Here is a great opportunity to grow or start your own flock of Corriedale Ewes!
The Ohio Corriedale Club will award two Corriedale ewes to a 4-H or FFA member that is interested in starting a flock of Corriedale sheep.
Applications must be returned by March 25th, to: Jodie Duffy, Ohio Corriedale Club, 4279 Eaton Road, Hamilton, Ohio 45013. Contact 513/518-4701 or duffyjy@msn.com with questions.
With all of the precipitation we have had, yards, hay fields, and pastures may need re-seeded in areas that have been torn up. There is a method called “frost seeding” where you apply seed to the ground and the freezing and thawing of the soil in February and early March will provide seed to soil contact allowing germination of the seed. There is a little more risk of the seed not germinating than a traditional seeding, but the cost and time is a lot less.
The secret is to have exposed soil. If you have exposed soil in your yard, simply sprinkle seed on the soil and let the frosts work it in. If the ground is thawed, you can step on the seed or roll it to improve contact. Make sure you use a similar seed variety when planting grass because some cultivars have different visible characteristics. If you are not sure of the type of grass you have, bring in a sample for me to identify.
For farmers, frost seeding works as well. Pasture and hay fields that have thin stands and exposed soil, especially fields that have been damaged from the wet weather are good candidates for frost seeding. The seed that works best is clover. Medium red clover is the cheapest seed and works well. Other clovers will also work and even grass seed. Simply apply 3-10#/acre of seed and let Mother Nature take her course. Some steps to improve germination include mixing fertilizer with the seed as the fertilizer will scratch the seed coat and improve germination. However, it is always a good idea to take a soil sample before applying fertilizer to see exactly how much of each nutrient that you need. The OSU Extension Greene County office can help you out with your soil sample. Call the office at 937-372-9971 to learn more. Keep in mind that when you apply this mixture with a “spinning seeder”, fertilizer will travel twice as far as the seed. Some have had success letting livestock tramp in the seed with their hooves. A light grazing of fields when grass starts growing will keep down competition as the clover starts. Finally, this is a good option for alfalfa fields that are starting to thin out. Frost seeding grass seed can work but generally not as effective as clover seed.
One question I get this time of year, “Is it too early to be talking about planting flowers?” The answer is no! There are a number of popular tender garden annuals that can easily be started from seed in your home. Some need as much as 12 weeks to develop (which takes us to May), so they can be started soon. These include wax (or fibrous-rooted) begonias, geraniums, heliotrope, pansies and violas.
Almost any shallow container or flat with drainage holes can be used to germinate seeds. Use a soilless mix, since garden soil can harbor diseases that attack young seedlings. Keep the medium moist at all times by misting the soil, or placing the container in a tray of water allowing “capillary” action. The seeds do not need light to germinate, but light quality is critical once germination has taken place. Once the seedlings have developed 3-4 true leaves, they can be moved to individual containers or cell packs, and benefit from light fertilizer applications.
To end up today’s column, I will finish up with a quote from Ethel Watts Mumford: “The doors of opportunity are marked ‘Push’ and Pull’”. Have a great week!
Upcoming Programs
March 11Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification – Greene County
March 153 Hour New Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training – Greene County
March 18Getting Your Affairs in Order – Greene County
March 20Getting Your Affairs in Order – Clinton County
March 22Extending the Growing Season Workshop – Greene County
April 2Beef Quality Assurance – Greene County
April 9Local Food Council Meeting – Greene County
April 10Hydrangea School – Greene County
April 24Poultry Workshop and Quality Assurance – Greene County
May 8Goat Clinic and Quality Assurance – Greene County
May 9Extending the Growing Season – Low Tunnels Hands-on
June 18-20Project Greene Teacher – Greene County
Check out a complete list of programs at greene.osu.edu or call the office at 937-372-9971 or email Trevor at corboy.3@osu.edu.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.
Mark your calendars for a Multi-County 4-H Training on Thursday, February 28. Great way for 4-H Volunteers to get their mandatory Policy 1.50 Training (two sessions offered) and youth to get their Quality Assurance Training.
Register today at: go.osu.edu/2019multicountytraining
Topics include:
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity for youth and adult volunteers!
2019 4-H enrollment is due in 9 days! Today is a perfect day to complete your enrollment.
Visit oh.4honline.com to complete it. Share with anyone you know.
The 4-H program, through some designated funds from the Robert and Helen Harmony Fund for Needy Children of The Dayton Foundation, is able to offer a few one-time partial camperships for youth to attend Greene County 4-H Camp.
Application Process:
1. ALL INFORMATION NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A SCHOLARSHIP. An incomplete form will not be accepted. Fill out one form per youth.
2. The parent fills out the application on behalf of the youth, using the form attached. Applications are due to the Greene County Extension Office by 4:00 p.m. April 5, 2019.
3. Late applications will not be considered.
4. Campership funds will only be awarded for the individual named on the application.
5. Priority will be given to youth from low socio-economic homes and first time-campers wishing to attend camp will be given priority consideration in the selection process.
6. The total cost for attending 4-H Camp in 2019 will be $250.00 for the five days and four nights, from June 13 – June 17, 2019. Camp registrations are due May 10, 2019 by 4:00 p.m. The
campership remains in place only for those with registrations turned into the Extension Office on or before the May 10, 2019 deadline. If registration is not received you will forfeit your campership.
7. Once the application has been received, the county 4-H Staff will meet and review applications. You will receive notice if you receive a campership by April 12 by email.
8. Thank you notes for the Robert and Helen Harmony Fund for Needy Children of The Dayton Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
Please note camperships are not available for Cloverbud Camp
Click below to download the form.
