Programs and Events

Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshops

| https://farmoffice.osu.edu/farm-transition/planning-future-your-farm-workshops

Each year, OSU Extension holds “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” workshops to help families with farm transition planning.  We offer both a webinar and in person workshops at several locations across Ohio.  This farm transition workshop challenges farm families to actively plan for the future of the farm business.  Learn how to have crucial conversations about the future and strategies and tools that can help you transfer your farm’s ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. 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.

Topics discussed during this series include:

  • Developing Goals for Estate and Succession
  • Planning for the Transition of Control
  • Planning for the Unexpected
  • Communication and Conflict Management during Farm Transfer
  • Legal Tools and Strategies
  • Developing Your Team
  • Getting Your Affairs in Order
  • Selecting an Attorney

We encourage parents, children, and grandchildren to attend together to develop a plan for the future of your family farm.

Webinar Version

Attend the workshop from the comfort of your home on February 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Because of its virtual nature, you can invite your parents, children, and/or grandchildren (regardless of where they live in Ohio or across the United States) to join you as you develop a plan for the future of your family farm. Pre-registration is required so that one packet of program materials can be mailed in advance to participating families. Electronic copies of the course materials will also be available to all participants. The registration fee is $99 per farm family.  The registration deadline is January 22, 2025.

Click here to access the registration link.

 

In-Person Programs

The following locations are hosting an in-person Planning for the Future of Your Farm workshop. Follow these links to learn more about these programs:

 

This content was originally posted at: https://farmoffice.osu.edu/farm-transition/planning-future-your-farm-workshops

“Pizza, Pop, and Profits” Lunch and Learn Series Starts January 17

| Clifton Martin

The Pizza, Pop, and Profits Lunch and Learn Series continues in 2025 with our first event on January 17.  Mike Estadt, OSU Extension Pickaway County will join us to share a program on carbon markets and current industry updates for the farm and landowner.  Mr. Estadt has been following the carbon market headlines and trends for several years and presenting around Ohio in an effort to keep Ohio agriculture informed on potential trends and impacts related to carbon credit programs and carbon sequestration.  There are many constantly changing factors in the carbon marketplace and we will discuss the changes, opportunities, and pitfalls for agribusinesses.  Come at 12:00 noon for lunch with our speaker to start at 12:30 pm.

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/

Muskingum Ag Network Breakfast

| Clifton Martin

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 January 7, 2025 and feature Ted Wiseman, OSU Extension Perry County, with a program discussing the basics of fencing on the farm.  Breakfast is at 8:00 AM and costs $10.

Pesticide Applicator Exam Training Session for New Applicators January 21, 2025

| Clifton Martin

A pesticide applicator exam training session will be offered on January 21, 2025, 6:00 PM, at the Rural Services Building, 225 Underwood St, Zanesville. In order to obtain a Private Pesticide Applicator License, individuals must pass the exam which is administered by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.  Those who wish to use Restricted Use Products must acquire an applicators license to purchase and apply product. This training is intended to provide an overview of the concepts presented in the exam as preparation.  To register for this training session please email martin.2422@osu.edu or call 740-454-0144.

OSU Extension provides information on Private Pesticide Licensing here: https://pested.osu.edu/home/privateapplicator/licensing

Following this training session, the Ohio Department of Agriculture will be present at the Rural Services Building to administer the exam on:

February 26, 2025, 10:00 AM

(Exam registration at the ODA Website)

Or, call ODA at 614-728-6270 for more exam information

Fall 2024 Regional Weeds University: Licking County Hosting Nov 21

| C.O.R.N. Newsletter // 2024-39 // Fall 2024 Regional Weeds University

OSU Extension invites crop producers, CCAs, and agribusinesses to attend a regional at the Fall 2024 Ohio State Weeds University on Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The program will take place at locations across the state. Locations include Darke, Highland, Sandusky, Licking, Paulding, and Mahoning counties. This program is designed to keep agronomic crop producers on the cutting edge of weed control for their operations. Topics addressed will include preharvest weeds survey results, drone applications of herbicides, burcucumber control, new herbicides, and new technology in weed science. Hands-on exercises such as weed ID with live plants will also be part of the program and tailored to local needs. This is an in-person event with a portion of the presentations being broadcast virtually at each regional location.

