From Across the Field – Christmas Tree Care

With the blast of cooler air and some snow over the past couple of weeks suggested that winter and the holidays are around the corner, whether we are ready or not. While I enjoy the Christmas holiday, I am one of those folks that tend not to think too much about it until Thanksgiving has past. Also the risk of sounding like Scrooge, prior to Thanksgiving is too early for Christmas music to be on the radio, (Bah Humbug!) but that is a different conversation for a different time. Continue reading

Inversion and Drift Mitigation – Workshop on December 14

By: Cindy Folck, OSU Extension

Recognizing weather conditions that could cause inversions is important when using certain herbicides in corn and soybeans. On December 14, join a discussion about recognizing inversions as well as ways to improve communication between farmers growing sensitive crops and pesticide applicators.

Inversion and Drift Management Workshop, presented by the Ohio State University Extension IPM program will be conducted on December 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. Farmers and pesticide applicators can attend the workshop in-person at the Ohio Department of Agriculture, 8995 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 or attend virtually through the online webinar link. More information about the workshop is available at http://go.osu.edu/IPM Continue reading

BEEF 509 set for February 16 and 22, 2019

Dates have been set for the 2019 edition of BEEF 509.

The BEEF 509 program is held to raise the awareness level about the beef that is produced and what goes into producing a high-quality and consistent product. The program will take place on two consecutive Saturdays, February 16 and 23, 2019.

The part of the program held on February 16 will include a live animal evaluation session and grid pricing discussion. Carcass grading and fabrication are among the activities that will take place February 23. The program will take place at The Ohio State University Animal Sciences building in Columbus. It will be critical to attend both sessions as participants will be assigned to teams that will work together throughout the program. Continue reading

Can Show Pig Genetics Be Used in Commercial Production?

By: Mark Knauer, Dalton Obermier and Zack Peppmeier, North Carolina State University

The show pig sector of the swine industry is often thought to be quite different than modern commercial production. While show pig breeders tend to focus on the appearance of an animal, swine geneticists focus on selecting for traits of economic importance. Hence, in theory, modern commercial genetic lines should have superior economic value when compared to show pig genetics. Continue reading

Limit Feeding Cows Corn as an Alternative to Hay

Erin Laborie, University of Nebraska Extension

Feed costs make up the largest expense in a cow-calf operation. While hay is often used to feed cows through the winter, current prices make corn a competitive option to feeding hay. Considering corn has a higher energy content than hay, the cost of feeding hay is often higher than corn on a price per pound of energy basis. For example, corn priced at $3.30/bushel ($118/ton) equates to approximately $0.08 per pound of total digestible nutrients (TDN) while hay priced at $100/ton is nearly $0.11 per pound of TDN.  Continue reading

From Across the Field – Turkey Time

With the blast of cooler air and some snow over the past couple of weeks suggested that winter and the holidays are around the corner, whether we are ready or not. That being said are you ready for Thanksgiving?

According to the National Turkey Federation, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, supposedly as a response to a campaign organized by magazine editor, Sara Joseph Hale. In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving Day forward one week, as it is presently celebrated. Bradford’s description of the Pilgrims’ first autumn in Plymouth makes it clear, “there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc.” Continue reading

Notes on Fall Fertilization: P and K

By: Emerson Nafziger, University of Illinois Department of Crop Sciences

With harvest almost complete after another year with high to very high yields, it’s time to review some basics of fall fertilization. Neither fertilizer nor grain prices are historically high, so there’s reason to be aware of costs while making sure to cover the nutrient basics. Continue reading

In The Cattle Markets: Low Cull Cow Prices & Complex Culling Decisions

By: Josh Maples, Mississippi State University, previously published by Drovers online

Cattle markets overall have shown impressive strength despite larger supplies during 2018. Feeder steer market averages have been near level or slightly stronger than 2017 levels in many markets over the past few months even in the face of larger calf supplies. USDA-AMS reported national feeder and stocker receipts were around 15 percent higher during August-October 2018 as compared to the same three months during 2017. Moving more calves at level or higher prices is a testament to the current demand-driven environment. Continue reading

CCA Exam Registration Open Through Dec. 14

By: Harold Watters, CPAg/CCA, Ohio State University Extension

Exam registration for the February 1, 2019 exam date is open now through December 14th. Interested in becoming a Certified Crop Adviser or becoming certified in one of the specialty certifications (4R Nutrient Management Specialty, Resistance Management Specialist, Sustainability Specialty, and new in 2019 is the Precision Agriculture Specialty)? Find Performance Objectives, registration, and other materials for all exams on the CCA Exam website: https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams. Continue reading

Get Your BQA Certification Now—Some Packers To Require It in 2019

By: Sara Brown, previously published by Drovers online

Earlier this year, several beef packers announced they would require Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification from fed cattle suppliers, starting Jan. 1, 2019. Leaders from Tyson and Cargill say this effort is driven by beef retailers and consumers, who are asking for more information about how cattle are raised.

Cargill is on schedule to meet its commitment for 90% of its suppliers being compliant by the end of 2018. “We support both BQA and the BQA Transportation because we believe it is the right thing to do for caring for, and handling, cattle,” says Lacey Alexander, Cargill’s animal welfare lead for beef. Continue reading