Month: August 2024

Supporting Farmers Through Dry Conditions

| Nanette Neal

With an estimated 2,709,128 Ohioans currently living in some sort of dry or drought conditions, times are not easy. Unfortunately, with no relief in sight, we could be sitting in this position for quite some time. The map below indicates where each county in Ohio stands in its current dry/drought condition.

Our team at OSU Extension and other professionals around the state of Ohio are working around the clock to monitor the situation and provide resources for on-the-ground support and daily observation of the weather outlook. Click here for more information and resources.

We often forget to check in on our mental health during this time of high stress and anxiety. While many people can cope with the everyday stress of farming, it is important to know it is okay not to be okay. Especially with extreme weather conditions, it can be difficult for any farmer.

There may be no way to control this drought, but we can control how we manage our stress. Here are a few simple ways:

  • Recognize the signs of it, which manifest differently in everyone.
  • Acknowledge and share with someone that you are feeling
  • Ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating properly, and maintaining good physical
  • When you have the time to connect with loved ones, Spending quality time with others boosts your mental health.

What are some of the signs of stress:

  • Poor sleeping and/or eating habits
  • Feeling overwhelmed by life
  • Overly anxious or stressed
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Increase in risky behavior
  • Overly tired and/or forgetful
  • Thoughts of hopelessness

If you have been feeling any of these for more than a few weeks, please reach out to someone. We have your back, and you are not alone in these thoughts. Please talk with someone.

Resources that are available to you:

go.osu.edu/farmstress   go.osu/educountyresourceguide

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call, Text, or Chat 24/7 365 Ohio Care Line 1-800-720-9616

Please reach out if you have any questions or need more information to Bridget Britton at 330-365- 8160.

Bridget Britton, MSW, LSW Behavioral Health Field Specialist

Livestock News

| Nanette Neal

Beef News

Six new articles have been posted in this week’s issue, number 1410 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

This week, it’s all about dealing with dry weather and safely managing feed supply.

Articles this week include:

  • D3 Drought- What does that mean?
  • Making Decisions During Drought
  • Forage Nitrate Toxicity is a major concern as drought worsens
  • Using drought-stressed soybeans for hay or silage
  • Lessons learned on a trip through Texas
  • The August 2024 Cattle on Feed Report Showed a Small Increase in Feedlot Inventories With Higher July Placements and Marketings

Small Ruminant News

2024 Statewide Sheep Shearing School – A Few Spots Still Remain!

Dr. Brady Campbell, Assistant Professor, OSU State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist: A few seats remain – register today to secure your spot! Event Registration […]

D3 Drought – What Does That Mean?

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County Dry conditions have continued despite our best efforts to submit requests for rain. This past […].

Forage Nitrate Toxicity a Major Concern as Drought Worsens

Jason Hartschuh, Dairy Management, and Precision Livestock, Field Specialist Weather conditions across Ohio have been challenging this growing season with some areas of the state […]

Cucurbit Field Nights

| Nanette Neal

Join us to tour research plots and hear updates from Extension specialists on a variety of topics, including pumpkin management, squash bug thresholds, the use of season-long row covers, watermelon pollination, melon variety evaluation, and more.

These events will also showcase a hands-on scouting and diagnostic clinic for growers to fine-tune their pest management strategies. Light refreshments will be provided.

Cucurbit
Research Update | Pest Scouting Clinic

Flyer

Tuesday, August 27
North Central Research Station
1165 Gonawein (On OH 53 south of Fremont)
Fremont, Ohio 43420

Tuesday, September 3
OSU South Centers
1864 Shyville Road
Piketon, Ohio 45661


Time: 5:30-8 p.m. Eastern
Cost: Free
Register:  go.osu.edu/cucurbits or call 614-247-9680

QUESTIONS: Bradford Sherman (sherman.1473@osu.edu)

To request accommodations that will help you participate fully in this in-person event, share your requests during registration or contact Bradford Sherman.

 

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2023-38640-39573 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ONC24-155. USDA is an equal-opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

American Sycamore Sap and Syrup: What We Know and What We Don’t.

| Nanette Neal

Join us on Friday, September 13th, for our Friday Escape to the Forest webinar, American Sycamore Sap and Syrup: What We Know and What We Don’t.

Learn more about the potential to use the sap from this native tree to make a sweet treat. Luke Taylor-Ide and Sarah Collins-Simmons of Future Generations University will give us a research update. They have been working with sycamore trees to make syrup and will discuss the possibilities.

Registration is available here.  Both ISA and SAF continuing education credits have been applied for.

July Issue of Ohio Fruit News

| Nanette Neal

The July OFN issue is now available.  The feature articles include:

  • Impact of heat and drought on apple trees and fruit
  • Characteristics of apple rootstock
  • Mancozeb proposed interim registration review – crop cancellations and REI changes
  • Central State Univ offers a new climate-smart commodities program.

Mancozeb information

The proposed cancellation of Mancozeb on grape crops will have a profound impact on the Ohio grape industry. Please read the Mancozeb docket at this link. The deadline for comments is September 16. Changes to REIs will also impact apple and pear producers in the state.

Sheep Sheering School

| jagger.6

Dr. Brady Campbell, Assistant Professor, OSU State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist

Event Registration Link

The Ohio State University departments of Animal Sciences and Extension are pleased to announce the dates of the 2024 Fall Statewide Ohio Sheep Shearing School to be held on September 20-21, 2024 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio (10491 Canal Rd., Hebron, OH 43025).

During this two day schooling event, attendees will be given the opportunity to learn how to properly shear a sheep using the Australian shearing method. Those in attendance will be taught by veteran shearers as they walk through each step and demonstrate how to properly position the sheep and shearing hand piece in the correct location. Attendees will also learn to appreciate fleece quality by ensuring that their work station is clear of debris and how to keep the animals fleece all in one piece. This shearing session is open to any and all sheep producers, regardless of your shearing experience. Even if you are an experienced shearer, you are bound to learn something new or to improve upon from the school! Who knows, maybe it could help you shear off a couple of seconds on each sheep that you shear.

Again this year, attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at shearing using a variety of tools including electric hand pieces, drop shaft units, or an attendees personal equipment. We encourage everyone to bring their own shearing equipment as doing so will allow you to become more comfortable with the tools that you own. Additionally, questions about comb and cutter placement as well as maintenance will be discussed. Please note that class space is limited to the first 16 participants with registration due by Friday, September 13th. The cost to attend is $100 which includes a boxed lunch for each day. For those interested in participating in this years school, please be sure to fill out the registration form. Additional information regarding this school and other sheep related events can be found on our Events/Programs page.

As the sheep industry continues to maintain a strong foothold in the state of Ohio, new sheep shearers will be needed to ensure the longevity of our industries future. It’s up to you to help continue this legacy.

We look forward to seeing you there! Happy shearing!