News, Programs, and Events

Supporting Farmers Through Dry Conditions

With an estimated 2,709,128 Ohioans currently living in dry or drought conditions, times are not easy. Unfortunately, with no relief in sight, we could be sitting in this position for quite some time. The map below indicates where each county in Ohio stands in its current dry/drought condition.

Our team at OSU Extension and other professionals around the state of Ohio are working around the clock to monitor the situation and provide resources for on-the-ground support and daily observation of the weather outlook. Click here for more information and resources.

We often forget to check in on our mental health during this time of high stress and anxiety. While many people can cope with the everyday stress of farming, it is important to know it is okay not to be okay. Especially with extreme weather conditions, it can be difficult for any farmer.

There may be no way to control this drought, but we can control how we manage our stress. Here are a few simple ways:

  • Recognize the signs of it, which manifest differently in everyone.
  • Acknowledge and share with someone that you are feeling
  • Ensure that you are getting enough sleep, eating properly, and maintaining good physical
  • When you have the time to connect with loved ones, Spending quality time with others boosts your mental health.

What are some of the signs of stress:

  • Poor sleeping and/or eating habits
  • Feeling overwhelmed by life
  • Overly anxious or stressed
  • Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol
  • Increase in risky behavior
  • Overly tired and/or forgetful
  • Thoughts of hopelessness

If you have been feeling any of these for more than a few weeks, please reach out to someone. We have your back, and you are not alone in these thoughts. Please talk with someone.

Resources that are available to you:

go.osu.edu/farmstress   go.osu/educountyresourceguide

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call, Text, or Chat 24/7 365 Ohio Care Line 1-800-720-9616

Please reach out if you have any questions or need more information to Bridget Britton at 330-365- 8160.

Bridget Britton, MSW, LSW Behavioral Health Field Specialist

Cucurbit Field Nights

Join us to tour research plots and hear updates from Extension specialists on a variety of topics, including pumpkin management, squash bug thresholds, the use of season-long row covers, watermelon pollination, melon variety evaluation, and more.

These events will also showcase a hands-on scouting and diagnostic clinic for growers to fine-tune their pest management strategies. Light refreshments will be provided.

Cucurbit
Research Update | Pest Scouting Clinic

Flyer

Tuesday, August 27
North Central Research Station
1165 Gonawein (On OH 53 south of Fremont)
Fremont, Ohio 43420

Tuesday, September 3
OSU South Centers
1864 Shyville Road
Piketon, Ohio 45661


Time: 5:30-8 p.m. Eastern
Cost: Free
Register:  go.osu.edu/cucurbits or call 614-247-9680

QUESTIONS: Bradford Sherman (sherman.1473@osu.edu)

To request accommodations that will help you participate fully in this in-person event, share your requests during registration or contact Bradford Sherman.

 

This material is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number 2023-38640-39573 through the North Central Region SARE program under project number ONC24-155. USDA is an equal-opportunity employer and service provider. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

American Sycamore Sap and Syrup: What We Know and What We Don’t.

Join us on Friday, September 13th, for our Friday Escape to the Forest webinar, American Sycamore Sap and Syrup: What We Know and What We Don’t.

Learn more about the potential to use the sap from this native tree to make a sweet treat. Luke Taylor-Ide and Sarah Collins-Simmons of Future Generations University will give us a research update. They have been working with sycamore trees to make syrup and will discuss the possibilities.

Registration is available here.  Both ISA and SAF continuing education credits have been applied for.

Women in Agriculture Estate Planning Luncheon

Robert Moore, J.D., Attorney, OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program, will share information on legal options for estate planning, such as trusts, wills, and strategies to meet your goals for the future of the farm.

August 27, 2024

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

M & M Diner, 165 East Center Street, London, OH

The cost for lunch is $15

RSVP at go.osu.edu/madisonwiareg

 

July Issue of Ohio Fruit News

The July OFN issue is now available.  The feature articles include:

  • Impact of heat and drought on apple trees and fruit
  • Characteristics of apple rootstock
  • Mancozeb proposed interim registration review – crop cancellations and REI changes
  • Central State Univ offers a new climate-smart commodities program.

Mancozeb information

The proposed cancellation of Mancozeb on grape crops will have a profound impact on the Ohio grape industry. Please read the Mancozeb docket at this link. The deadline for comments is September 16. Changes to REIs will also impact apple and pear producers in the state.