By Celeste Welty, OSU Extension Entomologist, (Sourced: VegNet Newsletter)
here have been a few insecticide registrations that have come through since previous updates this past winter (summaries from January are available with these links: https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/1/8311/files/2019/02/PAT_Jan2019_1-page-1hvqfhg.pdf and https://cpb-us-w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/1/8311/files/2019/02/Summary_Jan2019_1-page-22nf965.pdf ).
By; Tim McDermott, Extension Educator, Ohio State University (Sourced: VegNet Newsletter)
Cover Crops are a valuable tool in the toolbox of the backyard grower, community gardener and urban farmer. I planted a mix of cover crop species last fall in my community garden plot to keep the soil alive over the winter, prevent erosion and increase soil organic matter.
Winter rye, forage radish, hairy vetch and crimson clover blend
– Victor Shelton, NRCS State Agronomist/Grazing Specialist (Sourced from the OSU BEEF Team Newsletter)
took the time to walk through most of my pastures a few days ago. I recommend doing this fairly often to keep a mental forage inventory. It is best to record the findings. Some use fancy electronic data sheets, some track on paper charts, some just have notes in their pocket datebook or smart phone. I use a combination. I like the paper charts for long term planning, but for a quick assessment, I like a white board.
More residual left and more rest; more roots, more production and animal performance
By:Ashley Kulhanek, Published on May 3, 2019 (Sourced from Buckeye Yard and Garden Online)
For many, the lawn is a sacred place where nary a clover or dandelion dare venture. For others, lawns are becoming more diverse for the sake of bees, or for the sake of giving up on the battle against weeds. Dandelions and clover may be the first to pop to mind when considering lawn weeds, but this was the first time I had seen violets in turf.
On April 29th, ODA confirmed a positive case of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1) at a stable in Crawford County.
Tests have confirmed EHV-1 in respiratory form, but tests are pending on the neurological form of EHV-1. The virus is not a human health threat.
The farm is currently under quarantine and no horses are allowed in or out of the farm. The stable has been very cooperative and is following strict biosecurity protocols, along with appropriate sanitation protocols.
The farm will remain under quarantine until clinical signs cease and negative test results are achieved.
If you have further questions, please call 614-728-6220 and for more information on EHV please see this fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://bit.ly/2J14tld
– Chris Penrose, OSU Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Morgan County (originally published in the Ohio Cattleman, Expo issue)
For those with pastured livestock, this past winter is one we would like to forget, but damage done is preventing that from occurring. Many farmers talked about the loss of livestock due to the wet weather and mud. To make matters worse, more hay had to be fed to deal with the additional stress on animals from the muddy conditions. The result was animals in a lower body condition and fields in a mess from livestock, feeding hay in the fields, and equipment trying to get hay to livestock.
Amy Stone, Extension Educator- Originally posted on the Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine
Has anyone every asked you, “what’s your GDD?” While many of you may have responded “yes,” or may have even thought, “I ask others all the time“; I know there are some that probably yelled out their current GDD when simply reading the title of this alert. If you are still wondering what the heck is GDD – keep on reading, you won’t be disappointed and will hopefully click on the link below to find out your GDD to date.
Dr. Mark Sulc, OSU Extension Forage Specialist, The Ohio State University
This month
provides one of the two preferred times to seed perennial cool-season forages, the other being late summer. Two primary difficulties with spring plantings are finding a good window of opportunity when soils are dry enough before it gets too late and managing weed infestations that are usually more difficult with spring plantings. The following 10 steps will help improve your chances for successful forage establishment in the spring.
Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team
In addition to the annual spring and fall sheep shearing schools sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio will also be hosting an intermediate and advanced sheep shearing school scheduled for the weekend of July 27th and 28th from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio. As a note, the Ohio State Fair sheep shearing contest will be held on Friday, July 26th beginning at 10:00 am in the sheep barn show arena. Those interested in participating or viewing are encouraged to join!
