BQA

Upcoming Highland County Extension Programs

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

 

As the fall harvest season ends, the Highland County Extension Office will begin to hold Monthly Extension Programming again. The next Monthly Extension Program will be held on December 10, 2018, at 10 am at Ponderosa Steakhouse. Gary Ludwig, from the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Ludwig’s presentation will be Managing Black Vulture Predation. He will cover information on:

  • Black Vulture Identification and Habits
  • Fact and fiction regarding the Black Vulture’s Protected Status
  • Applying the Integrated Wildlife Damage Management (IWDM) Process to Black Vulture Problems
  • Obtaining and effectively utilizing a Federal Depredation Permit
  • The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) as Administered by the FSA

RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918 to reserve your seat. The cost to attend this program is free; however, attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase lunch on their own at Ponderosa.

The next Beef Quality Assurance Training will be held at Union Stockyards on Tuesday, January 22, 2018. The program will start at 6:30 pm. This will be the fifth in a series of BQAs held in Hillsboro within a span of six months to certify beef producers in the safe handling and treatment of cattle. Companies, like Tyson and Wendy’s, will be requiring beef producers they are sourcing their beef products from to be BQA certified in 2019. At this point in time, BQA certification is not mandatory for beef producers, but it is strongly encouraged if you are hoping to market your beef to a company that is requiring the certification. If you were not able to attend one of the previous BQAs, consider attending this upcoming training. RSVP to the Highland County Extension Office to reserve your seat.

Dates have been announced for the 2019 Highland County fertilizer and pesticide recertifications. In 2019, there are several thousand individuals who need to recertify their fertilizer and pesticide applicator licenses. Over 100 Highland County residents will need to renew their licenses. There will be two recertifications held in Hillsboro in 2019, so all Highland County residents needing to recertify will be able to do so in Highland County. The dates for these recertifications are:

February 19, 2019

Ponderosa Banquet Center, 545 S. High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133

5:00 pm to 6:00 pm Fertilizer Recertification – Private and Commercial

6:30 pm Pesticide Recertification (Core, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Private Applicators Only

March 4, 2018

Ponderosa Banquet Center, 545 S. High Street, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133

10:00 am to 11:00 am Fertilizer Recertification – Private and Commercial

11:30 am Pesticide Recertification (Core, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Private Applicators Only

Registration details will come in the mail from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Registration for OSU Extension Pesticide and Fertilizer and your renewal application for ODA Pesticide/Fertilizer must both be completed. Meals will be included at each recertification training at Ponderosa, the cost to attend both a fertilizer and pesticide training will be $40.00.

For more information about any of the upcoming programs, contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

 

Fall Foliage

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

October 10, 2018

Fall has arrived in southern Ohio. For many individuals, fall began on September 22 with the autumn equinox. My personal perception of the start of “fall” is the commencement of grain harvesting in the area. Others could debate that the start of fall is when the leaves begin to change color. When the fall foliage reaches its peak, the leaves are certainly a beautiful sight to see.

For many areas in the United States, fall foliage is a large tourist attraction. Vibrant red, yellow, and orange leaves provide a kaleidoscope of colors for leaf enthusiasts to enjoy. However, this year the change in color of the leaves has had a slower start than other years. Deciduous trees, which are trees that loose their leaves at the end of each growing season, have been impacted by the weather patterns we have experienced this year.

Trees and plants survive on photosynthesis to break down chlorophyll. During the summer chlorophyll causes the green color of leaves. As the trees begin to shut down for the winter, the leaves start to change color due to the changes in their chemical compound.

This year, we have experienced a hot summer with steady rainfall. This combination has caused a delay in the start of the color change, and also may cause the colors to not be as vibrant as other years.  According to Christine Gelley, an OSU Extension Educator in Noble County, “color changes are most dramatic in years where summer transitions to fall with a series of warm sunny days, followed by crisp (not freezing) nights.”

In Highland County, some of the trees are beginning to change color, but many of the trees are still a shade of green. Dryer weather, cooler nights and sunny days could increase the rate of the color change in the area. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources publishes a fall color report that is updated regularly. Paint Creek State Park is listed as “changing” colors. Currently, there are several Ohio state parks that are near their color peak, but none are listed as at the peak of color yet. To see the Fall Color Report visit: http://www.ohio.org/season/fall?field_dates_value%5Bdate%5D=09/01/2018&field_dates_value2%5Bdate%5D=11/30/2018.