Featured presentations and speakers include:

  • Drone Applications – Dr. Steve Li, Associate Professor & Weed Science Extension Specialist, Auburn University. Dr. Li’s research evaluates weed control and herbicide usage in agronomic and emerging crops, as well as herbicide drift and off-target injury. His research program is also a nationwide leader in evaluating drones for agricultural applications.
  • Burcucumber Control – Dwight Lingenfelter, Weed Science Extension Associate, Penn State University. Mr. Lingenfelter works in Extension and applied weed science research at Penn State, including the herbicide evaluation program. He has conducted some of the most comprehensive research on the management of burcucumber, a species that is now a reemerging threat to crop production in Ohio.
  • Ohio Agronomic Weeds Update – Dr. Alyssa Essman, Assistant Professor & Weed Science Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University. Dr. Essman provides leadership for an applied research and extension program for integrated weed management in agronomic crops. This talk will cover new herbicide products and EPA/ESA regulations for the coming growing season.
  • New Technology in Weed Science – Dr. Eugene Law, Assistant Professor, Weed Ecology, The Ohio State University. Dr. Law’s research program is focused in the areas of weed science and ecology, and precision technology for novel integrated weed management. This talk will cover new and emerging technology options for weed management and their relative efficacy

The registration fee per person is $40 and is due by November 14, 2024. This fee includes course materials and speaker Q&A sessions. On-site walk-ins are not available for this event and each site is limited to a maximum of 30 people. Commercial, Private Pesticide, and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) credits will be available. Online registration will begin on Monday, October 28 (go.osu.edu/24FallWeedsUniv) or for additional information on the event, contact the educator in the county in which you are attending:

New Publication Explains Trusts

| Robert Moore, https://farmoffice.osu.edu/blog

Trusts are often an important component of a farm succession plan.  But there are two primary different types of trust – revocable and irrevocable.  A revocable trust often meets most needs and can be the preferred choice for flexibility. However, in cases where enhanced asset protection or estate tax management is necessary, an irrevocable trust may be more suitable. Occasionally, a combination of both types may be needed for optimal results.

A new bulletin, Understanding Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, is now available to help you compare these trusts and consider how each can play a role in your farm’s transition plan.  Find this bulletin and many other farm transition related resources at farmoffice.osu.edu.

Also, we are about to renew our popular Planning for the Future of Your Farm Series with several in-person workshops scheduled:

  • December 4, 2024 – Fulton County (9:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
  • January 23, 2025- Putnam County (9:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
  • February 6, 2025- Pickaway County (10:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
  • February 18, 2025- Clark County (9:00 to 4:00 p.m.)
  • March 3 & 17, 2025- Washington County (6:30 to 9:00 p.m.)
  • March 11 & 13, 2025- Wayne County (6:00 to 9:00 p.m.)
  • March 13 & 18, 2025 – Knox/Licking/Delaware County (6:00 to 9:00 p.m.)

An online webinar version will also be available on February 3, 10, 17, and 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  For more information on both the in-person and online presentations, visit Planning for the Future of Your Farm Workshops.

Ohio State Organic Grains Conference January 9-10, 2025

| Clifton Martin

Registration is open for the 3rd annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference, January 9-10, 2025, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers.

Link to Registration Page

Featured speakers for 2025 include Erin Silva, University of Wisconsin-Madison State Extension Specialist in Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems; Damon DeSutter of DeSutter Farms in Attica, Ind., Osler Ortez, Ohio State Corn and Emerging Crops Specialist; Sophie Rivest-Auger, organic field crop advisor for Centre for Expertise and Transfer in Organic and Local Agriculture, Quebec; and David Marrison, Ohio State Farm Management Field Specialist. Additional farmer, researchers, and educators from Ohio and beyond will round out the two full days of agronomic and farm management sessions. Topics for this year include interseeding cover crops in organic corn, flame cultivation, the use of biological products in organic production, setting up weed control equipment for success, nitrogen credits from cover crops and manure, farm succession planning and a market end-users panel.

