition, I have included an article I wrote about the Grow Ohio Project which our Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers grow fruits and vegetables that are donated to charities around the county to help feed needy families. This past year the program continued to grow and benefit Hardin County with a total of 2313 pounds of fresh produce donated. This produce was made available weekly to four charities in addition to a couple of other charities on an occasional basis to help accomplish the goal of the Grow Ohio program. Hopefully, with the added help of new Master Gardener Volunteers, the program will increase its capacity in 2024.

Marigold Magic News Release

Hardin County Plant Sale News Release

MGV Plant Sale Flyer

Grow Ohio Project News Release

I have been trapping armyworm and black cutworm moths in local county fields since April and with the warm weather this spring, our numbers have been increasing in these six traps. See the attached OSU fact sheets on these pests of wheat and corn to learn more about them. Each Friday I make the rounds, checking the traps and crop progress. Just last Friday I added two European Corn Borer traps and will check them for the first time this afternoon. Soon I will add Corn Earworm and later Western Bean Cutworm traps around the county. In addition to monitoring the crop pest populations, our state Extension specialists make recommendations based on these results once they approach economic thresholds. You can read about this effort and other agronomic crop topics in the articles below.

Armyworm Fact Sheet

Black Cutworm Fact Sheet

Mark

 

Spring 2024 Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 6 – Aaron Wilson

A warm stretch of weather, with temperatures over the last 30 days averaging 3-6°F above normal, have resulted in daily average near surface soil temperatures in the mid to upper 60s for the bulk of Ohio. Forecast trends should help maintain mild soil temperatures throughout the week, with a slight drop over the weekend as cooler air moves in for Mother’s Day. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-13/spring-2024-weather-soil-conditions-update-6.

 

Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update # 3 – Amy Raudenbush, Mark Badertscher, Lee Beers, Trevor Corboy, Dirk Dempsey, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Beth Scheckelhoff, Kyle Verhoff, Brooks Warner, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

Week 3 of monitoring for black cutworm (BCW) and true armyworm (AMW) resulted in the highest statewide average for both pests so far this year. To monitor for BCW and AMW, wing traps are placed at the edge of corn fields and checked weekly through the end of May. Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-13/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-black-cutworm-and-true-armyworm-update-3 to find out about our insect trapping numbers statewide.

 

Battle for the Belt: Season 2 Episode 6 – May Weather Updates – Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Aaron Wilson, Laura Lindsey

In Episode 6, Dr. Aaron Wilson discusses weather for the week of May 6. Dr. Wilson also gives a weather update in an article titled “Spring 2024 Weather and Soil Conditions: Update 6” in this week’s issue of the CORN newsletter. The Wooster location planted the second planting date on Friday, May 3rd. The field conditions have been favorable. Corn and soybean planted on April 22 have germinated and are beginning to emerge (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/snkKF_hHIDI). Corn and soybean at the Wooster location were not affected by frost. More information is at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-13/battle-belt-season-2-episode-6-may-weather-updates.

 

Forage Maturity Across Ohio – Jason Hartschuh

Warm weather this spring especially over the last couple of weeks has rapidly progressed forage maturity. Harvesting forages at the proper time for the livestock you are feeding is critical to farm profitability. Poor quality forages must be supplemented to maintain livestock. In the southern part of the state, many forage grasses are in head while in the northern part of the state, some varieties of Orchard grass and barnyard grass are in head but most are still in the vegetative stage but will be in head within a week. Finish reading about forage maturity at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-13/forage-maturity-across-ohio.

 

Statewide Alfalfa Weevil Population Update #3 – Kyle Verhoff, Ryan McMichael, Nic Baumer, Nick Eckel, Frank Becker, Beth Scheckelhoff

Alfalfa weevil larvae across the state spent the past week in the peak growing degree days (GDD) ranges for feeding and development. As we get nearer to first cutting it is important to keep an eye on these pests before they can build up to economically damaging levels. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-13/statewide-alfalfa-weevil-population-update-3 to find out about the level of alfalfa weevil infestation in area counties.

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Marigold Magic

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By Christine Heilman, Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteer

 

Hardin County – Join us for an exciting adventure on May 11th at the Kenton Farmer’s Market with “Marigold Magic: A Children’s Gardening Experience”! Hosted by the Master Gardeners, this interactive activity aims to cultivate young minds while having fun with gardening. Children will have the opportunity to plant their very own marigold seeds and plants while also learning important gardening skills. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants will discover how to properly water their plants, understand sunlight requirements, and distinguish between marigold seeds and plants. Join us for a time filled with learning and exploration as we nurture the next generation of green thumbs! The activities will be held during the Spring Fest at Market on Main, May 11 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The market is located on the corner of Main and Ohio Streets in the parking lot behind The Middlefield Banking Company.

Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale

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Hardin County – The 19th Annual Hardin County Master Gardener Plant Sale will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 18 rain or shine at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County. The Friendship Gardens of Hardin County is located behind the old HARCO Workshop Building, 960 W Kohler Street in Kenton. Follow the signs to the parking that is available at the garden.

In addition to plants and garden items supplied by the Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, the Hardin County Men’s Garden Club will be at this annual event with plants for sale. Other organizations and businesses participating include Keep Hardin County Beautiful, All 4 One Crafts, and Turner Baughman Farm wool pellet garden mulch. In the past, the public has been able to find a wide choice of their favorite flowers, bedding plants, roses, herbs, trees, and various other potted plants at this event. In addition, gently used garden tools and other related garden items are often available.

Sharing from their own knowledge and experience, gardeners from the OSU Extension Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteers and the Hardin County Men’s Garden Club will be on hand to answer questions and provide advice for a successful gardening year. Also, free packets of Ohio Victory Gardens seeds provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture will be available.

Make sure you put Saturday, May 18 on your calendar to attend. Hopefully the weather will cooperate, and conditions will be suitable for planting by the date of this year’s plant sale. The OSU Extension Hardin County Master Gardener Volunteers look forward to seeing you at the Friendship Gardens once again this year. Come early as noted in the past, the event has been popular, and plants go fast. So, bring your boxes and wagons, and get your green thumb on for the new planting season!

April 5, 2024

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Good afternoon,

We made it through the winter meeting season and there are only two more livestock banquets coming up this spring in Hardin County. This Saturday, April 6 is the Goat Banquet at 5:30 pm at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Kenton. Next Saturday, April 13 is the Horse Banquet at 6:00 pm at the Kenton Moose Family Center. I have attached copies of the news releases so that you may read more about them.

Goat Banquet News Release

Horse Banquet News Release

The big news is the upcoming solar eclipse which will move through Hardin County on Monday, April 8 with Forest being the prime location for viewing. As a farmer or landowner, there are some things that you should know in regard to securing property, livestock, equipment, and other items in case we get the influx of people that officials are expecting. There are concerns about liability and trespassers that have been brought up as well. See the attached article “Preparing Farms for the Solar Eclipse” to find out more regarding this upcoming event so you are prepared in case a situation arises.

Farm Solar Eclipse News Release

Once again, the Hardin County OSU Extension office will make free carrot, lettuce, cucumber, and sunflower seeds available starting April 10. This is made possible in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Victory Gardens program. Our Master Gardener Volunteers will also have seed available at their annual plant sale being held May 18 at the Friendship Gardens in Kenton. See the attached article for more information about the Ohio Victory Gardens program.

Victory Gardens News Release

Soon I will begin setting insect traps around the county to monitor crop pests. If you are interested in having a trap placed near a wheat or corn field, please contact me, and let me know the location of the field. I will check traps each Friday afternoon when I am out scouting and staging crops this spring. The results of the catches will be shared with the cooperating farmers and articles will appear in the CORN Newsletter throughout the growing season. As usual, see the attached articles for information related to agronomic crop production.

 

Mark

 

Spring 2024 Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 1 – Aaron Wilson

Following yet another warm winter (now the second warmest on record 1895-2024) and temperatures 2-6°F above average for the month of March, April soil temperatures are starting off on the warm side. Two-inch and four-inch soil temperatures across northern Ohio are in the low to mid 40s, while stations across the south are reporting low to mid 50s for daily averages. Soil temperatures should remain steady early this week, with a slight drop off this weekend possible as cooler air filters into the region. See more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/spring-2024-weather-soil-conditions-update-1.

 

Assessing Forage Stands and Winter Damage – Kyle Verhoff, Allen Gahler, Jason Hartschuh

Spring is here and now is a great time to walk fields and note how the forages faired. Winter damage is difficult to predict and the variability of temperatures this past winter across the state can present some difficult conditions for forages. Depending on the location and what type of forage field, winter damage may be a major concern, particularly for forages with taproots like alfalfa. Stands should be assessed carefully during spring green-up for concerns such as heaving and crown and root disease. A thorough and timely assessment will allow for planning any necessary adjustments for the 2024 season. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/assessing-forage-stands-and-winter-damage.

 

Battle for the Belt – Season 2, Episode 1: Kick-Off – Laura Lindsey, Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Joe Davlin

Year 2 of Battle for the Belt kicked-off with corn and soybean planting on March 25 at the Western Agricultural Research Station in Clark County: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0ukx_RvOrI&list=PLYlh_BdeqniJ4J-htcJ9Z5MjULk3E8Eqk&index=1. Planting conditions were good with adequate soil moisture; however, soil temperature was in the low 40s at a two-inch depth. Planting will continue at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station in Wood County and Wooster Campus in Wayne County when soil moisture conditions allow. Keep up with this ongoing research project now in its second year at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/battle-belt-%E2%80%93-season-2-episode-1-kick.