 

Upcoming Events

Beef Quality Assurance Training: 

  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producer Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the BQA training. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

The Global Climate Change Update with Dr. Thomas Blaine from The Ohio State University will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, from 6: 30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. The program will be held at the Brown County Fairgrounds, Rhonemus Hall. The cost to attend is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact James Morris at morris.1677@osu.eduor at the Brown County Extension Office at 937-378-6716.

The next Highland County Monthly Extension Program will be held on December 10, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at the Ponderosa Steakhouse in Hillsboro, Ohio. More details will be coming soon, please save the date and plan to attend.

Agricultural Documentary Film Provides Local Food For Thought

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

October 1, 2018

A panel discussion with the director, Keener and Espey followed the screening of Farmers for America. The trailer for the film can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/236472615.

A few weeks ago, I attended the screening and accompanying local foods dinner of Farmers For America, a pro-agriculture documentary film focused on the trials and tribulations of young farmers in the United States. Being a young farmer myself, I could relate to the challenges discussed in the film.

Did you know that the average age of the American farmer is over 60 years old? Did you know that the startup for many aspiring young farmers is out of reach because of high land and equipment prices? Or that 50 percent of America’s agricultural equity will change hands in the next 15 years?

The solution to these challenges that several young farmers are implementing in their operations are niche markets and diversification. There is a movement in society to want local foods, produced with niche practices, and for the consumer to have a personal connection with the farmer. Essentially, that is what several of the young farmers in Farmers for America are doing for their business strategies, and these practices were working for most of the individuals shown in the film.

Although the majority of the United States’ population is disconnected from agricultural production, consumers are more interested in their food products than ever before. In 1991, consumers of meat products were most concerned with external fat, palatability, tenderness, and marbling. Fast forward to 2016 where consumer concerns about meat selections were focused on food safety, eating satisfaction, how and where the animal was raised, and the visual characteristics of the meat. The change in consumer perceptions and the concerns that are influencing their purchasing decisions are creating opportunities for agricultural producers.

One of the farms featured in Farmers For America was Keener’s Family Farm from Dayton, Ohio. Matthew Keener and Amber Espey operate Keener’s Family Farm and Keener Farm Butcher Block. They produce grass-fed beef, pastured chicken and eggs, and woods farrowed pigs. Their products are marketed through direct marketing at their butcher shop and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). They also have a working relationship with local restaurants and colleges to supply local foods to the greater Dayton area. Coincidentally, Keener and Espey attended the Highland County Soil and Water Grazing Workshop at the Millstone Creek Farm in July of 2018.

The screening of Farmers For America was paired with a local food dinner at Table 33, where many of the ingredients were sourced from Keener’s Family farm. The food was excellent and was presented in an appealing manner. Several of the courses were not dishes I would have normally selected from the menu, and certainly wouldn’t have concocted on my own, but sometimes it is a good thing to be outside of your comfort zone and try something new.

The farm-to-table dinner was held at Table 33, a downtown Dayton restaurant.

How can consumers have a closer connection with farmers? Social media platforms provide a free and efficient method to market products and communicate with consumer audiences. It is also one way the next generation of farmers can easily diversify their marketing strategies by tying into technologies. Particularly for direct consumable products, photography and videography through social media or websites can help increase awareness of the company brand and products.

Several of the farmers featured in Farmers For America used social media as their main marketing source. Images of food products, like the food featured in the above image, can provide a great visual for consumers. In many cases, food is photographed from above or at a slight angle to capture the surroundings and place settings.

Whether you are looking to diversify your operation, expand your niche marketing, or expand your knowledge of local foods, exploring a new opportunity can provide an interesting and educational experience. For more information about niche markets specific to your operation, contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918. Additionally, the Small Farm Colleges will be held in January, February, and March of 2019 in Montgomery, Vinton, and Adams Counties. The Small Farm Colleges provide education for agricultural producers on a variety of topics ranging from production to marketing.

