Month: April 2019

Leadership Highland Ohio Statehouse Tour

Leadership Highland participants met with Representative Shane Wilkin.
Leadership Highland participants shown on the staircase leading to the rotunda.
Leadership Highland participants in the Ohio Statehouse Cupola.
Melissa Elmore, Liz Brennfleck, Michelle Unsworth, and Diana Grooms outside the Ohio Statehouse.
The Cupola tour guide provided historical background on the construction of the Statehouse. The staircase shown in the picture leads to the cupola.
Participants of Leadership Highland pose in front of the fireplace in Senator Bob Peterson’s office.

Participants of Leadership Highland had the opportunity to tour the Ohio Statehouse in April. Senator Bob Peterson and Representative Shane Wilkin coordinated the tour of the Statehouse and the tour of the Ohio Statehouse Cupola. Diana Grooms, Scott Hopf, Melissa Elmore, Michelle Unsworth, and Liz Brennfleck attended the tour and were able to meet both Senator Peterson and Representative Wilkin.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to tour the Ohio Statehouse Cupola, the YouTube video below provides a virtual glimpse of the upper floor in the cupola looking west onto High Street in Columbus.

Upcoming Woodlands Programming

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

April 29, 2019

 

Do you or a family member have woodlands that you are considering selling timber from? Do you have questions about what may be the right decision for your property? Join the OSU Extension Office of Highland County and guest speakers of Dave Apsley, Brad Wireman, and Bob Mulligan for an evening of woodland related topics.

The program will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at 6 P.M. in the Large Meeting Room of 119 Governor Foraker Place, Suite 202, Hillsboro, Ohio. The cost to attend is $10.00 per person and RSVPs are required to 937-393-1918 at the OSU Extension Office. Food will be included in the program fee.

Selling timber isn’t something that woodland owners should take lightly. This program is designed to help landowners make decisions that will have a positive influence on their woodland. Topics that will be included in the program include:

  • matching the harvest to your goals,
  • marketing your timber,
  • reasons to cut trees,
  • which trees and when to cut,
  • best management practices,
  • timber stand improvement,
  • Ohio Master Logger program,
  • and timber prices and trends.

For more information or to RSVP for this program, contact the OSU Extension Office of Highland County at 937-393-1918.

 

Upcoming Programs:

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the OSU Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Video Editing Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. This workshop will teach basic editing principles on both laptops and mobile devices. Bring your own computer or mobile device to participate. RSVP to the OSU Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

The Germinate International Film Fest will be accepting submissions through June 30, 2019. The festival will be held on August 16 & 17, 2019, in Hillsboro, Ohio. For more information or to apply, visit https://filmfreeway.com/GerminateInternationalFilmFest. Contact Brooke Beam at the OSU Extension Office for more information at 937-393-1918.

National Sustainability Summit

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

April 23, 2019

 

Scenes from the National Sustainability Conference. Hops, solar, and pelleted hops.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the National Sustainability Summit and National Energy Extension Summit in Tampa, Florida. It was a week packed with innovation, research, and on-farm tours. The tour I attended a tour focused on hops, solar, and locally-sourced, sustainable breweries. The theme for all of the conference sessions and programs were related to sustainability and energy.

 

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) is conducting research on growing hops in the Florida climate. UF researchers have found that Florida is the only place where hops can be harvested twice a year, with harvests in June and November. The drawback of the Floridian climate and two harvests means there is a lower yield in comparison to an ideal climate. The ideal hops growing region is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees latitude, which is roughly mid-Ohio and Michigan.

While Florida isn’t in the perfect climate location for hops, researchers are utilizing LED lights to extend the number of hours of light exposure. Hops produced at the UF IFAS GCREC facility are used at local breweries in the Tampa Bay region.

The Tampa Electric Company (TECO) is investing in multiple solar farm locations. I toured TECO’s Balm Solar facility, which is a 74.4 MW facility encompassing 541 acres. This facility uses 719,640 modules and 27 inverters. In order to minimize the number of times the grass needs to be mowed; sheep are used to graze the solar farm in rotations.

Utilizing both the hops from UF IFAS GCREC and TECO’s solar-powered electric, Coppertail Brewing Company produces a variety of beverages from all-Florida sourced ingredients. Established in 2014, Coppertail Brewing Company utilizes the most technologically advanced brewing equipment available. They have changed their packaging to solely using recyclable, aluminum cans, of which they can fill 250 a minute. As the company uses only Florida-sourced ingredients, they also market their products only in Florida.

In addition to learning about Florida sustainability efforts, I learned about a variety of innovations and projects being conducted across the United States. I presented at the National Sustainability Conference on the virtual reality (VR) programs that the Highland County Extension Office has hosted in Highland County, the future of VR technology for field trips, and the upcoming Germinate International Film Fest. For more information about any of the upcoming Highland County Extension programs, contact the office at 937-393-1918.

 

Upcoming Programs:

Tuesday, April 30, 2019, a live-broadcast forage webinar with Christine Gelley, ANR Extension Educator from Noble County, will be held at 5 P.M. in the Large Meeting Room in the basement of 119 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, OH. Gelley will discuss a variety of forage-related topics to help you prepare for the 2019 growing season and upcoming winter. This program is also free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged to reserve your seat by calling 937-393-1918.

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Video Editing Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. This workshop will teach basic editing principles on both laptops and mobile devices. Bring your own computer or mobile device to participate. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

The Germinate International Film Fest will be accepting submissions through June 30, 2019. The festival will be held on August 16 & 17, 2019, in Hillsboro, Ohio. For more information or to apply, visit https://filmfreeway.com/GerminateInternationalFilmFest. Contact Brooke Beam at the Highland County Extension Office for more information at 937-393-1918.

 

4-H’ers exploring technology or agriculture…

Looking to meet 4-H’ers from around the state or to learn more about technology and agriculture?  Check out these camps that are still accepting registrations.  Contact the OSU Extension Office at 937-393-1918 for more information.

4-H Camp Tech
Who: Grades 6th , 7th, and 8th
When: June 5-7, 2019
Where: Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center

4-H Global AgriCULTURE Camp
Who: Grades 8th, 9th, and 10th
When: June 10-14, 2019
Where: Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center and Howell, Michigan

Member, Officer, and Advisor Conference (MOA)

Don’t forget that MOA is fast approaching.  This a great opportunity to learn new and updated information/changes about Highland County’s 4-H program along with Jr. Fair Updates.  Learn the leadership roles of being an officer or team player. Explore information about camps, trips, scholarships, or have fun learning songs and dances.  Reminder: All 4-H Clubs must have at least one advisor attend MOA Training on Monday, April 29, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in order to remain a club in good standing.  Everyone is invited to attend.  .

Bring the World Home through Ohio 4-H!

Looking for some new fun and educational excitement this summer? How about hosting a boy or girl from Japan in your home for 3½ weeks? (July 24 – Aug. 18) The Ohio 4-H International Program is offering hosting opportunities to 75 families around the state, and Japanese youth on the other side of the world are anxiously waiting to learn who their new family might be! Host families should have their own child aged 10-15 who will serve as the main host sibling. Families will be matched with a Japanese youth of the same gender and approximate age. Special trips and activities are not required. The focus is on everyday family life. Host families provide lodging, meals, and any family activities. Medical insurance is provided. Youth bring money for personal spending (gifts, souvenirs, etc.) For more information, please visit Ohio 4-H International or contact Mary Lynn Thalheimer at thalheimer.1@osu.edu or 614-247-8162.

Host Family Applications will be accepted until all youth are placed, by June 1.

Don’t Forget!

 

Club Annual Paperwork

4-H Club Annual report, Constitution, Bylaws, Club Meeting Schedules and Club Verification Reports are due to the Extension Office on or before May 15, 2019.  Forms are available online at: https://highland.osu.edu/program-areas/4-h-youth-development/forms-applications-resources  

Fundraiser Request Forms

In order to have a club fundraiser, clubs must submit a Fundraiser Request Form. This must be submitted for approval to Kathy before holding the fundraiser. The form can be found at: https://highland.osu.edu/sites/highland/files/imce/Fundraiser%20Request%20Form.pdf

4-H Club T-Shirt Designs

All clubs must submit new t-shirt designs to Kathy at bruynis.5@osu.edu for approval prior to ordering or printing.

Summer Camp, Here we come!

Wanting to get away and try new things?  Highland County 4-Her’s have the opportunity to camp at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp in Jackson, OH.  The following camps are available, so mark your calendars!

 

 

2019 4-H Camp Dates at Canter’s Cave
Spring Fling                                     May 4 -5
Camp Open House                         May 5
Stem Camp                                      June 3 – 5
Beginner Camp                               June 10 -13
Teen Camp                                       June 14 – 17
Jr. High Camp                                 June 18 – 21
Cloverbud Overnight Camp          June 21 – 22
Cloverbud Day Camp                     June 26
Junior Shooting Sports Camp      June 28 – 30
State Special Needs Camp             July 5 – 7
Senior Shooting Sports Camp      July 14 -19

Attention PRESENT, PAST, and FUTURE 4-Her’s!