Dining with Diabetes Program
When: Wednesday, April 3, 10, 17, and 24
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM
Cost: $30.00, per person
Where: Greene County Extension office, 100 Fairground Road, Xenia
Click on the form to register.
Trying to keep up with our fast and busy lifestyles, it is hard to get healthy meals on the dinner table. Cooking under pressure is an interactive cooking school that will give you motivation and resources to meet the challenge.
When: Tuesday, February 26
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Cost: $15.00 per person
Where: Greene County Extension office, 100 Fairground Road, Xenia
Click on the registration form below.
February 26 19 Multi-Cooker Program-1rif43l
CFAES News tips and events for the week of Feb. 18
Tip 2: Help for beginning and small farms: Running a farm of any size can be challenging but, for small farms, the hurdles can be particularly steep because of the scale of their operations. Two conferences, one in northwest Ohio and another in southern Ohio, will be held in March for beginning and small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. A variety of topics will be offered to help landowners expand their operations. Workshops and seminars will be taught by OSU Extension professionals and industry leaders on a wide variety of agricultural enterprises. The conferences are March 16 in Archbold and March 29-30 in Piketon. Information on both conferences is available at go.osu.edu/Cpkn, or contact Clinton County Extension educator Tony Nye, nye.1@osu.edu or 937-382-0901. February 26 Ohio AgrAbility Workshop: Building Independence Through Agriculture, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, 2201 Fred Taylor Drive, Columbus, Ohio. This workshop will focus on agriculture and horticulture as viable work options for individuals with developmental disabilities. Speakers and panelists will provide insight on adaptive employment models and will identify resources and assistive technology to support workers in these settings. Registration: $50 by Feb. 20 deadline. Details: 614-292-0622, go.osu.edu/CnZX. February 26 Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator Recertification Conference, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Preregistration for conference only: $89 by Feb. 19. Preregistration for conference with lunch: $109 by Feb. 19. On-site registration for conference only: $100. No lunch available with on-site registration. Details: go.osu.edu/ChQg.
March 2019 events5–6 Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6, at the McIntosh Center, Ohio Northern University, 402 West College Ave., Ada, Ohio. Annual conference for farmers and producers. Registration: $65 by Feb. 21 for one day or $85 for both days. Late registration: $80 for one day or $105 for both days. Details: 419-674-2297, ctc.osu.edu. 6 Ohio Woodland, Water, and Wildlife Conference, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mid-Ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth St., Mansfield, Ohio. Annual conference designed for natural resource professionals and land managers. Registration: $60 by Feb. 21; $80 after Feb. 21. Details: 614-688-3421, go.osu.edu/Ch23.
14 Blueberry, Bramble, and Wine Grape Pruning School, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., OSU South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. Learn proven pruning techniques to help maximize production and quality in your vineyards and fruit plantings. Registration: $25 by March 8; includes lunch. Details: go.osu.edu/Cpjj.
22 East Ohio Women in Agriculture, 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., R.G. Drage Career Technical Center, 2800 Richville Drive SE, Massillon, Ohio. Program will feature 19 break-out sessions presented by OSU Extension educators, farmers, and partner agencies on topics ranging from business and finance to plants and animals. Keynote speaker is Jeff Dwyer, director of Michigan State University Extension and senior associate dean of outreach and engagement. Registration: $55, or $35 for students, by March 15. Details: go.osu.edu/eowia2019. 22 Agricultural Outlook Meeting, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Romer’s Catering, 118 E. Main St., Greenville, Ohio. Discussion of issues and trends affecting Ohio agriculture. Speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, David Marrison, and Ian Sheldon from OSU Extension and CFAES’ Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics. Registration: $20. Register by March 16 by calling the Darke County office of OSU Extension, 937-548-5215. Details: go.osu.edu/CjCz. 25 Ohio Agritourism Conference and Trade Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maize Valley, 6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, Ohio. Learn about the latest trends and topics impacting the agritourism industry, explore options for your farm, and visit a premier Ohio agritourism operation: Maize Valley Winery, Craft Brewery, Farmers Market and Family Fun Zone. Details: go.osu.edu/agritourismconference2019. 29–30 Opening Doors to Success: Small Farm Conference and Trade Show, Ohio State University South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, Ohio. For small farm owners wanting to learn more about how to make their farms work better for them. Also offers optional hops workshop and Food Safety Modernization Act training. Registrations fees vary. Details: 740-289-2071,go.osu.edu/OSUFarmConference2019. |
Early registration ends Thursday, Feb. 21st for the 2019 Ohio Woodland Water and Wildlife Conference. Here is the link to the information page at https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/events/2019-ohio-woodland-water-and-wildlife-conference . ODA Pesticide credits along with ISA, SAF and Landscape Architect credits are all available.
Greene County 4-H enrollment is due March 1. Don’t delay!
Please share with anyone you know who is interested in joining 4-H. We can help them get in touch with a club.
Now is the time to join America’s largest youth development organization empowering nearly six million young people.
Greene County has 44 clubs to choose from across the county. There are over 200 different projects to choose from. Youth learn life skills such as public speaking, leadership and citizenship.
To review the Ohio 4-H Family Guide, please click here.
To take a peak inside some projects along with reading reviews, please visit Project Central by clicking here.
Let us know how we can help or if you have any questions. Visit our website at greene.osu.edu or call the office at 937-372-9971.
Tip 1: Farming in Ohio cities: In formerly vacant city lots across Ohio, urban farms are increasingly sprouting up. Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), partners with urban growers to increase the production of local foods and to create jobs. Columbus now has an estimated 30 urban farms, and Cleveland has 45. OSU Extension offers training and resources to help members of urban agriculture operations get their farms up and running, and then sell their produce. An article on Ohio’s urban farms, which can be republished, is available at: