Agronomy News

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: June 16-22

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

  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 12 – Economic Considerations for Replanting – Diego Miranda, Taylor Dill, Maria Kessler, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Eric Richer, CCA
  • Statewide Slug Monitoring Project – Update # 4 – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Dean Kreager, John Barker, Nic Baumer, Amanda Barnum, Amanda Bennett, Ken Ford, Seth Kannberg, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, CCA, Kendra Rose, Jocelyn Ruble, Clint Schroeder, Ryan Slaughter, Jacob Winters, Tracy Winters, Ted Wiseman, Kelley Tilmon
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Corn Earworm and Western Bean Cutworm # 8 – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, CCA, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, CCA, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, 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.

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: June 9-15

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

  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 11: June Weather Update – Maria Kessler, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Aaron Wilson, Taylor Dill, Diego Miranda
  • Lep Monitoring Network Update #7 – Corn earworm and Western Bean Cutworm – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Statewide Slug Monitoring Project – Update # 4 – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, John Barker, Nic Baumer, Amanda Barnum, Amanda Bennett, Pressley Buurma, Ken Ford, Seth Kannberg, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, CCA, Kendra Rose, Jocelyn Ruble, Clint Schroeder, Ryan Slaughter, Jacob Winters, Tracy Winters, Ted Wiseman, Kelley Tilmon
  • June Considerations When Using the Prevented Planting Option – Eric Richer, CCA, Dr. Carl Zulauf, Aaron Wilson

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.

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: June 2-8

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

  • Can We Shake This Cool, Wet Pattern? – Aaron Wilson
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm #6 – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Amanda Perkins, Beth Scheckelhoff, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 10: Adjustments for Late-Planted Soybean – Taylor Dill, Maria Kessler, Diego Miranda, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
  • The North American Manure Expo comes to Wauseon, Ohio – Glen Arnold
  • Statewide Slug Monitoring Project – Update # 3 – Trevor Mullen, Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Amy Raudenbush, John Barker, Nic Baumer, Amanda Bennett, Amanda Douridas, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Ryan Slaughter, Kendra Rose, Jacob Winters, Tracy Winters, Ted Wiseman, 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.

Ohio Crop Returns Outlook for 2025

Written by Barry Ward, Leader, Production Business Management

Lower crop prices and a mix of higher and lower input costs have set the stage for another challenging profit outlook for Ohio commodity crops in 2025. Supply and demand fundamentals have both continued to negatively affect commodity crop prices. Some input costs are projected to be higher while some are expected to be steady to lower. The result of this set of economic fundamentals is an outlook for low to negative margins for the 2025 corn, soybean and wheat crops.

Production costs for Ohio field crops are forecast to be steady to slightly higher than last year with higher machinery and equipment costs leading the way. Lower crop protection chemical prices are offset by an expected increase in product need. Fuel and crop insurance costs are also projected to be slightly lower but land rents continue to increase on average.

Variable costs for corn in Ohio for 2025 are projected to range from $502 to $614 per acre depending on land productivity. The trend line corn yield (190.1 bpa) scenario included in the corn enterprise budget shows an increase in variable costs of 2.4% with an increase in fixed costs of 3.4% due to higher rents and machinery/equipment costs.

Variable costs for 2025 Ohio soybeans are projected to range from $264 to $298 per acre. Variable costs for trend-line soybeans (56.8 bpa) are expected to decrease 2% in 2025 compared to 2024 while fixed costs are expected to increase 2.9% in 2025. Continue reading Ohio Crop Returns Outlook for 2025 →

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: May 27-June 2

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

  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 9- Diego Miranda, Maria Kessler, Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm #5- Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Trevor Mullen, Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Garth McDorman, Jared Myers, Jordan Penrose, Amanda Perkins, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Statewide Slug Monitoring Project- Update #2- Rosalind Holt-Frank, Evan Hodkinson, Trevor Mullen, Amy Raudenbush, John Barker, Amanda Barnum, Nic Baumer, Amanda Douridas, Ken Ford, Seth Kannberg, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Kendra Rose, Jocelyn Ruble, Clint Schroeder, Ryan Slaughter, Jacob Winters, Ted Wiseman, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Using Manure With Corn- Glen Arnold
  • Help Shape the Furture of Agricultural Information- Stacy Cochran

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.

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: May 20-26

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

  • May Chill Ahead – Aaron Wilson
  • Head Scab Risk Update – Stephanie Karhoff, Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul
  • Scouting for Soybean Seedling Diseases in Ohio – Horacio Lopez-Nicora
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 8: Wet Weather and Nitrogen Loss – Maria Kessler, Taylor Dill, Diego Miranda, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Manbir Rakkar
  • Crop Progress Update and Replanting Decisions in Corn and Soybean – Osler Ortez, Laura Lindsey, Eric Richer 
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm – Update #4 – Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Amanda Perkins, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Alfalfa Weevil Update – Kyle Verhoff, Aaron Wilson, Garth McDorman, Ryan Slaughter, Ryan McMichael, Ted Wiseman
  • Pastures for Profit will be offered in-person this June in Logan County – Emma Matcham, Jacob King

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.