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register now. The cost of $140 per person includes two days of programming, meals throughout the event, and opportunities to network with organic farmers in the region as well as speakers and trade show vendors.

This event is planned by Ohio State University Extension and Ohio State’s Organic Food & Farming Education and Research (OFFER) program. Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs). For more information, visit go.osu.edu/OrganicGrains.

Winter Feeding Tips for Small Ruminant Production: Nov 20

| https://u.osu.edu/sheep/2024/11/12/winter-feeding-tips-for-small-ruminant-production/

Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend a seminar on winter feeding programs for small ruminants from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (16870 Bond Ridge Road Caldwell, OH). Come hear research-based management advice from OSU’s State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist- Dr. Brady Campbell. Local Extension personnel will also offer advice on local resources and potential solutions for navigating the winter ahead amidst drought. A light meal will be provided for all registered attendees. Registration for the event is required by November 18th. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to register today!

Winter Feeding Options for Beef Cows October 29 in Zanesville, 6:30 PM

| https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/10/02/drought-2024-winter-feeding-options-for-beef-cows/

Although hurricane Helene provided some much needed moisture across southern and eastern Ohio, drought conditions persist and impacts will linger through this coming winter. With severe drought from July through September hay inventories have been negatively impacted and many producers may find themselves short on forage for the winter and early spring.

Join OSU Extension field specialists Jason Hartschuh and Garth Ruff at one of four locations across southern and eastern Ohio as they address managing forage shortages due to drought.

Topics discussed will be alternative feeding strategies, comparison of feed ingredients, and managing cow herd inventory.

All programs start at 6:30 p.m. and there is no RSVP needed for any of the following locations:

DATE: October 17, 2024
LOCATION: Sugarcreek Stockyards- 102 Buckeye St., Sugarcreek, OH 44681

DATE: October 22, 2024
LOCATION: Caldwell Extension Operations Building- 16714 Wolf Run Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724

DATE: October 24, 2024
LOCATION: Jackson County OSU Extension- 17 Standpipe Rd. Jackson, OH 45640

DATE: October 29, 2024
LOCATION: Muskingum Livestock- 944 Malinda St. Zanesville, OH 43701

Each class will be offered from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and there is no need to RSVP, just go to the location that fits the date you are available. At these meetings experts will cover feeding options with limited forage supplies, comparison of supplementation options, and offer a discussion on managing herd numbers as the impacts of the 2024 drought persists into fall and winter.

For more information, see this flyer, visit beef.osu.edu or contact ruff.72@osu.edu.

Carbon Sequestration for the Farmer and Landowner Presented by: Ohio State University Extension Energy Outreach Program, October 29, 8am

| Clifton Martin

The overall goal of carbon sequestration is to reduce the amount of CO₂ and reduce the effects of climate change by mitigating the greenhouse effect.  Many large corporations and industries will pay landowners and farmers to implement practices that capture CO₂.  Such practices include, planting trees, no till farming, cover crop usage, and other agricultural practices that will move carbon from the air to the ground.

Come listen to our panel of experts discuss how carbon sequestration can impact the farmer and landowner on October 29, 2024, in a virtual webinar at 8 a.m.  Download a Program Flyer

Panelists include:

  • Peggy Hall: Attorney & Director, Agricultural & Resource Law Program
  • Michael Estadt: Assistant Professor & Extension Educator, Pickaway County
  • John Porter: Outreach & Partnership Liaison | Truterra, LLC

Join us on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 8 a.m. using the link:  go.osu.edu/carbon2024

Registration is not required.

Contact Dan Lima at lima.19@osu.edu or call the OSU Extension office in Belmont Co. (740) 695-1455 for more information.