The spring edition of the Ag and Natural Resources Newsletter is live! You can find it by clicking here!

A collection of area Agriculture and Natural Resources educators have come together to create a new newsletter for our region! Check it out here !! As always send me an email at bowen.279@osu.ed or give me a call at 7405965212 if you have any questions or concerns!

By now you have likely heard the buzz about Hemp becoming legal in Ohio. While it is now legal to grow hemp in the State of Ohio there are still rules and restrictions to understand as well as licenses to obtain before planting. Most importantly the difference between marijuana and hemp most be determined, as growing recreational marijuana is still illegal in the state of Ohio. Hemp and marijuana are both forms of cannabis, differentiated by their levels of THC, the compound that causes the intoxicating affect of marijuana. Hemp has THC levels of less than 3% while marijuana is usually above 10%. Hemp is grown for its use a fiber, for its seed and for the use of the cannibidoil or CBD oil that is used for food and medicinal purposes.

In order to begin growing hemp you must obtain a license from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, theses licenses are not yet available but are expected to be available before the Spring 2020 planting season. There will also be a seperate license for the processing of the plants. The license along with the growing guidelines will be made available by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and the information will be available here.  If growing hemp sounds like something you may be interested in I encourage you to check out OSU Extensions Growing Hemp in Ohio conference on January 24th in Wooster. More information about the conference and registration can be found here.

As always if you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to reach out to me by phone (740) 596-5212 or by email bowen.279@osu.edu

It’s time for the second video in our Ticks of Vinton County Series! Today’s video focuses on the diseases that the ticks in our area carry that can affect humans! The next video will focus on diseases affecting our furry friends 🙂 Go check out the second video here. As always feel free to reach out with questions, comments or suggestions!

Vinton County Extension is going to begin posting short informational videos every few weeks! Some of the videos will be a series on a certain topic while others will be stand alone videos. We would love any suggestions you have on topics you would find interesting. You can send suggestions to bowen.279@osu.edu or message our facebook page. The first video is a part of a series on the ticks that can be found here in Vinton County. Video one is a brief description of the different types of ticks we have here in Vinton County and will be followed up with videos on diseases these ticks carry as well as prevention tips.

The first video can be found here.

Article originally appeared in Coschocton Tribune

Farm Management Resources

By Emily Adams

Every once in a while I hear from clientele that OSU Extension is a best kept secret. Therefore I am constantly trying to get the word out about the useful services and resources that we offer. There are a number of farm management resources that you may not be aware of that are available at farmoffice.osu.edu. This website focuses on all things related to successful farm management including agricultural law, taxes, budgets, farm transition planning, custom rates, cash rent leasing, and more.

In today’s agricultural economic climate, it is as important as ever to make wise business decisions in our farming operations. One program that helps with the decision making process is the Ohio Farm Benchmarking Program. There is a technician based out of Licking County available for our area to complete a financial analysis of your farming operation.  This analysis will help you understand where your areas of profitability are in the business.  We will give you tools to understand the numbers behind your analysis, and will show you how to use them to further your success.  An analysis like this allows you to look at how different decisions could impact the profitability of your farm in the long term. You can learn more about this program at farmprofitability.osu.edu.

Another popular publication throughout the year is the custom rate and machinery costs. This is published every other year and is based on survey data collected from farms all over Ohio. The latest report came out last spring based on 2016 data from 365 farmers throughout the state.  Some of the most commonly asked information in my office are rates for general farm labor, bush hogging, seeding pastures, grain storage, making and baling hay, hay storage, and grain harvest. All figures in this document include the average rate with a range of low to high responses. There is no magic number for any of this custom farm work, but this gives you a starting point to set your fee or negotiate a rate.

I am also often asked about rates for cash rental of farmland for crops like corn, soybeans, and hay as well as pasture ground. There is some information available from OSU Extension for Ohio, but at this point it is only for the western part of the state. Since these rates are higher than eastern Ohio, they are not very useful. However, there is some data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service that is specific for Coshocton County. I also have some local data available at the Extension Office.

Just remember that there are lots of factors that need to be considered when negotiating a rental rate for farmland. The soil type and fertility is obviously important for potential yield. But physical features like the overall size of the field, ease of equipment access, and potential for wildlife damage can all play an important role in determining a rate as well. More than anything, I cannot emphasize enough the recommendation for a written lease. A great resource for leasing information is AgLeases101.org.

Today I’ll leave you with this quote from Stephen Covey, “We are the creative force of our life, and through our own decisions rather than our conditions, if we carefully learn to do certain things, we can accomplish those goals.”

See the below flyer for information on the upcoming Tractor Safety Workshop Series here in Vinton County this Spring!

Dr. Lyda Garcia is providing a meat science opportunity for older youth and adults on February 17 and 24: From Farm Gate to Dinner Plate.

