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Ukraine: The Breadbasket of Europe

by: Ian Sheldon, Professor and Andersons Chair of Agricultural Marketing, Trade, and Policy, Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, Ohio State University

This short essay, recently published in the Ohio State online magazine Origins: Current Events in Historical Perspective, places the impact of the war in Ukraine on global markets into a historical context.  Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukrainian agriculture has returned to its pre-revolutionary position as a major agricultural exporter, largely due to land reform and restructuring of its collective farms.  Land reform has resulted in the development of large-scale, privately-operated farms with owners investing in new technology and introducing best management practices. By 2018, cereal yields had increased by almost 40%, Ukraine re-establishing itself as the “breadbasket of Europe. The full article can be accessed at: https://origins.osu.edu/read/ukraine-food-war-agriculture

Ag Policy and Outlook Conference Recordings Available

by: Holly Davis, Communications and Outreach Manager
CFAES | Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics

Each year the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) hosts the premier forum for Ohio’s agricultural and food industries. Our experts cover topics and issues important to producers, agribusinesses and elected officials. Recordings of these sessions are now available on AEDE’s YouTube channel. The full playlist of all six sessions can be accessed by clicking below. Topics covered include:

  • Consumers, Shopping, and Local Food: What’s Next?
  • Now Hiring: An Ohio Food and Agricultural Labor Update
  • U.S. Trade Policy and Prospects for Agricultural Trade
  • Agricultural Commodity Markets: Trends and Prospects
  • Agricultural Finance Recovery
  • A Conversation About the Next U.S. Farm Bill

Sessions in bold indicate AEDE faculty presenters who are available to do a winter/spring updated presentation upon request (capacity varies by presenter). Please visit our conference website to access presenter contact information if you would like to request an updated virtual session for your population, and to access PDFs of the presentations.

 

Inaugural Director for the Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI) Sought

The Ohio State University Department of Extension, and the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics (AEDE) together are pleased to announce that they are seeking an innovative and transformative inaugural Director for the new Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI).  The FFMPI Director will be appointed as an Associate Professor or Professor in the Department of Extension (75%), with the consideration of a joint teaching and/or applied research appointment in AEDE (not to exceed 25%) or other relevant college at The Ohio State University.

Under the direction of the Associate Dean and Director for Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), in collaboration with the Chair of AEDE, the FFMPI Director will serve as the administrative head of the institute.

The Director will be responsible for leading, developing, and maintaining robust high-quality research, teaching, and Extension programs to find solutions to the most critical farm management and agricultural policy issues facing Ohio producers; including, but not limited to, issues of marketing, finance, risk management, supply chain, human resources, and agricultural policy.

For more information or for the full job description, please follow the link below:

https://osu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OSUCareers/job/Columbus-Campus/Inaugural-Director–Farm-Financial-Management-and-Policy-Institute–FFMPI–Associate-Professor-Professor-in-the-Department-of-Extension-and-Department-of-Agricultural—Environmental–and-Development-Economics_R27629-1

 

Or visit: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/   Requisition# R27629

 

Are Starlink Satellites the Solution to Rural Internets Setbacks? 

By: Andrew Holden, Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, The Ohio State University Extension

Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to provide you with information about a new internet service technology and is not an endorsement of the company or their services. I hope that this information will assist you in making informed decisions and help you learn more about the importance of high-speed internet for rural communities.  

Slow internet can frustrate almost anyone, but if you live in a rural area, slow internet, if any, can often be your only choice. The lack of highspeed internet access has been a concern for many years in rural America. While companies slowly improve service and governmental programs try to address these issues, many rural residents are left waiting for faster internet that can’t come soon enough. One company that is attempting to close this digital divide is SpaceX, with their high-speed satellite internet system called Starlink. While Starlink is just beginning to roll out service, the initial results appear to be promising.

Rural communities and Tribal lands have far less access to high-speed internet compared to those in more populated areas. The Federal Communications Commission considers high-speed broadband internet as being able to provide 25 Mbps download speeds and 3 Mbps upload speeds. According to the FCC’s, 2020 Broadband Deployment Report, “22.3% of Americans in rural areas and 27.7% of Americans in Tribal lands lack coverage from fixed terrestrial 25/3 Mbps broadband, as compared to only 1.5% of Americans in urban areas”. Those without high-speed internet access can often be categorized under the phrase ‘last mile’ customers. The last mile problem can be described as the customers at the end of the communication line that are more expensive to reach and located farther apart. As unfortunate as it is, in basic terms, companies would rather run a mile of infrastructure in an area that will yield 25 customers than run a mile for just one customer. Diminishing returns leads to internet companies being unwilling to improve internet in rural areas, as well as less competition for existing providers.

