October is one of my favorite months of the year. It finally feels like fall, harvest is trucking along, there is apple cider aplenty, Buckeye football, and last but not least October is National Pork Month. October received this distinction as it was traditionally the month when most pigs went to market. Therefore, take some time and celebrate by having a pork chop or two in the coming weeks.
We finally had a nice rain over the weekend as I had 0.7 inches in a rain gauge here in Napoleon. While the rain may have pumped the breaks on harvest, it was certainly welcomed by any wheat or cover crops that have been planted. Having made a trip around the county it looks like wheat acres are fairly steady with last year, with maybe a slight increase in acreage in the southern townships.
There are a couple of events related to farm business management coming up that are well worth attending for those interested. The first is a workshop designed to teach women landlords negotiating skills regarding cash land leases. Statewide, some 31,413 women are reported as principal operators of farms that cover some 3.8 million acres and contribute $230 million in economic impact, according to the 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture. This event will be held in Ottawa on October 20th, anyone interested should RSVP to the Putnam County Extension office by the end of this week. Based on the volume of calls I receive on land values and rental rates; this program would be well worth taking in. The second event is the annual series of Income Tax Schools, one of which will be held in Fremont. Anyone interested in this event and register online at farmoffice.osu.edu. This is an excellent training opportunity for anyone who prepares a number of income tax returns.
Lastly, a month or so ago, I wrote about how bees and yellow jackets may become a problem this fall. Having received a large number of questions from homeowners with bee problems I figure a quick reminder for treatment options is due. If the hive has been located a treatment of Sevin insecticide dust should be affective, unless they are honey bees in which case give me a call can we can have them relocated in most situations. Also take a look at the calendar, we are 1/3 pf the way through October. A good hard frost will work just as well in the near future.
Don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter, Henry Ag News at u.osu.edu/henryag. This week’s articles include a crop outlook for the 2018 growing season, as well as a great piece on fall home invading insects.
I’ll end with some wisdom from American comedian Milton Berle who said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door”. Have a great week.
Upcoming Events
Oct. 20 – Ladies and the Land workshop, Ottawa
Garth Ruff,
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator
OSU Henry County Extension