This is a Mini 509 Workshop sponsored by the Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences and Ohio 4-H Youth Development. The February 17th workshop will include, but not limited to, the following topics: Animal Welfare, Feeding Practices, Live Animal Evaluation, etc. The February 24th workshop will include: Carcass Grading and Fabrication, Retail Identification, Hands-on Grilling, Food Safety.
The location is the OSU Animal Sciences Building, 2029 Fyffe Court, Columbus, Ohio. The targeted audience is youth 14-18 years old, Agricscience Teachers, and 4-H Advisors. The deadline to register for either or both days is February 2.
Note: There are a maximum of 40 seats available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Links to a flyer and registration information can be found here.

Please contact Dr. Lyda Garcia, garcia.625@osu.edu, 614.292.3642 if you have any questions.

It is hard to imagine with the snow cover we currently have, but spring is just around the corner! Now is the time to start planning for changes or improvements in your pastures for this grazing season. Hocking SWCD, Vinton SWCD, Ohio State University Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ohio Department of Agriculture will be hosting a comprehensive educational opportunity for grazers.  This workshop series will begin the evening of February 20^th at the Olde Dutch Restaurant, located at 12791 St. Rt. 664 Logan, OH  43138.  The buffet will be available on your own prior to the meeting, which will be from 6 – 8p.m. in the conference room.  Topics to be covered that evening include: The Basics of Management Intensive Grazing (MIG), Soil Fertility and The Economics of Grazing.  Following this workshop, a series of 6 pasture walks will be scheduled throughout the summer in both Hocking and Vinton counties.  These evening workshops will showcase a variety of grazing and conservation practices local producers are utilizing.  There is no charge for the workshop but reservations are required.  If you plan to attend or have questions please contact the Hocking SWCD at (740) 385 – 3016 or the Vinton SWCD at (740) 596 – 5676 before February 16^th.

There are several exciting and informative agriculture workshops and programs coming up around the region! Below are links or short descriptions on information and registration!

2018 Southeast Ohio Sheep & Goat School 

The OSU Eastern Agricultural Research Station will host the 2018 Southeast Ohio Sheep & Goat School beginning February 15, 2018. This six session series will span from February to November featuring presentations by state specialists and regional experts. From “Sheep & Goats 101” to “Finishing”, there is sure to be something for every sheep and goat producer’s interest. Most classes will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and be held at 16870 Twp. Rd. 126 Caldwell, OH 43724. A meal will be included. The cost for the course is $100 for all six sessions or $25 per session. Registration is requested by February 1, 2018. For more details, see the attached flyer or contact Christine Gelley at Noble County OSU Extension 740-732-5681 or gelley.2@osu.edu.

Horse Forage Management Series- Renovation and Care of Pastures and Hayfields

All Horse owners are invited whether you have one horse or many; an exercise lot or acres of pasture. Please join us for this great educational opportunity. Information covered includes; Soil fertility, Understanding plant growth, Forage species selection, Horse Nutrition, Pasture management and design, Poisonous plants, Hay quality and storage, On farm site visit with pasture walk
Series Days
March 20th and 22nd
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
March 24th 9:00 a.m. – Noon
AgCredit Upstairs Conference Room
5362 US HWY 42
Mt. Gilead Ohio 43338
RSVP by March 16th
Contact Information: Carri Jagger
419-947-1070 or Jagger.6@osu.edu

Annie’s Project Retreats in Eastern & Western Ohio

Registration is now open for the Annie’s Project Retreats located on the East and West of Ohio but open to anyone who would like to attend.

Registration forms can be found at the following links:

East Ohio Retreat  January 26-28, 2018

West Ohio Retreat February 2-4, 2018

Mission

Our mission is to empower farm and ranch women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.

Who is Annie?

Annie grew up in a small farm community with a goal to marry a farmer, and she did. Annie spent her life learning how to be an involved business partner with her farm husband. Annie’s Project was designed by her daughter to provide risk management education for women involved in all aspects of the agriculture industry. Since 2000, well over 5,000 women have completed the workshop.

What will you gain?

Annie’s Project participants say they find answers, strength, and friendship – and also grow in confidence, business skills and community prestige through this program. Annie’s Project provides education and a support network to enhance business skills of women involved in all aspects of agriculture. Through the program, you will gain insight and knowledge about:

• Your personality temperament and how it affects communication
• The importance of organizational skills and goal setting.
• How to find resources and work with professionals to meet your goals.

2018 OSU Junior Swine Day

Satuday March 24

Registration is limited contact OSU Extension Putnam County to register and for more information.

Livestock Predator Management Workshop

The USDA-Wildlife Services, the Scioto County Soil and Water Conservation District, and The Ohio State University  Extension will be hosting a Livestock Predator Workshop on February 17, 2018 at The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon, OH.  Intended for livestock producers.