USDA to Open General and Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2025

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) plans to reopen the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a popular conservation program that enables agricultural producers and private landowners to increase wildlife habitat and conserve natural resources. FSA is accepting offers for both the General and Continuous CRP today through June 6, 2025.

The program – which marks its 40th anniversary this year – helps producers and landowners generate income from unproductive or marginal cropland while re-establishing valuable land cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and support wildlife habitat. Acceptable offers from all CRP signups must be approved by September 30, 2025.

How Ohio’s Proposed Pesticide Rules Could Affect Teens Working on Farms

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

On April 9, 2025, the Ohio House of Representatives passed its version of the state’s biennial budget, also known as House Bill 96, which introduces substantial revisions to Ohio’s pesticide application laws. These updates aim to bring the state into closer alignment with current federal regulations and carry significant implications—particularly for family farms that involve youth workers. As the school year ends and more minors begin working regularly on farms, the timing of these proposed changes raises concerns about how they may limit the roles young people can legally perform—especially when it comes to pesticide-related tasks.

Changes on the Horizon?
One of the most notable changes is the proposed restriction that only licensed commercial or private pesticide applicators may “use” Restricted Use Pesticides (“RUPs”). This would eliminate the previous allowance for trained service persons, immediate family members, or employees to apply RUPs under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.

Additionally, House Bill 96 expands the definition of “use” of RUPs to include not only the act of application but also:

  1. Pre-application activities such as mixing and loading;
  2. The application itself, performed by a licensed commercial or private applicator;
  3. Other pesticide-related tasks, including transporting or storing opened containers, cleaning equipment, and disposing of leftover pesticides, spray mixtures, rinse water, containers, or any materials containing pesticides.

The bill makes clear that no individual may use RUPs unless they are properly licensed under Ohio law, reinforcing the importance of formal certification for anyone involved in pesticide handling. Continue reading How Ohio’s Proposed Pesticide Rules Could Affect Teens Working on Farms →

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: May 13-19

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

  • Wheat Foliar Diseases and Head Scab Risk – Stephanie Karhoff, Amanda Douridas, Pierce Paul
  • Wheat Heading, Flowering, and Head Scab Risk: Pierce Paul, Laura Lindsey
  • 2024 On-Farm Research Reports are Now Available – Rachel Cochran, Stephanie Karhoff
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 7: Soybean Seedling Disease – Taylor Dill, Diego Miranda, Maria Kessler, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez, Horacio Lopez-Nicora
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update #3 – Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, JD Bethel, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Seth Kannberg, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Amanda Perkins, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Alfalfa Weevil and Alfalfa Quality – Kyle Verhoff, Aaron Wilson, Nick Eckel, Jason Hartschuh, Kendall Lovejoy, Garth McDorman, Ryan McMichael, Beth Scheckelhoff, Ryan Slaughter, Ted Wiseman
  • Statewide Slug Monitoring Project – Update #1 –  Amy Raudenbush, John Barker, Nic Baumer, Pressley Buurma, Amanda Douridas, Ken Ford, Seth Kannberg, Dean Kreager, Alan Leininger, Kendra Rose, Jocelyn Ruble, Beth Scheckelhoff, Ryan Slaughter, Tracy Winters, Jacob Winters, Ted Wiseman, Kelley Tilmon, Janessa Hill
  • Corn N Recommendations: Maximum Return to N Calculator Updated – Greg LaBarge, Manbir Rakkar
  • Small Grains Field Day: June 18th at Wooster Campus – Laura Lindsey

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.

C.O.R.N. Newsletter: May 6-12

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

  • Weather Improvements are on the Way, No Really! – Aaron Wilson
  • Forage Maturity Across Ohio – Jason Hartschuh
  • Peak Alfalfa Weevil Activity –  Kyle Verhoff, Aaron Wilson, Nick Eckel, Jason Hartschuh, Kendall Lovejoy, Garth McDorman, Ryan McMichael, Beth Scheckelhoff, Ryan Slaughter, Ted Wiseman
  • Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update # 2 – Amy Raudenbush, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, Trevor Corboy, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Clifton Martin, Garth McDorman, Jordan Penrose, Amanda Perkins, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon
  • Battle for the Belt: Season 3, Episode 6: What is Battle for the Belt 2.0? – Diego Miranda, Maria Kessler, Taylor Dill, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
  • Glufosinate Use and Label Guidelines for 2025 – Alyssa Essman
  • Using Liquid Manure with Newly Planted Corn and Soybeans – Glen Arnold

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.