Licking County OSU Extension is offering a Cover Crop Field Day on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 1pm -4pm. The field day will cover the different methods of applying cover crops and provide visual examples of cover crops. Cost is $10 per person. Register by November 9th at 740-670-5215.
Susan Schoenian, University of Maryland Extension, Sheep and Goat Specialist
As part of efforts to eradicate scrapie, US sheep and goat producers are required to follow federal and 
state regulations for officially identifying their sheep and goats. Prior to October 1, 2017, the National Scrapie Eradication Program provided free plastic ear tags and applicators. As of October 1, the program will only provide free metal tags.Producers who already have premise IDs can call 1-888- USDA-TAG to get metal tags free of charge. Producers who don’t have a premise ID need to request one from their area APHIS office before ordering tags. Producers who don’t want to use the metal tags will need to purchase their own identification tags/devices from approved companies.
According to federal regulations, sheep under 18 months of age that move directly into slaughter channels do not need to be identified. Wethers under 18 months of age do not need to be identified. Low risk commercial goats, slaughter goats, and castrated goats do not need to be identified, according to the federal regulations. State regulations may be stricter than federal requirements and require additional animals to be identified.
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. There is no cure or treatment for scrapie. While the incidence of scrapie has been significantly reduced, the goal remains: to have the US eventually declared scrapie-free by international animal health organization
Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator, Noble County
The 2017 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium is approaching. This annual event is organized by the Ohio 
Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA). The objectives of the symposium are to assist sheep producers with increasing productivity through educational programming from which every segment of the sheep industry can benefit.
This year’s symposium will begin with the Shepherd’s College from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2017 at Fisher Auditorium on the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center (OARDC) Wooster Campus. Dr. Erin Recktenwald of Michigan State University will lead off with her presentation “Examining the Profitability of Several Sheep Production Scenarios with a Simulation Model”. Dr. Francis Fluharty of The Ohio State University will follow with presentations on “The Realities of Finishing Lambs on Grass vs. Grain” and “Feeding Ewe Lambs for Maximum Growth and Reproduction”.
In addition, the first annual Young Shepherd’s Program will continue the evening for shepherd’s ages 18-35 at Jakes Steakhouse in Wooster. Seating for dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the program will conclude at 8:30 p.m. This free event is open to young shepherds who are eager to meet and socialize with their peers while learning from one another. A panel of young agricultural professionals, who are also shepherds, will be interview about how they became shepherds, experienced in their fields of expertise, trials, and successes. Those who register before November 17 will enjoy a buffet lamb dinner, conversation with peers, inspirational and educational materials, and the chance to win a door prize.
The symposium continues on Saturday, December 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Shisler Conference Center at OARDC. Programs and workshops will be offered throughout the day that focus on improving the profitability of the sheep operation through nutrition, reproduction, economics, and marketing. Lunch will be included, featuring carved leg of lamb. During the morning sessions, high school aged students are invited to tour The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) with the university’s recruiting staff.
For the full schedule of events, please follow this link. For those that are interested in attending the Young Shepherd’s Program, please fill out and submit this form. For those not eligible for the Young Shepherds Program or are interested in only attending the Symposium events, please fill out and submit the Adult Registration form.
Mission
Our mission is to empower farm and ranch women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.
Who is Annie?
Annie grew up in a small farm community with a goal to marry a farmer, and she did. Annie spent her life learning how to be an involved business partner with her farm husband. Annie’s Project was designed by her daughter to provide risk management education for women involved in all aspects of the agriculture industry. Since 2000, well over 5,000 women have completed the workshop.
What will you gain?
Annie’s Project participants say they find answers, strength, and friendship – and also grow in confidence, business skills and community prestige through this program. Annie’s Project provides education and a support network to enhance business skills of women involved in all aspects of agriculture. Through the program, you will gain insight and knowledge about:
Registration is now open for the Annie’s Project Retreats located on the East and West of Ohio but open to anyone who would like to attend.
East Ohio Retreat December 1-3, 2017
West Ohio Retreat February 2-4, 2018
Kim Frye, Community Roots, Urban Arbors and Master Gardener Volunteer
Community Roots, formerly known as Glass Gardens Greenhouse, the approximately six acres at the end of West Gambier Street in Mount Vernon has experienced a shift in land use since Glass Gardens closed its doors in 2010.
Now known as Community Roots, these abandoned greenhouses and fields are being used as the site of community programs that restore the historical horticultural use, while also developing agricultural and land stewardship programs. Seeking to directly support and supplement your programs.
We’re up to 4 volunteers/week now! Come be a part of your community and join us sometime. Open Volunteer days are Thursday-Saturdays 10-4; sign up here: http://signup.com/go/
Re purposing our fancification material leftover from the potluck to create a break space for our volunteers! It’s actually pretty warm.
