Month: June 2019

Corn vs. Soybeans in a Delayed Planting Scenario – Profit Scenarios

By: Barry Ward, Assistant Extension Professor, Leader Production Business Management, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

Wet weather and planting delays throughout much of Ohio and the eastern Cornbelt have many producers thinking about switching corn acres to soybeans or the taking the prevented planting option of their Multiple Peril Crop Insurance policy. Ohio had 9% of intended corn acres planted by May 19thwhich is far behind the 5 year average of 62%. Farms with pre-plant nitrogen or herbicides applied for corn production may have no option to switch to soybeans. Seed availability may also limit choice for some. Continue reading Corn vs. Soybeans in a Delayed Planting Scenario – Profit Scenarios →

Speeding Up Hay Drying

By: Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist

Author’s note: Most of this article is adapted with permission from an article published in Farm and Dairy on 2nd June 2010, available at http://www.farmanddairy.com/top-stories/make-hay-when-sun-shines-but-tak…. It certainly applies this year.

Many forage producers across Ohio have suffered severe forage stand losses; however, there are areas where the stands have survived and those are ready for harvest. Unfortunately, recent and forecasted rains are preventing the first harvest of many of those acres. Despite the need to harvest now for quality forage, I strongly urge patience in waiting for soils to firm up before attempting to make our first cutting of hay, because harvesting on soft soils does long-term damage to future productivity.

Once the soils are firm enough, there are several proven techniques that can speed up the hay drying process to take the most advantage possible with any sunny days we do get. Continue reading Speeding Up Hay Drying →