 

Upcoming Events: 

  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producer Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the BQA training. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

Leadership Highland History Day

From left to right: Destiny Bryson, Mike Hart, Rob Holt, May Greene, Liz Brennfleck, Michelle Unsworth, Diana Grooms, and Harold Schmidt of the Greenfield Historical Society in front of the Konneker Education Museum in Greenfield, Ohio.

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

September 19, 2018

 

The Leadership Highland class met on September 19, 2018, for Highland County history day. The participants began the day at the Greenfield Historical Society where Harold Schmidt and Tom Adams shared Greenfield’s history, model train display, and the Konneker Education Museum.

Tom Adams showing the model of Greenfield he constructed to the participants of Leadership Highland.

The second stop was the Parker House Hotel where participants met with Jack Hope. Mr. Hope shared a brief history of his background and many Highland County projects. A tour of the Parker House Hotel followed Mr. Hope’s presentation. Mayor Drew Hastings provided a tour of Bell’s Opera House and the history of the building. The final stop in Hillsboro was the Highland House. Carolyn Hastings, of the Highland County Historical Society, provided a tour of the building and a private viewing of The Lincoln School Story: A Battle for School Integration in Ohio documentary.

The ballroom on the third floor of the Parker House Hotel.

 

A view of Bell’s Opera House from the stage.

 

A portion of the Milton Caniff exhibit at the Highland House.

The Leadership Highland history day tour concluded in Lynchburg where Virginia Rhonemus and Elaine Williams provided a walking and driving tour of Lynchburg. A few of the historical sites visited included the covered bridge, the oldest home in Lynchburg, and the Lynchburg distillery site.

Lynchburg Covered Bridge

Connecting Highland and Clinton Counties, the covered bridge in Lynchburg is the only existing bridge in Ohio that connects two counties.

The next meeting of Leadership Highland will be agriculture day in October. For more information about Leadership Highland, contact Brooke Beam at the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

 

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Beef Quality Assurance Training:

  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producer Stockyards, Hillsboro, Ohio

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the BQA training. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

 

 

 

Man’s best friend provides added health benefits

 

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

August 23, 2018

Wilma, Brooke Beam’s 3-year-old Collie dog, out for a walk on the family farm.

Dogs are great. They are generally loveable, have better attitudes than most humans, and are always glad to see you when you get home. The family dog is the most loyal confidant you could ever have. They are always eager to assist on crop scouting field trips, finish your leftovers, and make sure you are covered in their hair whenever you have someplace important to go to.

But did you know that your dog might be good for your health beyond putting a smile on your face? In the midst of the current trade wars, lower commodity prices, and a growing trend of mental illness in the United States’ agricultural community, farmers may want to consider their dog as a valuable asset for their mental and physical health.

According to Miltiades and Shearer (2011), individuals in rural areas have lower levels of depression when their pet plays a central role in their life and they are able to physically care for the pet. Another study found that dog ownership has been found to decrease the likelihood of depression in people with infectious diseases (Muldoon et al., 2017).

Dogs have the ability to combat depression because they keep their owners moving, are a good distraction from the daily challenges they face, and dogs are active listeners. Being outside with your pets is also a way to increase your intake of vitamin D. “The body makes vitamin D when skin is directly exposed to the sun” and it helps maintain strong bones and immune systems fight bacteria and viruses (National Institutes of Health, 2016).

Dollie, the Beam family’s last Collie, was an active participant in the daily activities on the farm. In this case, she was helping with spring planting.

Walking your dog can help you achieve the Physical Activity Guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is “recommended that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination each week. The guidelines also recommend that children and adolescents be active for at least 60 minutes every day” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018, p.1). By achieving these goals while walking your dog, it decreases your risk for heart disease, cancer or diabetes.

In conclusion, dogs have many added benefits for your health beyond being your best friend. Reducing the risk for depression, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all added benefits of spending time with your dog.

For Help

If you or a loved one is suffering or experiencing a crisis, or if you have a friend who is suffering or in crisis, you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “HOPE” to 741-741. Each of these options provides access to a licensed counselor 24/7. You may also contact your county’s mental health and recovery board. Ohio residents needing help in finding mental health resources in their county or interested in taking a class in Mental Health First Aid can contact Jami Dellifield at dellifield.2@osu.edu or 419-674-2297.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Why Walk? Why Not! Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/walking/index.htm

Miltiades, H., & Shearer, J. (June 01, 2011). Attachment to pet dogs and depression in rural older adults. Anthrozoos, 24, 2, 147-154.

