2022 Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification

It is time to start planning for your 2022 Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification.

  • All recertification for Private Applicators will be conducted in person. There is NO online option for private applicators.
  • All recertification hours must be completed by March 31 each year. Otherwise, you will re-test.
  • ODA must receive renewal paperwork and a $30 payment for you to receive your renewal card.

Please visit this statewide map to see available recertification opportunities. Additional information can be found at pested.osu.edu

Livestock News

Beef News

Six new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1273 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

As we prepare to turn the page moving towards a new year, don’t forget to check in our Events/Programs page for a comprehensive list of upcoming programs and meetings. Have a great Holiday!

Articles this week include:

    • Does Stockpiling Pay?
    • Tips for Weathering High Fertilizer Prices
    • Grazing Management Minute: Conservation Practices
    • Winter Application of Manure – Remember Setbacks
    • Turning the Page on a Year of Transition
    • Placements and Marketings Expected Higher

Sheep News

If African Swine Fever Comes to Your Neighborhood, Are You Prepared?

Learn the signs and what to do if African Swine Fever or another foreign animal disease affects your herd. This program addresses the steps you should take, the state and federal response, and biosecurity planning. Presentations provided by Ohio Department of Agriculture, USDA, and The Ohio State University.

WHO: Veterinarians with swine clientele & small swine producers (Even if you have just a pig or two this information is for you! But, producers of any size are welcome to attend.)

WHERE AND WHEN: All Presentations 6-7:30 p.m.

January 12

Clinton County Extension Office
111 S Nelson Ave., Suite 2, Wilmington

January 19

OSU – ATI
1328 Dover Rd., Wooster

February 2

Champaign County Extension Office
1512 S US Highway 68, Suite B100, Urbana

February 16

Putnam County Extension Office
1206 E. 2nd St., Ottawa

An additional presentation will be held in Southeast Ohio- date/location TBD

There is no cost to attend, and no RSVP is required. Light refreshments are provided by Ohio Pork Council.

Small Swine Producer Flyer

Any questions? Contact Dr. Kristy Shaw at 614.728.6253 or kristy.shaw@agri.ohio.gov.

Are You MarketReady?

If you’re interested in selling directly to restaurants, wholesalers, grocers, and customers, join us for MarketReady on January 26, 2022! This producer training will cover a wide variety of topics that will help you navigate the ins and outs of selling direct. All entrepreneurs are welcome.

This program will be at OSU South Centers in Piketon, Ohio and the cost is $25 per person. Cash and check can be sent to:

OSU South Centers

Attn: Anna Adams

1864 Shyville Rd.

Piketon, OH 45661

 If you would like to pay by card, you may call prior to the event at 740-289-2071 x116. We will also accept payment at the door. Lunch will be provided. You can register at go.osu.edu/scmarketready2022. Deadline to register is January 21, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact Christie Welch at welch.183@osu.edu or Anna Adams at adams.2061@osu.edu.

Livestock News

Beef News

Five new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1272 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

Have rising input costs and land values changed the value of leased pastures? This week Richard Purdin explores pasture rental rates.

Articles this week include:

    • Pasture Rental Rates. Do you Know Your Price?
    • Judicious Use of Antibiotics-What’s Next for a Beef Producer?
    • Kentucky rising above tornado aftermath
    • Monthly Reports Update
    • Cattle Trade

Sheep News

Farm Office Live!

We have a great lineup for this month’s Farm Office Live sessions being offered Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7-8:30 pm and repeated live on Friday, December 17, from 10-11:30 a.m.

Don’t miss:

    • USDA NASS Update with Special Guest Cheryl Turner
    • 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage Signup and Supplemental Coverage
      Opportunity
    • Meat Processor/Federal Program Updates
    • State and Federal Legislative Updates
    • Farm Tax Update
    • Looking Ahead to 2022
    • Q&A

If you haven’t yet registered, visit this site! Register once and you’ll receive monthly reminders.

EQIP Funding Announced to Improve Wild Turkey Habitat in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio, November 18, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a statewide effort focused on creating and improving wild turkey habitat in Ohio. Private landowners and producers can apply for funding through the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications for EQIP are taken on a continuous basis, however, interested landowners are encouraged to contact their local NRCS service center prior to the January 14, 2022 signup deadline for the fiscal year 2022 funding.

“Private landowner involvement is such an important piece in preserving this iconic species,” said Jon Bourdon, NRCS Acting State Conservationist in Ohio. “The Wild Turkey is an important upland species that thrive in habitats that are attractive to a number of other species. Through EQIP funding, we can promote conservation practices that generate the important nesting and brood-rearing habitat crucial to their survival.”

Wild turkeys were absent from the state for more than 50 years before they were successfully reintroduced to southeast Ohio in the 1950s. The wild turkey population grew and expanded for decades thanks to restoration efforts by the Ohio Division of Wildlife and the National Wildlife Turkey Federation (NWTF), habitat improvement, and the adaptability of the species. Although often associated with mature forests, wild turkeys live successfully in areas with as little as 15 percent forest cover. Wild turkeys are now found in all 88 counties in Ohio and have become the state’s most popular upland game bird.

Although Ohio’s wild turkey population remains relatively strong, annual fluctuation is common. These fluctuations are largely influenced by annual rates of reproductive success, specifically the survival of nests and young turkeys (poults). Several consecutive years of below-average reproductive success caused a recent depression in wild turkey numbers. Providing quality habitat for wild turkeys increases the chance of nesting success.

“A renewed focus on creating and improving nesting and brood-rearing habitat will provide a much-needed boost for Ohio’s wild turkey population,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “The EQIP partnership provides Ohio landowners with
the necessary resources to enhance these spaces for wild turkeys and other native wildlife.”

NWTF also supported the effort and is prepared to lend a hand in implementing the program.

“The NWTF works hand in hand with our state, federal, and non-governmental organization partners, as well as private landowners, to conserve wild turkeys and preserve our hunting heritage, said NWTF District Biologist Ryan Boyer. “It’s partnerships like these with the NRCS, NWTF, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife which brings a multi-agency approach focused on promoting healthy and sustainable wild turkey populations and provide private landowners with the tools they need through EQIP to be impactful.”

NRCS conservation practices including wildlife habitat plantings, early successional habitat development, and invasive species removal are among the key practices available to promote important wildlife habitat. Landowners who implement these practices will not only promote wild turkey habitat, but further enhance their property value to other species such as songbirds, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, and pollinators.

Landowners interested in EQIP funding for wild turkey habitat should reach out to their local Ohio USDA service center or visit the Ohio NRCS EQIP webpage for more details. For more information on technical assistance, contact the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife private lands biologist, or National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) biologist to learn more.

Additional points of contact for the program include: 

 

NRCS State Biologist: 

Nick Schell, nick.schell@usda.gov, 614-255-2490

 

Division of Wildlife Program Coordinator: 

John Kaiser, john.kaiser@dnr.ohio.gov, 937-203-7511

 

National Wild Turkey Federation Biologist:  

Ryan Boyer, rboyer@nwtf.net, 231-878-5131

Click Here for Turkey Priority Conservation Practices FAQ Sheet: Implement one or more of the listed NRCS conservation practices to maximize the investment and wildlife habitat on your land!

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

 

EQIP Turkey Priority Area Information Sheet