Today, I learned that Van Wert County is holding a 3-hour initial Fertilizer Certification class for new applicators on February 10 from 6 – 9 pm. Please call the Van Wert office at 419-238-1214 to register or email Curtis Young at young.2@osu.edu.
Month: January 2022
ARC/PLC Program Election and OSU Extension Decision Tool
by: Chris Zoller, Extension Educator, ANR, Tuscarawas County
Introduction
The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) safety net programs that were in the 2014 Farm Bill. Producers must enroll in ARC/PLC for the 2022 crop year through their local Farm Service Agency office. The signup period for the 2022 crop year is open now, and the deadline to enroll and make amendments to program elections is March 15, 2022.
If changes are not made by March 15, 2022 deadline, the election defaults to the programs selected for the 2021 crop year with no penalty. Continue reading ARC/PLC Program Election and OSU Extension Decision Tool
Farm Bill Election and Crop Insurance Meeting Offered
by: Chris Bruynis, Extension Educator
Each year farmers across Ohio need to make decisions concerning the level of risk they want to accept when it comes to raising corn and soybeans. With current input costs elevated, the amount of money needed to plant the 2022 crop is up significantly from last year. The risk-mitigating tools that are available are the USDA Farm Bill programs of ARC and PLC as well as crop insurance.
Farmers who are interested in learning how the different programs/products work are invited to join a free luncheon webinar on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at 11:45 AM lasting for approximately one hour.
Speakers include Chris Bruynis, Associate Professor and Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, and Wyatt Schroder, Crop Insurance Specialist, FedCrop Insurance Services, LLC. The 2022 Farm Bill election decision, the crop insurance products, and the interaction between the Farm Bill election and crop insurance will be discussed.
To join the Zoom Meeting go to https://go.osu.edu/farmbill2022 and use the password 767767 to log into the program. If you have any issue logging into the meeting contact Marianne Guthrie at 740-702-3200.
Timely Frost Seeding Improves Pasture, Hay Stands!
Chris Penrose, Extension Educator, OSU Extension, Morgan County
If and when the seed can reach the soil in late winter while there is still freezing and thawing activity, clover can fill in bare spots and add to the density of the pasture stand.
In the past, as we’ve talked about the virtues of frost seeding, we’ve suggested it’s something that is best to occur in February or March during the period when the ground is freezing and thawing almost daily. In recent years freezing and thawing temperatures haven’t always happened after mid-February. Since it’s the freezing and thawing over time that gives frost seeding a great chance to work, the time for frost seeding may be upon us soon.
Frost seeding is a very low-cost, higher-risk way to establish new forages in existing fields by spreading seed over the field and letting the freezing and thawing action of the soil allow the seed to make “seed to soil” contact allowing it to successfully germinate. When you see soils “honeycombed” in the morning from a hard frost, or heaved up from a frost, seed that was spread on that soil has a great chance to make seed to soil contact when the soil thaws. I think the two biggest reasons why frost seeding fails is people wait too late to frost seed and the seed never makes good contact with the soil. I have heard some say that they like to “overseed” or just spread seed over an established stand. Let’s face it, if the seed does not land on the soil but on existing living or dead vegetation, it does not have a chance to successfully germinate: you need exposed soil. In light of the recent snow that’s arrived and/or expected throughout Ohio, it’s important to also note that frost seeding can be done over a thin layer of snow, however, it’s important to realize that rapid snowmelt can cause the seed to be washed away from where it’s needed. Continue reading Timely Frost Seeding Improves Pasture, Hay Stands!
Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Conference, February 18
Registration for this annual conference is due February 11
The Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Conference will be held in person on February 18, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Beck’s Hybrids at 720 US 40 NE, London, Ohio. The program theme is “Foraging for Profit.” All Ohioans involved in forage production and feeding are invited to attend.
The keynote speakers will be Greg Braun, Victor Shelton, and Bob Hendershot. All three are retired NRCS Grassland Conservationists from Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio respectively. The program is being sponsored by the Logan County Land Trust with generous support from the James Forsythe Milroy Foundation.
Additional featured speakers include Dr. Marilia Chiavegato, Assistant Professor at Ohio State University, and two of her students, Ricardo Ribeiro and Marina Miquilini, who will provide a University Forage Research Update. Several producer talks will also be presented including Hay Producer, Glen Courtright from South Charleston, Ohio; Dairy Producer, Jason Hartschuh from Sycamore, Ohio; and Sheep and Goat Producer, Shawn Ray from Cumberland, Ohio. To finish the program Greg Braun, Victor Shelton, and Bob Hendershot will be lead a discussion entitled “Hot Topics in Forages and Grazing.”