This will be an all-inclusive workshop where attendees will learn how to use lethal and non-lethal wildlife damage techniques to manage black vultures and coyotes, appropriate laws, the migratory bird depredation permit process(black vultures), as well as various demonstrations.  See the attached “Save the Date” and distribute as you see fit.   Registration is limited to the first 100 people with instructions on the flyer.

This workshop is limited to the first 100 registrants . Registration deadline is February 9^th.  Register here.

Hope to see at this very important workshop!

Farm Succession Workshops

OSU Extension will be hosting five “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” workshops across Ohio during the winter of 2018.  These planning workshops are designed to help farm families develop a succession and estate plan for their farm business. Attend and learn ways to successfully transfer management skills and the farm’s business assets from one generation to the next. Learn how to have the crucial conversations about the future of your farm.

This workshop will challenge farm families to actively plan for the future of the farm business.  The featured speakers for this event will include: Robert Moore, Attorney at Law, Wright & Moore Law Company, Peggy Hall, Agricultural & Resource Law Field Specialist for OSU Extension, David Marrison, Extension Educator for Ashtabula County, and Chris Bruynis, Extension Educator for Ross County. Farm families are encouraged to bring members from each generation to the workshop. Plan today for the future success of your family business!

The workshops will be offered at the following locations.

Knox County– Join us in Central Ohio for this workshop split over two nights in January.  These sessions will be held on Thursday, January 11 & 18, 2018 from to 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Brandon Baptist located at 13513 Sycamore Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio.

Pre-registration is required and is limited to 50 persons.  The registration fee is $35 per person or $50 per family. This fee includes a hot meal at 5:30 p.m. prior to each session.  The registration deadline is January 4, 2018.  Make Checks payable to OSU Extension. Mail checks and registration to: OSU Extension – Knox County, P.O. Box 1268 Mt. Vernon, Oh. 43050. More information can be obtained by calling the Knox County Extension office at 740-397-0401 or by visiting http://u.osu.edu/knoxcountyag

Clinton County– Join us in south central Ohio for this workshop on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 9:00 to 3:30 p.m.    This workshop will be held in the community room of the Clinton County Extension office located at 111 South Nelson Avenue in Wilmington, Ohio.

Pre-registration is required and is limited to 40 registrants. The cost is $20 per person or $45 for family. The registration fee includes lunch and one set of program materials per family. Registration deadline is January 12, 2018. Payment options are credit card, check or cash. Registration and payment by credit card may be completed in person at the Clinton County Extension Office. Make checks payable to OSU Extension- Farm Plan and mail with this registration form to: OSU Extension- Clinton County, 111 S. Nelson Ave., Suite 2, Wilmington, OH 45177.  More information can be obtained by calling the Clinton County Extension office at 937-382-0901.

Williams County– Travel to the far northwest corner of Ohio for this program on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 9:30 to 4:00 p.m.  This workshop will be held at the Williams County Extension office located at 1425 East High Street, Bryan, Ohio.

Pre-registration is required by January 26, 2018. The cost is $10 per person. This fee includes snacks, lunch and a program notebook.  Make checks payable to OSU Extension and return to the OSU Extension- Williams County, 1425 E. High St., Suite 112, Bryan, OH 43506.  More information can be obtained by calling the Williams County Extension office at 419-636-5608.

Coshocton County– Join us in historical Roscoe Village in Coshocton County on February 23, 2018 from 9:00 to 4:00 p.m. for this workshop. The program will be held in Montgomery Hall on the Central Ohio Technical College Coshocton Campus located at 200 North Whitewoman Street, Coshocton, Ohio.

The registration fee for this workshop is $20 which includes lunch and one binder of the program materials per family.  Additional binders can be requested for $15 each. The class is limited to 40 persons and the registration deadline is February 16, 2018. Payment options are credit card, check or cash. Registration and payment by credit card may be completed at: http://go.osu.edu/coshfarmfuture. Registrations by mail can be made by making a check payable to OSU Extension and mailing the registration form to: OSU Extension- Coshocton County, 724 South 7th Street, Room 110, Coshocton, OH 43812. More information can be obtained by contacting the Coshocton County Extension office at:  740-622-2265

Darke County– Join us in western Ohio in Darke County for our final workshop of the winter on February 27, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  This program will be held at Romers located at 118 East Main Street in Greenville, Ohio.

Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 60 registrants.  The cost is $20 per person which includes program materials and lunch. The registration deadline is February 20, 2018.  Make checks payable to OSU Extension and return to OSU Extension, Darke County, 603 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, Ohio 45331. More information can be obtained by calling the Darke County Extension office at 937-548-5215.

More details:

Each of the program flyers can be obtained at: u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/farm-management-workshops/

More information about farm succession can be obtained by contacting David Marrison at the Ashtabula County Extension office at 440-576-9008 or by email at marrison.2@osu.edu