The impact of the digital divide can be felt across the US by those living in small and rural towns. Many aspects of modern life are affected by access to high-speed internet, including education, healthcare, entertainment, and employment. In a report from Michigan State University’s Quello Center, students with slow or limited internet access lacked digital skills and performed lower on standardized tests. In addition to education, 2020 highlighted the future of working remotely and virtual healthcare appointments which rely on faster internet. Rural businesses, from farms to manufacturing, benefit from better internet speeds as well, making it quicker to send and receive information. As technology improves and expands, more people in rural areas are slowly receiving better internet services, but one company that may have the ability to close the gap seemingly overnight is SpaceX.

SpaceX, short for the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, is an aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk. Musk is also the founder of the popular electric  vehicle company Tesla Motors. One of SpaceX’s business endeavors is providing satellite internet access via a satellite consolation called Starlink. This isn’t like the traditional satellite internet that has been offered over the years. Starlink uses satellites in low Earth orbit that allow for shorter distances and speeds over 100 mbps for those in the beta testing program. Speeds like that would be a huge improvement for almost anyone in a rural area and can be offered remotely to the hardest to reach places. In February, Starlink opened pre-orders to the public and has been slowly filling orders ever since. With the high demand for the service, many orders are slated to be filled by the end of 2021 depending on your location. The current advertised cost for the service is $99.00 per month with the hardware, including a small satellite dish and a router, for a $499.00 onetime payment. On their website Starlink states service will be offered on a first come, first served basis, and is currently taking $100 down payments to get in line for the service. If you are interested in seeing if service is available in your area, or signing up yourself, you can visit www.Starlink.com to do so.

Will Starlink satellites be the solution to our rural internet woes? When considering access to high-speed internet service in rural areas, one thing that has historically lacked were options to choose from. Starlink will provide another option, or possibly the first option, to those living with poor to no access to internet and may solve the last mile problem for many rural communities. Even those who do not use Starlink’s service could benefit from the competition that will encourage traditional internet providers to improve their infrastructure and speeds. Rural communities here in Ohio and across the United States could benefit greatly with better internet access and Starlink is on its way to providing it.

2020 Broadband Deployment Report: https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/reports/broadband-progress-reports/2020-broadband-deployment-report

Poor Internet connection leaves rural students behind: https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/poor-internet-connection-leaves-rural-students-behind#:~:text=Slow%20Internet%20connections%20or%20limited,college%20admissions%20and%20career%20opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Ask the Expert Sessions to Be Held Live During 2020 Farm Science Review

by: David Marrison, Jeff Workman & Chris Bruynis

For the first time in its nearly 60 year history, Ohio State’s Farm Science Review scheduled for September 22 -24 will not be held in-person.  Instead, a virtual show will be held and the Review will come to you on your laptop or smartphone this year, and for free.  You can watch live streamed talks and recorded videos featuring the latest farm equipment and research to pique your curiosity.

Virtual visitors can find out about the show’s offerings by going to fsr.osu.edu and clicking on an image of the show’s site. Within that image, people can click on the various icons to find the schedules for talks and demos they’re most interested in, such as field demonstrations or “Ask the Expert” talks.

Among the livestreamed talks will be Ask the Expert presentations. Viewers will enter the talks through a Zoom meeting link and be able to post their questions in chat boxes. If you miss any, you can check back after the talks to watch the recordings.

The 20 minute “Ask the Expert” presentations at Farm Science Review are one segment of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and the College of Veterinary Medicine comprehensive Extension Education efforts during the three days of the Farm Science Review. Our experts will share science-based recommendations and solutions to the issues people are facing regarding weather impacts, tariffs, veterinarian medicine, and low commodity prices.

Topics for talks at FSR this year include the risks of transmitting COVID-19 to your animals, the prospects of U.S. agricultural exports abroad, increasing profits from small grains by planting double crops, climate trends, managing cash flow on the farm, farm stress, and rental rates on agricultural land.

To access all prerecorded and livestreamed talks at Farm Science Review, sign up on or after Sept. 8 at fsr.osu.edu.

Click here for a PDF copy of the 2020 FSR Ask the Expert full schedule

A complete list of the Ask the Expert Session are as follows:

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

The Talk on Friday Avenue

Value Chains in Food and Agriculture

9:30-10:30 a.m.

Keeping Backyard Poultry Healthy

Tim McDermott DVM

10:40-11:00 a.m.

Crop Inputs & Margins: Challenges for this Year and Next

Barry Ward

11:00-11:20 a.m.