Additional details of the program and online payment are available at https://ohiofgc.square.site/. Registration is due by February 11, 2022. For more information, contact OFGC Executive Secretary- Gary Wilson at osuagman@gmail.com or 419-348-3500.
2022 Agricultural Fertilizer FIRST-TIME Certification Webinar
Tractor and fertilizer spreader in field
Newly added is an online Fertilizer Certification Webinar for first-time users.
March 31, 2022 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Registration Deadline: March 24, 2022
Cost: $35
This 3-hour training is for individuals who are obtaining their Ohio Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification for the first time (not recertification). Agricultural Fertilizer Certification is required for applications to more than 50 acres of crops grown for sale in Ohio. It is not required for lawn and landscape fertilizer applications. This training will be held online as a webinar. Following the completion of this course, we will collect your information to be transferred to the Ohio Department of Agriculture. If you currently hold a pesticide license, your license information will then be updated to include fertilizer certification. If you do not hold a pesticide license, you will be sent an invoice to collect your certification fee. Once the fee is received by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, you will receive your fertilizer certification.
Continue reading 2022 Agricultural Fertilizer FIRST-TIME Certification Webinar
Ag Tech Tuesday
Join the Digital Ag Team as they dive into research results from around the state of Ohio based on the 2021 eFields report. Registration is free but required. Have you been enjoying the 2021 fields Report and are excited to learn more? Join us to learn more about the eFields program and the results we are seeing across the state.
The program will happen on Tuesday, February 1 and 8 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. The format will be the same but due to participants registered different 2021 eFields reports may be discussed. CCA and CEUs will be offered.
Register at http://go.osu.edu/AgTechTues
Virtual Corn College and Soybean School
Due to popular demand, the AgCrops Team will host the 2nd annual virtual Corn College and Soybean School on February 15, 2022, from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM featuring your OSU Extension state specialists, including the new corn agronomist, Dr. Osler Ortez, and new soybean pathologist, Dr. Horacio Lopez-Nicora. CCA CEUs will be available during the live presentations. The cost of the program is $10. To register go to go.osu.edu/cornsoy. A zoom link will be sent after registering for the webinar. For more information contact, Laura Lindsey at 614-292-9080 or email her at lindsey.233@osu.edu.
Soil Health Webinar Series Continues!
The OSU Extension 2022 soil health webinar series will present “What does the Research Tell Us about Cover Crops & Soil Health?” on February 3, 8-9 a.m. Join us as OSUE Field Specialist Elizabeth Hawkins and State Soil Specialist Steve Culman share recent Ohio research trial results. Come with your questions! We hope to use the chat feature to collect some ideas from you on things you’re trying or would like to see researched. Register at go.osu.edu/soilhealth2022 for this virtual event. And mark your calendar for our final session on March 3, “Hot Topics – What’s the Future of Soil Health?”
2022 Ohio Weed University Regional Program – Paulding County Host Location
OSU Extension invites crop producers to attend a regional 2022 Ohio Weed University on Thursday, February 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Paulding County Extension Office, Large Hall, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879.
This program is designed to keep agronomic producers on the cutting edge in weed control for their cropping operations. Topics addressed will include hot topics in weed control, local weed issues, biology, identification of weeds, control strategies, cover crop management in forages, and evaluating herbicides. Hands-on exercises will be included. Featured speakers will include Dr. Mark Loux, State Weed Specialist,
and Alyssa Essman from The Ohio State University. This is an “in-person” event with a portion of the program being conducted virtually at the above location.
The registration fee per person is $40 and is due by February 1, 2022, at 8:00 PM.
This fee includes course materials. Paulding Weeds University Flyer – 2022. The link to the online registration is at http://go.osu.edu/22pauldingweeds. With this link, you have the opportunity to pay with a debit/credit card.
Pesticide and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) credits will be available. If you can’t attend the Paulding County event, there are other regional events. Please see the CORN Newsletter article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2022-02/2022-ohio-weed-university
Farm Office Live – Did You Miss the January Topics? Recording Available.
Farm Office Live provides the latest outlook and updates on ag law, farm management, ag economics, farm business analysis, and other issues dealt with in your farm office. Targeted to farmers and agri-business stakeholders, our specialists digest the latest news and information and present it in an easy-to-understand format.
To register, visit the Farm Office Live registration site at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8abbbMu0RdC-oPB5DFuB3w.
Register once and you’ll receive reminders for future sessions.