 

Spring Forage Establishment – Kyle Verhoff, Allen Gahler, Jason Hartschuh

As soil temperatures rise and the chances of a morning frost decline, the window to spring-establish forages is open. In the spring, the combination of weather and plenty to do make planting opportunities scarce. To take advantage of those short planting windows the following are items to consider to improve chances for a successful forage establishment this spring. Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/spring-forage-establishment for information about establishing spring forages.

 

Scouting Early Alfalfa Weevil Activity – Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Maggie Lewis, Kyle Verhoff

Alfalfa weevils are one of the two key alfalfa pests in Ohio and now is the time to brush up on the scouting procedure and to add reminders to scout onto your calendar. Alfalfa weevil adults (and some eggs) overwinter in Ohio and lay eggs and become active when temperatures exceed 48°F. The larval stages of alfalfa weevil cause the most damage through foliar feeding, particularly during the 3rd and 4th instars. Peak larval activity and feeding damage are at their highest when heat units for the area are between 325 and 575 (accumulation from a base of starting at 48°F January 1st). As of writing this (Jan. 1 – March 31 ), heat units range from 270 in southwest Ohio to 118 in northeast Ohio. In terms of growing degree days, southern Ohio is comparable to this time last year but northern Ohio is ahead of schedule. Finish this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-08/scouting-early-alfalfa-weevil-activity.

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-767-6037

hardin.osu.edu

Ohio Victory Gardens Offers Free Seeds

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Hardin County – It’s time once again to get your hands dirty and start growing! The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Ohio State University Extension offices are kicking off the fifth year of the Ohio Victory Gardens program. Due to high demand, the program has expanded to include 64 counties, up from 50 counties last year. Thousands of seed sample kits are available for free to the public to get people planting.

Specific days and times for each office are available on the Ohio Victory Gardens website, as well as planting resources and information. Hardin County OSU Extension will make available Ohio Victory Garden seed packets containing a combination of carrots, cucumber, lettuce, and sunflowers. Seeds are currently available at the Hardin County OSU Extension Office, 1021 W Lima Street in Kenton and will also be available at its annual Master Gardener Volunteers Plant Sale being held Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County located at 960 W Kohler Street in Kenton.

Victory Gardens originated during World War I, an answer to a severe food shortage at the time. People were encouraged to find any usable space, plop in some seeds, and contribute homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs to the effort. The idea was wildly successful, growing an army of amateur gardeners and serving to boost morale and patriotism.

While we’re not in wartime, we can all commiserate the past few months have been tough, mood-boosters are welcomed. So, the Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio State University are reviving the effort and once again inspiring people to get their hands dirty, realize the fruits of their labor and share with others if inspired. We believe a good day in the garden is good for the soul.

The Victory Gardens Program offers a full website with details on seed distribution, advice, and resources on every aspect of planting and harvesting produce at https://u.osu.edu/ohiovictorygardens/online. All Victory Gardens participants will be eligible to win a free starter gardening toolkit by completing a short online survey to enter.

 

Article written by Ohio Department of Agriculture and edited by Mark Badertscher-OSU Extension, Hardin County

Horse Banquet

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Hardin County – The ninth annual Hardin County Horse Banquet will be held on Saturday, April 13 at the Kenton Moose Family Center. The doors will open at 5:30 pm for a silent auction to raise funds for the scholarship and food will be served at 6:00 pm. Banquet tickets this year are $18.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 18 and under. A child’s meal is $7.00 with kid-friendly food.

Reservations need to be made by April 5 by calling the following Hardin County Horse Club Advisors or committee members: Jonda Cole, Wendy Hooker, Ashley Haudenshield, Laura Gossard, Cinda Bame, or Ranee Liedel. The OSU Extension office can also take reservations by calling 419-674-2297 with all tickets paid for at the door at the banquet. The menu for the Horse Banquet will include a Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, side salad, cookie, and a drink. The kid’s friendly meal will be chicken nuggets, mac and cheese with one sauce, cookie, and a drink.

The purpose of the Hardin County Horse Banquet is to recognize the equine industry, including the youth and adults who work with horses in the county. Scholarship and royalty applications are available online at https://hardin.osu.edu/news/2024-livestock-commodity-banquet-dates-and-royalty-scholarship-information with applications due March 29th. As in the past, the new 2024 Horse King, Queen, Prince, and Princess will be crowned at this event. There are plans to present a $250 scholarship. Contact Ranee Liedel at 419-679-0110 or Laura Gossard at 567-674-3421 for more information or to donate door prizes for this event.