Farm Stress-Finding the Sunshine in the Storm

Sarah Noggle

11:20-11:40 a.m.

COVID-19: What are the risks to my animals and to myself?

Scott Kenney

11:40-12:00 p.m.

Weather is Always on my Mind

Aaron Wilson

12:00-12:20 p.m.

How to Get $4 Corn

Ben Brown

12:20-12:40 p.m.

Farm neighbor laws: Can we all just get along?

Peggy Hall

12:40-1:00 p.m.

Prospects for US Exports: Pandemic vs. the Phase 1 Agreement with China

Ian Sheldon

1:00-1:20 p.m.

Increasing Small Grains Profitability with Double Crops

Eric Richer

1:20-1:40 p.m.

Making Sense of the Modeling of Infectious Diseases

Rebecca Garabed VMD

1:40-2:00 p.m.

Ohio Cropland Values & Cash Rents: Is Change Coming?

Barry Ward

2:00-2:20 p.m.

Farm CFO: Doing More Than a Tax Return

Bruce Clevenger

2:20-2:40 p.m.

COVID-19: Impacts on Workers and the Food Supply or Where’s the beef? How COVID-19 is altering animal agriculture

Gustavo Schuenemann

DVM 2:40-3:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Weather is Always on my Mind

Aaron Wilson

10:00-10:20 a.m.

Farming through COVID

Chris Zoller & Dee Jepsen

10:20-10:40 a.m.

Fly Control Issues–Don’t Get Pinkeye!

Jeff Lakritz DVM

10:40-11:00 a.m.

Working Capital-More money going out than coming in, what do I do?

Dianne Shoemaker

11:00-11:20 a.m.

Water Quality and Nutrient Management-Can we make more money and avoid regulation?

Greg LaBarge

11:20-11:40 a.m.

Farm Stress-Finding the Sunshine in the Storm

Sarah Noggle

11:40-12:00 p.m.

Crop Inputs & Margins: Challenges for this Year and Next

Barry Ward

12:00-12:20 p.m.

The Happy ½ Hour on the Economics of Malting Barley in Ohio

Mike Estadt

12:20-12:40 p.m.

Keeping Backyard Poultry Healthy

Tim McDermott DVM

12:40-1:00 p.m.

How to Get $4 Corn

Ben Brown

1:00-1:20 p.m.

COVID-19: What are the risks to my animals and to myself?

Scott Kenney

1:20-1:40 p.m.

Micro Business Data Management

Sid Dasgupta

1:40-2:00 p.m.

Farm neighbor laws: Can we all just get along?

Peggy Hall

2:00-2:20 p.m.

Economics of Parasite Control and Drug Resistance

Antoinette Marsh DVM

2:20-2:40 p.m.

Are you ready for the hearse to arrive?

David Marrison

2:40-3:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Keeping Horses Healthy: The old gray mare, she ain’t what she used to be

Eric Schroeder DVM

10:00-10:20 a.m.

Making Sense of the Modeling of Infectious Diseases

Rebecca Garabed VMD

10:20-10:40 a.m.

Increasing Small Grains Profitability with Double Crops

Eric Richer

10:40-11:00 a.m.

COVID-19: Impacts on Workers and the Food Supply or Where’s the beef? How COVID-19 is altering animal agriculture

Gustavo Schuenemann, DVM

11:00-11:20 a.m.

Are you ready for the hearse to arrive?

David Marrison

11:20-11:40 a.m.

Working Capital-More money going out than coming in, what do I do?

Dianne Shoemaker

11:40-12:00 p.m.

How to Get $4 Corn

Ben Brown

12:00-12:20 p.m.

Ohio Cropland Values & Cash Rents: Is Change Coming?

Barry Ward

12:20-12:40 p.m.

Weather is Always on my Mind

Aaron Wilson

12:40-1:00 p.m.

Farm neighbor laws: Can we all just get along?

Peggy Hall

1:00-1:20 p.m.

COVID-19: What are the risks to my animals and to myself?

Scott Kenney

1:20-1:40 p.m.

Hay ewe, No hay-No way?

Alejandro Relling

1:40-2:00 p.m.

For more information about the Ask the Expert Sessions, contact David Marrison, OSU Extension Educator at marrison.2@osu.edu

Rory Lewandowski Set to Retire from OSU Extension

Rory Lewandowski, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Wayne County, is retiring from Ohio State University Extension on July 29, 2020.  Rory has served agricultural clientele in Guernsey, Noble,  Athens, and Wayne Counties during his twenty years with Ohio State University Extension.