Muldoon, A., Kuhns, L., Supple, J., Jacobson, K., Garofalo, R. (2017). A Web-Based Study of Dog Ownership and Depression Among People Living With HIV. JMIR Mental Health, 4, 53. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5700404/.

National Institutes of Health. (2016). Vitamin D. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-Consumer/.

 

Upcoming Events:

Beef Quality Assurance Trainings:

  • Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the date and location of the BQA training of your choice. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

Tickets for the 2018 Farm Science Review are now available at the Highland County Extension Office. Tickets purchased at the Highland County Extension Office are $7, tickets will be $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

What’s on your plate tonight?

Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

 

Currently, the rolling landscapes of southern Ohio are filled with lush, green fields of crops that create a picturesque scenery for those who stop to enjoy the view. The same can be said for those who stop to enjoy the local products of agricultural producers as their plate will be filled with fresh, flavorful food. Local produce and meats have numerous benefits for both the consumer and agricultural producer. These benefits include economic stimulus, environmental, health, and quality of life benefits.

Did you know that the average family of three spends $9,000.00 annually on food? According to Brian Raison, from Ohio State University Extension, if the average family of three spent just 10 percent of their money on local foods, it would cause an economic impact of $900 to go to local producers. More consumers of local foods would lead to a greater economic impact for local agricultural producers. Currently, agricultural markets are in a challenging place for many farmers in the United States. Diversification into multiple commodities is one way to help alleviate some of the financial stress caused by lower commodity prices, but there also needs to be a strong local market for these products.

Local foods don’t travel thousands of miles to be marketed, and therefore do not have as many negative environmental impacts. “Food imported from far away is older and has traveled on trucks or planes, and sat in warehouses” before it gets to the consumer (Grubinger, 2010, p. 2). Due to the decreased travel time, the food is fresher, contains more nutrients, and is generally more colorful (Grubinger, 2010; Raison, 2014).

Additionally, local foods have positive health benefits. Going for a walk at a u-pick farm, eating fresh produce, and preparing meals at home with family all have added physical and mental health benefits. Going to local farm businesses can be a social experience. Meeting new people, trying new things, and learning about local food production can be a great opportunity for people of any age to become more active in the community.

What are some local foods and where can you find them? Great question! Apples, peaches, sweet corn, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, meat, and milk, among others, are all produced locally and available for your table (some things may only be available seasonally). There are multiple farm stands, farmers markets, orchards, and u-pick farms you can visit to purchase these (and more) local products. If you don’t want to go through the process of making a pie or salad with fresh fruit, there are bakeries and restaurants in Highland County that are using local products on their menu. So, try something new tonight and eat locally.

For more information about local foods contact the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918.

References:

Grubinger, V. (2010, April). Ten Reasons to Buy Local Food. Retrieved from https://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/buylocal.html

Raison, B. (2014, October 17). Local Food. TEDxDayton. Retrieved from https://u.osu.edu/raison/local-food/

 

Upcoming Events

The next Monthly Extension Program will be held on August 27, 2018, at the Pondo Center in Hillsboro, Ohio. The guest speaker will be Dr. Scott Shearer, who will discuss Big Data and UAVs in Production Agriculture. Advanced registration is required as lunch will be included in the registration fee. Tickets are available for purchase at the Highland County Extension Office at 937-393-1918. The cost of registration is $20.00. The deadline to purchase a ticket in advance is August 23, 2018. For more information contact Brooke Beam at 937-393-1918 or beam.49@osu.edu.

 

Beef Quality Assurance Trainings:

  • Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro
  • Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the date and location of the BQA training of your choice. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

Tickets for the 2018 Farm Science Review are now available at the Highland County Extension Office. Tickets purchased at the Highland County Extension Office are $7, tickets will be $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are free.

