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What’s going on with yellow poplar trees?
Reports of mortality and die-back of yellow poplar trees have been trickling in around southeast Ohio. For more information, I suggest reading this article from the Buckeye Yard and Garden Online: https://bygl.osu.edu/node/2486
“The reports primarily came from areas in the state that experienced the record-breaking drought last season, as well as high populations of native yellow poplar weevil (Odontopus calceatus). Tom noted that aerial forest health surveys last season revealed that the weevil was the number one damage-causing agent in Ohio’s forests, with 15,712 acres affected…” Link
Muskingum Ag Breakfast June 3, 8:00 AM
The next Muskingum Ag Network Breakfast will by Tuesday, June 3, 8:00 AM, at Friendly Hills Camp and Conference Center, 5880 Friendly Hills Road, Zanesville. We will be reviewing farm business analysis summaries from the Ohio Farm Business Analysis Program on current trends in farm profitability. Breakfast is $10.
Other headlines…Farm Bill Reconciliation, Employee vs. Independent Contractor, Pesticide Rule Changes, Commodity Program Payments
Ag Network Breakfast May 6 with Robert Moore, Attorney, OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program
The Muskingum Ag Network meets the first Tuesday of each month, except for July and August, at Friendly Hills Camp and Conference Center, 5880 Friendly Hills Rd, Zanesville. Our next program will be May 6, 2025, with Robert Moore, Attorney, OSU Agricultural and Resource Law Program. Come with your questions for Robert about Ag Law including all things related to estate planning and farm transition. Breakfast is at 8:00 AM and costs $10.
Buckeye Tick Test Laboratory is now open for business
The Buckeye Tick Testing Laboratory at Ohio State University is up and running and now ready to accept samples!
The tick population, the number of tick species, and the associated tick-borne diseases in people and animals are rapidly increasing across the Buckeye State. Ohio now has six medically important tick species. These include blacklegged ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks, gulf coast ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and brown dog ticks and each carry one or more pathogens that could be harmful to humans and/or animals (note: pathogens are germs that can cause illness).
The Ohio State University Buckeye Tick Test Laboratory is addressing this critical situation by offering cost-effective tick-borne pathogen testing for the general public with test results within 72 hours. After receiving the test results, individuals can share the information with their medical providers and/or veterinarians. Buckeye Tick Test has the potential to reduce tick pathogen disease for hundreds of people and animals and the data from the tick testing will provide much needed publicly available tick pathogen surveillance information.
The Ohio State University Buckeye Tick Test staff is committed to providing quality tick testing for you and your family (including pets and livestock). Find details on collecting and submitting ticks, and pricing for services, at the Buckeye Tick Test Laboratory at https://buckeyebugbite.osu.edu/
Virtual Beef School, session 4; Heifer Development and Implementing Genomic Testing on Your Farm
With feeder calf values at historical highs, now is not the time to save or improperly develop a replacement female that in coming years simply isn’t going to improve the overall productivity of the herd. With that thought in mind, session 4 of this year’s virtual Beef School will focus on properly selecting and developing only those heifers that fit the goals of the herd.
If you’re contemplating saving and breeding replacement heifers now or in the future make plans to join us during next Wednesday’s fourth and final session of this year’s Virtual Ohio Beef School. We’ll explore the use of genomic testing on your farm to aid in the seedstock selection process, and the proper development of those heifers that are selected and retained.
If you still need to register in order to receive free log-in details, visit: go.osu.edu/beefschool25.
News from around OSU Extension…Pay Stubs, Investing in Herd Expansion, Favorable Planting Weather…
Springtime Decisions | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter
Investing in Herd Expansion: Time Value of Money and Opportunity Cost | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter
Favorable Planting Weather | Agronomic Crops Network
Alfalfa Weevils are Active Statewide | Agronomic Crops Network
Lep Monitoring Network – Black Cutworm and True Armyworm Update # 1 | Agronomic Crops Network
Understanding Forages and Feedstuffs | OSU Small Ruminant Team
New Publication: “The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership”
Nearly 39% of the 880 million acres of farmland in the United States is leased, and in Ohio, this figure approaches 50%. Many individuals who inherit or purchase farmland have limited experience in agricultural management, creating uncertainty regarding effective land stewardship. To assist these novice farmland owners, Ohio State University’s Agricultural and Resource Law Program is pleased to announce the release of our latest publication, “The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership”, authored by Robert Moore, Attorney and Research Specialist at OSU. This practical, user-friendly resource is now available for download at farmoffice.osu.edu.
Owning farmland is not only a rewarding opportunity but also a significant responsibility, particularly for new landowners with limited farming experience. Whether you’ve inherited farmland or recently purchased it, navigating complex decisions such as leasing, selling, or managing alternative land uses can be challenging. This 48-page, comprehensive guide was developed to help new landowners understand and manage their farmland effectively.
“The Beginner’s Guide to Farmland Ownership” addresses key areas that every new landowner needs to understand. Topics include understanding farmland valuation, exploring leasing arrangements (cash rent, share rent, and flex leases), considerations when selling farmland, managing tax implications, and assessing alternative land uses such as renewable energy or conservation easements. Additionally, the guide explores strategies for protecting farmland through legal instruments and minimizing risk through insurance and business entities.
Visit farmoffice.osu.edu to access this publication.
This was authored by Robert Moore, Attorney and Research Specialist at OSU, and first appeared at https://farmoffice.osu.edu/blog/fri-03142025-1223pm/new-publication-beginner%E2%80%99s-guide-farmland-ownership
Corn Research Highlights from 2024 with Dr. Osler Ortez, Friday, March 21
Do you plant corn or are you interested in planting corn? The final installment of Pizza, Pop, and Profits for 2025 will be Friday March 21st at 12:00Pm in person and 12:30 PM on ZOOM. Dr. Osler Ortez, Assistant Professor for Corn and Emerging Crops will be our guest. Join us to hear updates from Dr. Ortez from 2024 Corn research from OSU.
This is a hybrid program available in person or online through Zoom. Our onsite location will be 225 Underwood Street, Zanesville.
This program is jointly sponsored by the Muskingum County OSU Extension Office and the Soil and Water Conservation District Office. Find registration and more information here: https://www.muskingumswcd.org/Events/Pizza-Pop-Profits/