As an Extension Educator and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Rory focused much of his teaching on forages, pesticide use, nutrient management, and farm financial management.  Rory worked tirelessly to serve the needs of his clientele.  Farmers locally and across Ohio benefitted from his knowledge and expertise.  His ability to make every lesson unique and meet the needs of his audience is commendable.

Rory was a member of the Ohio Joint Council of Extension Professionals, National Association of County Agricultural Agents, Epsilon Sigma Phi National Extension Fraternity, Ohio Sheep Industry Association, and Ohio Cattleman’s Association.  Rory was recognized with numerous awards for his exemplary teaching, research, and service, including the Steven D. Ruhl Award for Outstanding Teaching, Leadership, and Service from Ohio State University Extension; Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents; Mid-Career Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi; and the Ohio Sheep Industry Distinguished Service Award.  In addition, Rory was recognized by his professional associations for his outstanding teaching, winning eleven awards.

Rory and his wife Marcia have accepted a three-year assignment in Cambodia with the Mennonite Central Committee.  They will focus on peace and justice as they help people learn to work out their differences as opposed to resorting to violence.  This is not their first experience with the Mennonite Central Committee, having served in Bolivia from 1989 – 1992 and 1996-2000.

Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with Rory are better because of his teaching, leadership, and friendship.  His efforts have made an impact on the communities he has served, and he will carry his style of servant leadership into retirement.

In keeping with Rory’s wishes, an in-person gathering will not be held.  However, anyone interested in sharing memories, pictures, stories or well wishes may do so by clicking on this link: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/yIDiZU6S

We wish Rory the best in his retirement!

Farm Office Live Webinar Slated for Thursday, June 11 at 9:00 a.m.

OSU Extension is pleased to be offering the a “Farm Office Live” session on Thursday morning, June 11 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.  Farmers, educators, and ag industry professionals are invited to log-on for the latest updates on the issues impact our farm economy.

The session will begin with the Farm Office Team answering questions asked over the two weeks.  Topics to be highlighted include:

  • Updates on the CARES Act Payroll Protection Program
  • Prevent Plant Update
  • Business & Industry CARES Act Program
  • EIDL Update
  • CFAP- update on beef classifications and commodity contract eligibility
  • Dicamba Court Decision Update
  • Other legal and economic issues

Plenty of time has been allotted for questions and answers from attendees. Each office session is limited to 500 people and if you miss the on-line office hours, the session recording can be accessed at farmoffice.osu.edu the following day.  Participants can pre-register or join in on Thursday morning at  https://go.osu.edu/farmofficelive 

 

Farm Office Live Session Slated for Thursday, May 14 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

OSU Extension is pleased to be offering the a “Farm Office Live” session on Thursday morning , May 14 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.  Farmers, educators, and ag industry professionals are invited to log-on for the latest updates on the issues impact our farm economy.

The session will begin with the Farm Office Team answering questions asked over the ten days.  Topics to be highlighted include:

  • Updates on the CARES Act, Payroll Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), and Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Update
  • Corn and soybean budgets
  • Supply and demand balance sheets
  • Other legal and economic issues

Plenty of time has been allotted for questions and answers from attendees. Each office session is limited to 500 people and if you miss the on-line office hours, the session recording can be accessed at farmoffice.osu.edu the following day.  Participants can pre-register or join in on Thursday morning at  https://go.osu.edu/farmofficelive 

COVID-19……Changing the Way We Do Business on the Farm

by, Mike Estadt, Agriculture Extension Educator in Pickaway County

The State of Ohio is starting the process of opening for business this week. Farms across Ohio never closed.  With developments recently with the food processing chain breaking down due to the COVID-19 virus one can easily see why it is vitally important to have contingency plans for disruptions to your business no matter how big or small.

Have you given serious thought to what would happen to your farm or agricultural business if you or a key employee(s) were to become ill due to the coronavirus or for that matter any health related event that would prevent you from getting your crop planted, managed through the growing season or harvested in the fall?

