Last week while the Buckeyes were ice cold against the Boilermakers, it also got pretty chilly here in Henry County as we had our first hard killing frost of the season. With colder temperatures here to stay for some time, there is a variety of chores that can be done in and around the garden and lawn. Continue reading From Across the Field – Cold Weather Prep
Month: October 2018
Register for the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Pre-Exam Class
By: Harold Watters, OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Field Specialist.
The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Exam Training program, sponsored and delivered by the OSU Agronomic Crops Team, will be offered at the Shelby County Extension Office, Sidney, Ohio on January 9 & 10, 2019 beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the 9th and adjourn by 5:00 p.m. on the 10th.
The price for the Pre-Exam preparation class is $250. Secure on-line registration via credit card, debit card or check is available at: http://go.osu.edu/Reg2019class. Continue reading Register for the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Pre-Exam Class
Changes in Carcass Grade Over Time
By:Andrew P. Griffith, University Of Tennessee.
Previously published by Drovers online.
The beef industry, similar to other industries, is constantly attempting to be more efficient and create more value in the product produced. Most cow-calf producers concern themselves with reproductive efficiencies and pounds of weaned calf per acre of land. These two things are important because a cow-calf producer cannot afford to have very many cows fail to wean a calf, and these producers are in the business of selling pounds with a limited quantity of land. Similarly, stocker producers work to reduce morbidity and mortality rates while also trying to pack on as many pounds as possible with their forage and feed resources. Producers from both of these sectors also attempt to add value by instituting management practices that reduce risk to downstream cattle buyers. Continue reading Changes in Carcass Grade Over Time
Properly Winterizing Sprayers Can Help Mitigate Costly Problems Next Spring
By: Erdal Ozkan, OSU Extension Specialist
This is a busy time of year for many farmers, but taking time to winterize your sprayer now can payoff in avoiding problems next spring. Without proper winterizing before the temperature falls below freezing, you could end up with a pump that is cracked and/or not working at its full capacity. Here are some important things you need to do with your sprayer this time of the year.
Rinsing
Make sure to rinse the whole sprayer thoroughly before storing. Continue reading Properly Winterizing Sprayers Can Help Mitigate Costly Problems Next Spring
Key Facts About African Swine Fever
By: Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net
Despite the Chinese government’s control efforts, the spread of African swine fever (ASF) continues in China. The official reports from the World Health Organization (OIE) now say there have been more than 40 cases confirmed in 11 provinces, including one in the far south of the country. Despite this geographic advance, some pig movement has been allowed to help with China’s domestic demand for pork. Continue reading Key Facts About African Swine Fever
From Across the Field – Storage Woes
It is like Mother Nature passed a highway patrolman, hit the brakes and geared down temperatures from above 70 to 35 degrees in a real hurry. By in large, the change in temperature will not affect crop yield but will slow the rate of in field drying until we get a hard killing frost. Harvesting higher moisture grain requires more on farm drying capacity and storage, which may be at a premium.
On-farm storage will be a huge advantage this year with low commodity prices. Producers who have the capacity to store grain, especially soybeans may consider waiting to sell at higher prices. Continue reading From Across the Field – Storage Woes
Brief Break from Wet Weather Continues before More Wet Weather Returns
By: Jim Noel, National Weather Service
Previously published in OSU Extension’s C.O.R.N Newsletter
We have had a few weeks of colder and drier overall weather after the very warm start to October. We expect dry weather through this Thursday except for a few lake effect showers in northeast Ohio about the middle of the week.
Then the pattern will change. Temperatures will likely remain chilly for the rest of the month but we will gradually wet up again. This week will be the best conditions for harvest or any planting of wheat still needed. Continue reading Brief Break from Wet Weather Continues before More Wet Weather Returns
High Yields and Aid Help Offset Low Commodity Prices
By: Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Staff
Record-high crop yields and new government aid are expected to help insulate Ohio crop farmers from significant financial losses that would have occurred because of low commodity prices, according to a recent Ohio State University study.
If net income for farms across Ohio this year follows the projected national trend, then it will decrease by 15% compared to last year’s total. But it could have been a whole lot worse. Continue reading High Yields and Aid Help Offset Low Commodity Prices
Avoid Forage Toxicities After Frosts
By: Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist
Previously published in OSU Extension’s Corn Newsletter
As cold weather approaches this week, livestock owners need to keep in mind the few forage species that can be extremely toxic soon after a frost. Several species contain compounds called cyanogenic glucosides that are converted quickly to prussic acid (i.e. hydrogen cyanide) in freeze-damaged plant tissues. A few legumes species have an increased risk of causing bloat when grazed after a frost. Each of these risks is discussed in this article along with precautions to avoid them.
Species with prussic acid poisoning potential Continue reading Avoid Forage Toxicities After Frosts
Event Announcement – Beef Industry Update Meeting to be held in Williams County
A Beef Industry Update meeting hosted by the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) will take place in Williams County. Beef producers from Williams and surrounding counties are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Williams County Fairgrounds — 619 E. Main Street, Montpelier, OH 43543. Continue reading Event Announcement – Beef Industry Update Meeting to be held in Williams County