Upcoming Beef Quality Assurance Certification Trainings

By Brooke Beam, PhD

Ohio State University Extension, Highland County

Agriculture and Natural Resources/Community Development Extension Educator

July 24, 2018

While the vast majority of American citizens are disconnected from production agriculture, a cultural movement over the last decade has urged consumers to be more interested in their food and how it was produced. This interest in food and agricultural production has coincided with the introduction of the Millennial generation into the consumer market. Millennials differ from previous generations, as they are expected to be the “largest consumer spenders in history” and they are known as trendsetters in the agricultural marketplace (B. D. Johnson, 2016, p. 1).

Millennials want to live healthy lifestyles, and they are influencing not only their generation’s eating habits but also their children’s and parents’ eating trends (G. Johnson, 2016b). Scott Muchkin, a food trends researcher at Wolfe Research in New York, stated that the best advice farmers could follow was to have transparency in their farming operations (G. Johnson, 2016a). Munhkin stated modern consumers want to know everything about how their food was produced. Companies like Tyson Foods and Wendy’s have listened to the demands of the consumer and are setting goals to achieve transparency and high standards of beef production.

Tyson Foods harvests and processed “25 percent of the US beef market share” (OSU Extension Beef Team, 2018, p. 1). Wendy’s is “now the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the U.S.” (OSU Extension Beef Team, 2018, p. 1). Both corporations announced that beginning in 2019, all “cattle they purchase must originate from producers and feedyards who are Beef Quality Assurance certified” (OSU Extension Beef Team, 2018, p. 1).

The Ohio State University Extension Offices in Adams, Brown, Clermont, and Highland Counties will be offering Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification trainings for area beef producers along with local sale barns and veterinarians. These BQA certification trainings will allow for cattle to be sold to companies, like Tyson and Wendy’s, that will require BQA certification in 2019.

Four BQA certification trainings will be offered in Hillsboro, Ohio. Dates and locations of the upcoming BQA certification trainings are:

  •       Tuesday, August 14, 2018, Noon, Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  •       Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Union Stockyards, Hillsboro
  •       Thursday, September 13, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro
  •       Thursday, October 25, 2018, 6:30 P.M., Producers Stockyards, Hillsboro

Call your local Ohio State University Extension Office to register for the date and location of the BQA training of your choice. The Highland County Extension Office can be reached at 937-393-1918.

References

Johnson, B. D. (2016, June 9). Future Food: What Will It Be? Retrieved April 16, 2017, from Successful Farming: http://www.agriculture.com/farm-management/future food-what-will-it-be

Johnson, G. (2016a, February). Food Trends: Consumers Want Healthy, Local Foods. Successful Farming.

Johnson, G. (2016b, February 19). Meet Your New Boss: The Millennials. Successful Farming.

OSU Extension Beef Team. (2018). Beef Quality Assurance. Beef Team Blog. Retrieved from https://u.osu.edu/beefteam/bqa/

Upcoming Events:

Ohio Hop Growers Guild 2018 Hop Yard Open House will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The public is welcome to attend and experience how hops are commercially grown in Ohio. Sign up at the Ohio Hop Growers Guild Facebook page. Three regional hop yards will be participating:

Scott Hop Farms

9681 U.S. Route 68

Georgetown, Ohio 45121

http://www.scottfarmsohio.com/hops.html

 

Little Miami Farms

3391 Cemetery Road

Xenia, Ohio 45385

 

Ohio Valley Hops

8329 S. State Route 48

Maineville, Ohio 45039

 The Ohio State University will be hosting the Hops Field Night at the South Centers in Piketon on August 8, 2018, from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The cost is $15 per person and dinner will be served at 5:30 P.M. The deadline to register is Monday, August 6, 2018. The field night will be geared toward all growers, new and experienced. Some topics that will be discussed included galvanized trellis systems, mechanical harvesting demonstration, drying demonstrations, insect and diseases, and pest management. To register, contact Charissa Gardner at gardner.1148@osu.eduor at 740-289-2071 ext. 132.

Follow Us on Social Media

The Ohio State University Extension Office in Highland County has joined social media! Please follow our accounts for updates on Extension programming.

Facebook: fb.me/OSUExtHighland

Twitter: @OSUExtHighland

Instagram: OSUExtHighland

YouTube: OSU Extension Highland County