In response to this scenario Dr. Dee Jepsen, State Safety Program Leader and Lisa Pfeifer, Educational Program Manager, Agricultural Safety & Health have authored a white paper entitled “Navigating COVID-19 on the Farm” with some excellent ideas and daily best management practices to mitigate risks on your farm.  This paper can be found at: https://u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/2020/04/23/navigating-covid-19-on-the-farm-best-practices-for-daily-management-of-s-and-people/anitation-deliveries-equipment-repairs

Another great supporting document that should be part of every farm, nursery, and ranch is an operational plan in the case of an emergency.  Quite often the details of complicated farm operations are known only be one person, the farmer.  Tyler Williams, Cropping Systems Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has developed two comprehensive fillable Word documents for row crop and cow-calf producers available at: https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2020/farm-operations-plans

 

 

We are In This Together

by: Sarah Noggle, Extension Educator, ANR, Paulding County & Chris Zoller, Extension Educator, ANR, Tuscarawas County

Daily, farmers are taxed with challenges. We think of farmers as superheroes.  Superheroes have some sort of extraordinary power, but at times their shield is not enough to deal with what is coming their way. The weakness Superman had was kryptonite, and like Superman, farmers usually can only fight off so many scenarios being thrown at them.  The day-to-day tasks of managing a farm can cause stress and frustrations.  Add to this the impact of COVID-19 on farm commodities, and it’s obvious the strain takes its toll on everyone.

Sean Brotherson, North Dakota State University Extension, shares stress and mental health, management tips.

Why is it that some farmers can handle lots of stress and others very little? Researchers who have examined differences between successful and unsuccessful stress managers have identified three key factors. First, individuals vary in their capacity to tolerate stress. For example, prolonged exertion and fatigue that would be only mildly stressful to a young farmer but may prove very difficult for an older farmer or someone with a heart defect.  Emergencies on the farm, delays, and other problems that a confident farmer takes in stride may be a stumbling block for one who feels inadequate. While part of an individual’s stress tolerance is inborn, a crucial part depends on the quality of coping skills practiced. Learning to cope successfully with a stressor once makes it easier the next time.

A second factor is feeling in control. Successful stress managers know how to accept those stressors out of their control – the weather, their height, stock market fluctuations – and how to effectively manage those stresses within their control – such as neck tension, temper flare-ups, or record keeping.

Finally, the attitudes, perceptions, and meanings that people assign to events determine a large part of their stress levels. A person has to perceive a situation as stressful or threatening to experience stress. If you think your dog is barking in the middle of the night because of a vandal, you will experience more stress than if you suspect a skunk has wandered into your yard.

Stress can be defined as energy in a blocked or chaotic state. Individuals should seek to develop calm, free-flowing energy that promotes harmony and balance in a person’s body, psyche, and soul. To relax and manage stresses well during peak farm/ranch stress seasons – planting and harvesting – takes discipline and daily practice at controlling events, attitudes, and responses.

Following are some techniques individuals may adopt to gain control.

Control Events

Plan ahead. Don’t procrastinate.

  • Before planting and harvest, discuss who can be available to run for parts, care for livestock, etc.
  • Set priorities about what has to be done today and what can wait until tomorrow. Plan your time.
  • Say no to extra commitments that you do not have time to do.

Control Attitudes

  • See the big picture: “I’m glad that tire blew out here rather than on that next hill.”
  • List all the stresses you now have. Identify those you can change; accept the ones you cannot change.
  • Shift your focus from worrying to problem-solving.
  • Think about how to turn your challenges into opportunities.
  • Notice what you have accomplished rather than what you failed to do.
  • Set realistic goals and expectations daily. Give up trying to be perfect.

Control Responses

  • Focus on relaxing your body and mind. Keep only that muscle tension necessary to accomplish the task.
  • Tune in to your body. Notice any early signs of stress and let them go.
  • Take care of your body. Exercise regularly and eat well-balanced meals.
  • Avoid smoking cigarettes, using alcohol or other drugs, or using tranquilizers or sleeping pills.
  • If your health allows, tense and then relax each part of your body from toes to head, one section at a time.
  • Take a break. Climb down from your tractor and do a favorite exercise.
  • Take three deep breaths – slowly, easily. Let go of unnecessary stress.
  • Stop to reflect or daydream for 10 minutes. Close your eyes, and take a short mental vacation to a place you enjoy. See the sights; hear the sounds; smell the smells. Enjoy. Then go back to work feeling refreshed.
  • Think positive thoughts: “I can and will succeed.”
  • Look for the humor in things that you do.
  • Find someone with whom you can talk about your worries and frustrations.
  • Seek help when you need it. There are times when all of us can benefit from professional advice or support.

Seeking Help

Depending upon your situation, having a friend or relative to share your concerns may suffice.  Other times, you may benefit most from a trained professional.  The following are resources we hope you find useful.

So remember, like Superman, farmers can’t always hold up their shield to fight off all the scenarios being thrown at them. It’s okay to don your cape and reach out. Mental health challenges affect one in four adults according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization in 2017. Even in our rural communities, there are sources of help. Additionally, reach out to OSU Extension in any of the 88 counties and we can point you in the right direction.