ODA Asks Public to Not Plant any Unsolicited Packages of Seeds

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has been notified that several Ohio residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species.

Western Bean Cutworm Numbers Continue to Increase

Western bean cutworm (WBC) trap counts for the week of July 20 – 26 continue to increase in many counties across Ohio. A total of 26 counties monitored 88 traps, resulting in 636 WBC adults (7.2 statewide average moths per trap) (Figure 1).

2020 Ohio Wheat Performance Test

Yield results for the 2020 Ohio Wheat Performance Test are online at: https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/wheattrials/default.asp?year=2020

New Crop Staging Videos

A new suite of crop staging videos have been built by faculty at The Ohio State University that highlight corn, soybean, and alfalfa. The videos highlight some common staging methods for each crop, and connect the staging guidelines to practice using live plants in the field.

Climate and Hydrology Pattern to Relax in August

The overall drier pattern in many but not all places in Ohio this summer appears like it will relax closer to normal in August. The greatest uncertainty with the outlook will center around how the tropical moisture impacts the eastern United States.

Western Bean Cutworm Numbers Continue to Increase

Western bean cutworm (WBC) trap counts for the week of July 13 – 19 continue to increase in many Ohio counties. A total of 27 counties monitored 91 traps resulting in 467 WBC adults (5.1 average moths per trap) (Figure 1).

Drought Returns to Ohio

Hot and mostly dry conditions have continued across Ohio. As of July 20, Columbus has reach at least 90°F on 16 out of 20 days in the month, with many locations around the state recording at least double-digit days at that mark.

Heat Alert – Farm Workers at Increased Risk this Summer

Outdoor work during these hot summer months adds additional stress to our body’s coolant system. Heat stroke, heat stress, or heat exhaustion – to distinguish between these terms does not matter – any form of heat stress can impair function.

Leafhoppers, Grasshoppers, and Beetles, Oh My!

As the summer progresses we are receiving reports of insect problems often encouraged by hot, dry weather.  Last week we reported on spider mites and especially if you are in an area of continued dry weather we recommend scouting your soybeans and corn

Late Summer Establishment of Perennial Forages

The month of August provides the second window of opportunity for establishing perennial forage stands this year.

Short-Season Forages for Late Summer Planting

Short-season forages planted in late summer can be sources of highly digestible fiber in ruminant livestock rations. There are several excellent forage options that can be considered for no-till or conventional tillage plantings in the late summer or early fall planting window.

Western Bean Cutworm Numbers Starting to Increase

We are in the third week of monitoring for Western bean cutworm (WBC) in Ohio. Numbers of WBC moths doubled from the previous week; however, overall numbers across the state remain low.

2020 Clean Sweep: Agricultural Pesticide Disposal

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will be sponsoring three collection events for farmers wishing to dispose of unwanted pesticides. This year, the collections are happening in Fayette, Hancock and Lake counties.

Corn Pollination

As temperatures remain hot for much of the state, corn continues to put on leaf collars and is approaching the start of flowering.

Watch for Spider Mites in Dry Areas

Hot, dry weather encourages certain pests in field crops, in particular spider mites in soybean and occasionally corn.  Spider mites are a sporadic problem that most often occurs in August, but infestations in July are possible with sustained periods of hot, dry weather like some parts of Ohio ar

Online Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification Available for 2020 Expirations

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), has partnered with the OSU Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) to offer online recertification for applicators whose licenses expire this year and have been unable recertify as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Registration for the priva