Month: September 2025

October 1 brings open burning restrictions

By:Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney and Director, Agricultural & Resource Law Program

The warm, dry, windy months of October and November are upon us, and they bring increased fire risk across Ohio. That’s why Ohio law prohibits all open burning from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November.  The risk of fire spreading is high during those times and  volunteer firefighters with daytime jobs aren’t readily available to respond to the higher fire risk.

Given current drought conditions across Ohio, any open burning at any time is highly dangerous and not advised; waiting to burn in Winter is the best strategy. But Ohio law does allow farmers and farmland owners to burn “agricultural waste” after 6 p.m. in October and November under certain conditions.  Some burns may require prior permission or notification to government entities, and burning some substances is illegal due to the environmental harms they cause, such as food waste and materials containing rubber, grease, asphalt and petroleum. Continue reading October 1 brings open burning restrictions →

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: Spetember 30-October 6

In this edition of the C.O.R.N. Newsletter:

  • Title: Heavy Rain For Some, Status Quo For Others – Aaron Wilson
  • Green Fields Green Dollars Explores Drainage Economics in Season 2, Episode 2 – Rachel Cochran Henry, CCA/CPAg, Clint Schroeder
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 27 – Corn Stalk Quality Considerations – Diego Miranda, Maria Kessler, Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Fall armyworm, Last Update # 23 – Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Frank Becker, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Ed Lentz, CCA, Sarah Noggle, Jordan Penrose, Frank Thayer, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

Farming by the Rules: An Employment Law Series

By:Jeffrey K. Lewis, Esq., Legal Associate, Agricultural and Resource Law Program, Income Tax Schools

Running a farm business is no small job. Between planting, harvesting, caring for livestock, and tracking markets, it’s easy to see why labor and employment laws might not be at the top of your list. But the reality is this: every agricultural operation, big or small, needs to pay attention to these rules. Ignoring them can create major headaches down the road.

We often write about labor and employment laws in agriculture, but we don’t always take the time to talk about the why. Why should farm employers care about compliance? The obvious answer is that failing to follow the law can lead to fines, penalties, or even criminal consequences. But there is another side to it: compliance is also about smart risk management. Too often, that part of the conversation gets overlooked.

In this post, we will dig into why labor and employment compliance matters for every farm employer, no matter the size of your operation, the number of workers you hire, or whether your team is made up of family, neighbors, or seasonal help. We will also be using this post to kick off a new series of posts, where we will break down labor and employment laws into bite-sized, practical pieces. The goal is to help Ohio producers understand their obligations and share best practices that can reduce risks and strengthen their businesses. Continue reading Farming by the Rules: An Employment Law Series →

Keeping Your Woodlands in the Family Workshop, Online or In-Person

From Jim Downs, OSU Extension Forestry Field Specialist

Please consider joining and sharing an upcoming “Keeping Your Woodlands in the Family” Workshop. This workshop is planned for November 4th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and is available either in-person at the Crawford County Extension office or online through Zoom Webinar.  

Please visit the following link for more information and to register. https://go.osu.edu/familywoodlands2025

BEEF Cattle Letter: September 24

Five new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1467 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

Transportation incidents involving livestock present a multitude of unique challenges to first response teams, haulers, and law enforcement personnel. This week Haley Shoemaker explains what Ohio State University Extension is doing to give those involved an opportunity to be prepared to effectively respond.

Articles this week include:

  • Ohio Bovine Emergency Response Planning (BERP) Program
  • Linder joins Department of Animal Sciences as Assistant Professor of Ruminant Nutrition
  • FAQs about Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in Farm Ponds used to Water Livestock
  • Beef & Sheep Small Farms Field Day, October 4 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station
  • Feedlot Placements and Marketings Down Sharply from 2024

Newsletter release by Stan Smith, OSU Extension ANR Program Assistant, Fairfield County

Planning for the Future of Your Farm Online Farm Transition and Estate Course Now Available

OSU Extension is pleased to announce that a new online self-paced course titled “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” is now available through OSU’s Professional and Continuing Education platform. This course is designed to help farm families navigate the complex process of farm transition and estate planning.

Using OSU Extension’s structured five-phase approach, participants explore strategies for transferring ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. The course emphasizes effective family communication, legal and financial planning tools, and proactive decision-making.

Whether your farm is large or small, this course provides the guidance that will help you to create a customized transition plan that reflects your family’s goals and values. Families are encouraged to participate together to develop a shared vision for the future. Continue reading Planning for the Future of Your Farm Online Farm Transition and Estate Course Now Available →

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: September 23-29

In this edition of the C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 

  • Title: Drought Expands – Some Relief Has Arrived – Aaron Wilson
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Fall armyworm # 22 – Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Ed Lentz, CCA, Les Ober, CCA, Jordan Penrose, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 26: Soybean Harvest Considerations after a Dry Season – Maria Kessler, Taylor Dill, Diego Miranda, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
  • Combine and Field Fire Prevention and Preparation – Wayne Dellinger, CCA, Dee Jepsen

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

Time to Review Your Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will

Written by Robert Moore

Planning for the future of a farm involves much more than deciding who will operate the business or inherit the land. It also means making decisions about your personal care if you cannot speak for yourself. Few topics are harder to consider than end-of-life treatment, but addressing them in advance can save loved ones from confusion and  conflict at a difficult time. Two legal documents are especially important for these decisions: the Health Care Power of Attorney and the Living Will Declaration. Continue reading Time to Review Your Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will →

BEEF Cattle Letter: Septemeber 17

Six new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1466 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

This week we’re looking at herd expansion and exploring opportunities in the midst of drought.

Articles this week include:

  • Betting on herd expansion
  • Three Considerations When Comparing the Cost of Buying Bred Heifers to the Cost of Developing Them
  • Market Opportunities During this Dry Spell
  • Add Value by Adding Pounds
  • Strategies for Managing Beef Cattle in Drought
  • Outlook for Beef Demand

Newsletter release by Stan Smith, OSU Extension ANR Program Assistant, Fairfield County

2026 Crop Insurance Decision – a cut and paste from last year or not?

By Clint Schroeder, Program Manager for Ohio Farm Business Analysis Program and Eric Richer, Field Specialist, Farm Management

With the projected price discovery period now closed for winter wheat Ohio farmers have until September 30, 2025, to select the crop insurance coverage that best suits their operation. However, the decision on policy type and coverage levels for 2026 crops could be impacted by the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Signed into law on July 4, 2025, OBBBA offers higher area-based policy coverage levels, increases premium support, and expands support for beginning farmers and ranchers. This article will highlight these key changes so that producers can make more informed decisions for 2026 production on their farm. Continue reading 2026 Crop Insurance Decision – a cut and paste from last year or not? →