Canter’s Cave has the opportunity to make permanent improvements to the camping facilities during the upcoming year through grant funding.  We need your help to come up with matching funds to to help make these improvements.  Updates to existing structures and additional building(s) on the boys hill will increase resources to serve our camping clientele.  To make a donation, contact Highland County Extension Office.

https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/OnlineGivingDonation.aspx?Source_Code=WA&Fund=303873

 

Camp Open House

Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp is having it’s annual Open House on Sunday, May 5th from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. This is a good opportunity for 4-H Advisors, club members and parents to come and see our wonderful facility and enjoy a day at camp. Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp offers campers a chance to learn, develop life skills and form attitudes that will help them to become self–directing and a productive member of society. Camp becomes a learning laboratory that allows youth to apply their new knowledge to real-life situations. Since the camp day is even longer than a school day, learning continues around the clock and is more intensive. Campers also make new friends from Highland County as well as surrounding counties and have lots of fun. To see more about camp visit 4hcanterscave.osu.edu.

Spring Planting Season Is Here, Use Caution While Driving

A local farmer uses the warm and dry weather to catch up on field prepariations for the 2019 growing season by driving his tractor in a field.

A local farmer uses the warm and dry weather to catch up on field preparations for the 2019 growing season.

Brooke Beam, PhD
Ohio State University Extension, Highland County
Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator
April 17, 2019

The break from the rain has provided an opportunity for agricultural producers in Highland County to work in their fields. It is a welcome change from all of the rain we have received since last fall. However, with the change in weather, it isn’t just farmers who are anxious to be outside on the roadways this spring.

Warmer, drier weather is ideal for working in the fields to prepare for spring. Since fall and winter had very wet weather conditions, many farmers in the area have not been able to work in their fields to prepare for the upcoming 2019 growing season. This means there is a spring rush to prepare fields in Highland County before the growing season starts. Farmers will be making the best use of their time this spring to be efficient so they catch up on their work.

Likewise, non-farmers are also anxious to be on the roadways enjoying the warmer air in convertibles and motorcycles. While it is completely understandable that everyone would like to be outside enjoying the change in the seasons, it is important to remember to share the roadways and use safety precautions to ensure safety for everyone utilizing the roadways this spring.

Remember that tractors are slower moving vehicles that make wide turns. Agricultural implements are large and they can have multiple blind spots, just because you can see the tractor doesn’t mean that the tractor operator can see you. Provide additional space between your vehicle and the tractor to ensure visibility. Also be sure to look for the slow-moving vehicle emblems (SMV signs) on farm equipment.

Slow down, enjoy the spring blossoms and foliage while on your travels this spring, and give adequate space for farmers who are trying to catch up with their work during dry days this spring. For more information about any of the Highland County Extension Programs, contact the office at 937-393-1918.

 

Upcoming Programs:

On April 23, 2019, the ninth Beef Quality Assurance training will be held in Hillsboro, Ohio. The training workshop will be held at Union Stock Yards. Dinner will be served at 5:30 P.M. and the program will be held at 6:30 P.M. Please RSVP to Union Stock Yards to reserve your seat 937-393-1958.

On Thursday, April 25th, Dr. Thomas Blaine will be presenting on Global Climate Change and its impacts predicted through 2050. Dr. Blaine is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University. Dr. Blaine will discuss the history of climate change, current trends, and outlook. He will discuss how climate change is and will apply to everything from our lawns, to our farms, and our everyday life through 2050. This program is free to attend, however, RSVP to reserve your seat by calling 937-393-1918.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019, a live-broadcast forage webinar with Christine Gelley, ANR Extension Educator from Noble County, will be held at 5 P.M. in the Large Meeting Room in the basement of 119 Governor Foraker Place, Hillsboro, OH. Gelley will discuss a variety of forage-related topics to help you prepare for the 2019 growing season and upcoming winter. This program is also free to attend, but RSVPs are encouraged to reserve your seat by calling 937-393-1918.

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Hands-on filmmaking workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. Bring your own camera and tripod for this walking filmmaking workshop. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

A Video Editing Workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 3 P.M. at the Lynchburg Library. This workshop will teach basic editing principles on both laptops and mobile devices. Bring your own computer or mobile device to participate. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

The Germinate International Film Fest will be accepting submissions through June 30, 2019. The festival will be held on August 16 & 17, 2019, in Hillsboro, Ohio. For more information or to apply visit https://filmfreeway.com/GerminateInternationalFilmFest. Contact Brooke Beam at the Highland COunty Extension Office for more information at 937-393-1918.