Day: November 17, 2025

BEEF Cattle Letter: November 12

Six new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1473 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

This week we look at the similarities, and also differences, between 2024 and 2025, and yet how the importance of forage analysis and testing remains critical!

Articles this week include:

  • Same horse, different road
  • To Feed or Not to Feed, Soybeans that Is
  • Pasture and Forage Risk Protection? – Enroll by December 1st
  • Mixed Week for Southeast Cash Cattle Markets
  • USDA to Publish WASDE and Cattle on Feed for November
  • High prices will cure high prices

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

Pasture and Forage Risk Protection? – Enroll by December 1st

By: Eric Richer, Aaron Wilson, Mike Estadt, Garth Ruff

It is no secret that hay producers and pasture managers in Ohio have experienced lower production in the past two years than the previous several years due to significant drought in parts of the state. Similar to row crop production, weather risk can present significant challenges for our livestock producers who produce their own forages and/or graze livestock. Those producers may consider Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance as part of their risk management strategy. Enrollment in this insurance product closes December 1st each year.

The Basics

PRF is a single-peril (rainfall only) and area-based insurance product. Area-based means that indemnity payments will not be based upon individual producer’s experience, rather, payments will be based upon a grid’s deviation from historically normal rainfall. It covers less than average rainfall levels in a particular grid up to the level of coverage that a farmer selects. Rainfall is measured through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center (NOAA CPC). A producer will have to make several choices including the coverage level of forage production they wish to insure, the rainfall index months to cover, the productivity level of the field or fields they wish to enroll and the number of acres they wish to insure. Continue reading Pasture and Forage Risk Protection? – Enroll by December 1st →

Lorain County Planning for the Future of your Farm Workshop, December 11 & 17

 This program will be held on December 11 and 17 from 6-9 PM with a light meal starting at 5:30 pm.

If you and your family are grappling with the critical issue of how to transition your farm operation and assets to the next generation, OSU Extension invites you to attend the “Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshop” on _December 11 & 17_from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at _the Lorain County Extension Office with a light meal starting at 5:30.

This two-evening workshop will help your family to actively plan for the future of the farm business.  Learn how to have crucial conversations about the future of your farm and gain a better understanding of the strategies and tools that can help you transfer your farm’s ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. We encourage parents, children, and grandchildren to attend together to develop a plan for the future of the family and farm.

Teaching faculty for the workshop are David Marrison, OSU Extension Farm Management Field Specialist, and Robert Moore, Attorney with the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program.

Workshop topics include: Developing Legacy Goals; Planning for the Transition of Management; Planning for the Unexpected; Communication and Conflict Management; Legal Tools and Strategies; Developing Your Team; Getting Your Affairs in Order; and Selecting an Attorney.

The base registration fee of $35_includes course materials, refreshments and light meal prior to evening’s workshop.  Registration is limited and should be received no later than December 9.

To get registered, please reach out to the Extension office or stop by to fill out a registration form. There are limited spots available, so don’t wait! We hope to see you there! You can also find the flyer and registration form on our county page here: https://lorain.osu.edu/events/planning-future-your-farm-workshop