The Licking County Farm Service Agency (FSA) office is accepting applications for a full time Program Technician position. The FSA is an exciting and rewarding place to start, build, and/or continue your career.  Be part of our team and help support the well-being of Ohio agriculture and the American public.

FSA is seeking candidates to perform work in support of Ohio agriculture and farmers.  Farming experience and/or knowledge isn’t required but is a plus.  This position offers benefits, including health insurance that can be carried into retirement, 401(k) plan, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, and flexible work schedules.  Basic requirements include general office clerical work, record keeping, computer skills, organizational skills and good public relations skills.

This position is responsible for:

• Carrying out office activities and functions pertaining to one or more of the program areas administered in the county.
• Interpreting and explaining procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel.
• Utilizing various web-based software applications to maintain producer data and processing automated forms.
• Using a high degree of initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered.

Individuals who are interested in applying for this job opportunity will apply online through the USAJOBS website at https://www.usajobs.gov/ .  Applicants will enter the appropriate job announcement number below into the keyword search or click on the link below to complete and submit your application.  The current Ohio County FSA vacancy is open and ready to accept applications.

Newark, Ohio Program Technician, CO-1101-4/5/6/7 – Announcement Number: FSACO-12087433-23-OH-KR

Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET): Monday, August 21, 2023.

Applicants interested in learning more about these positions should establish a user profile through https://www.usajobs.gov/.  Profiles offer the opportunity for interested individuals to search for positions by location and/or job titles, upload searchable resumes, and receive automated vacancy announcement updates.

Contact Aaron Stockberger at 740-670-5340 if you have specific questions regarding the position.

By John Barker, Knox County ANR Extension Educator

It’s that time of year when weeds are beginning to show their ugly heads above the soybean canopy in many fields.  During your scouting, if you find Palmer Amaranth or Waterhemp you should do whatever you can to prevent these devastating weeds from going to seed, including removing the entire plant from the field.

Each of the last 3 weeks I have included a post highlighting the different characteristics of Pigweed, Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp.  These posts also included a step by step video to help with the identification process for these weeds.

Depending upon the growth stage, identifying these weeds in the field can be challenging. If a seedhead is present, most weeds are easier to identify, including pigweed, palmer and waterhemp. If you have seen a mature palmer seadhaed you will never forget it!  (see pictures above)

When trying to differentiate between these weeds I look for the following 3 plant characteristics:

1.Hair

Pigweed has hair the others do not.  Rub the stem and leaves checking for a “rough” texture.  Palmer and waterhemp will be smooth.

2. Leaves

Waterhemp has long, slender leaves (lanceolate). While pigweed and palmer are more oval in shape.  Pigweed is wider in the middle and palmer is wider near the base of the leaf (this is usually hard do differentiate in the field).

3. Petiole

The petiole is the part of the plant that connects the leaf to the stem.  The petiole on palmer plant is as long or longer than the leaf.  Pigweed and waterhemp have much shorter petioles (often less than 1/2 the length of the leaf).

These weeds are here, they best way to prevent the spread is by preventing them from developing a seedhead.  One mature female plant  can produce up to 1,000,000 seeds.

Weed Identification Videos

If you  are still not sure about the identification, do not hesitate to call (740-670-5315) or send (kreager.5@osu.edu) me a picture!!!

Dr. Brady Campbell, Assistant Professor, OSU State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist

A few seats still remain – register today to secure your spot!

Event Registration Link

The Ohio State University departments of Animal Sciences and Extension are pleased to announce the dates of the 2023 Fall Statewide Ohio Sheep Shearing School to be held on September 22-23, 2023 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio (10491 Canal Rd., Hebron, OH 43025).

During this two day schooling event, attendees will be given the opportunity to learn how to properly shear a sheep using the Australian shearing method. Those in attendance will be taught by veteran shearers as they walk through each step and demonstrate how to properly position the sheep and shearing hand piece in the correct location. Attendees will also learn to appreciate fleece quality by ensuring that their work station is clear of debris and how to keep the animals fleece all in one piece. This shearing session is open to any and all sheep producers, regardless of your shearing experience. Even if you are an experienced shearer, you are bound to learn something new or to improve upon from the school! Who knows, maybe it could help you shear off a couple of seconds on each sheep that you shear.

New this year, attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at shearing using a variety of tools including electric hand pieces, drop shaft units, or an attendees personal equipment. We encourage everyone to bring their own shearing equipment as doing so will allow you to become more comfortable with the tools that you own. Additionally, questions about comb and cutter placement as well as maintenance will be discussed. Please note that class space is limited to the first 16 participants with registration due by Friday, September 15th. The cost to attend is $100 which includes a boxed lunch for each day. For those interested in participating in this years school, please be sure to fill out the registration form. Additional information regarding this school and other sheep related events can be found on our Events/Programs page.