DOWNLOAD JANUARY SLIDES
Future dates:
| February 16 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
| February 18 | 10:00 – 11:30 am |
| March 16 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
| March 18 | 10:00 – 11:30 am |
| April 20 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
| May 18 | 7:00 – 8:30 pm |
Did you miss a Farm Office Live? Access our past Farm Office Live recordings and materials https://farmoffice.osu.edu/farmofficelive
Farmland Laws & Leasing Workshop
Join the Defiance County Extension Office in the Farmland Laws & Leasing Workshop on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 – 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Location: OSU Extension Defiance County, 06879 Evansport Rd, Suite B, Defiance, OH 43512
- Registration Link for the Farmland Laws & Leasing Workshop
- Event Type: In-Person
- Registration Information: RSVP deadline, February 2, 2022.
- Cost: No Charge.
- Contact: Bruce Clevenger, (419)782-4771, clevenger.10@osu.edu
We’re Hiring! Water Quality Extension Associate Position in Fulton County
OSU is hiring for the Water Quality Extension Associate position located in Fulton County, Ohio. This position serves Fulton, Williams, and Lucas counties. For more information or to apply, visit this link. Continue reading We’re Hiring! Water Quality Extension Associate Position in Fulton County
Be sure to catch an Agricultural Outlook and Policy Meeting this winter
by: Mike Estadt, OSU Extension, estadt.3@osu.edu
The Ohio State University Extension is pleased to announce the Regional Ag Outlook and Policy Meetings for 2022. Meetings will be held around the state beginning the last of January and ending in March.
Speakers will address a myriad of topics of agriculture interest here in Ohio as well as across the Corn Belt. Programs will include presentations on Grain Market Outlook, Ag Law Updates, Dairy Industry 2022, Ohio’s Changing Climate, Farm Policy, and Farm Bill, SB 52: Utility Solar Legislative, Farm Real Estate, and Cash Rent Trends, Ag Input Price Projections, and Federal Tax Updates.
New to this year’s program is the statewide sponsorship and support of the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association.
“We are proud to partner with Ohio State University Extension educators across the state to support this year’s agronomy, outlook, and grower meetings. We value this partnership and look forward to supporting programs that bring value to our member’s farm businesses”, according to Brad Moffitt, Director of Membership and Market Development for the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association.
The following table lists the scheduled Outlook programs with contact information to register. Continue reading Be sure to catch an Agricultural Outlook and Policy Meeting this winter
Soybean Farmers Invited to Participate in Survey
by: Chris Zoller, Extension Educator, ANR, Tuscarawas County & David Marrison, Extension Educator, ANR, Coshocton County
Dr. Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois, and Dr. Carl Zulauf, Emeritus Professor, The Ohio State University, are conducting an online survey of soybean growers in nine soybean-producing states, including Ohio. The nine states represent 75% of U.S. soybean production.
The researchers intend to measure the impact of each communication channel – mass media, social media, and interpersonal meetings – on farmers’ decision-making to adopt new digital technology. This survey is focused on soybean producers in these states: Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The results will support new research and contribute in a practical way to increase knowledge about the most efficient communication channels for the dissemination of digital agriculture technologies.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete, and all data will be kept confidential. If interested, you can provide your email address to receive a copy of the final survey results.
If you are interested in participating in this survey, please click here: https://go.illinois.edu/farmdocsurvey
Upcoming Webinar on Nitrogen Efficiency and Loss Prevention
Link to PDF of flyer: WQW Feb 16th Informational Flyer
Join the Ohio State University Water Quality Extension Associates for the next installment of the Water Quality Wednesday Webinar Series on February 16th. This webinar will focus on Nitrogen’s behavior and movement in soil, in-season Nitrogen recommendations, as well as utilizing the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) tool. Continue reading Upcoming Webinar on Nitrogen Efficiency and Loss Prevention
Enlist herbicide banned in 12 Ohio counties
By Mark Loux, Ohio State University Extension herbicide specialist
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a new seven-year registration for Enlist One and Enlist Duo, valid through January 2029. Changes include a revised application cutoff for soybeans, “through R1” that replaces “up to R2” on previous labels, and the addition of a slew of spray nozzles to the approved nozzle list. The most significant change for Ohio is that, due to changes in Endangered Species information, Enlist One and Enlist Duo cannot be used in 12 Ohio counties: Athens, Butler, Fairfield, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hocking, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Vinton, and Washington. We contacted Corteva to see if this was likely to change anytime soon, and got no assurances of this, although the PR information they have distributed indicates it is possible.
This really couldn’t happen at a worse time for growers in these counties. We’re in the middle of an endless pandemic, a worldwide shipping fiasco, with herbicide scarcities, price increases, and parts shortages. And just when you had it worked out to use Enlist herbicides on Enlist soybeans for 2022 so you wouldn’t have to deal with dicamba, their use is no longer legal in your county. We’re trying to find something reassuring to say here, but there’s not much. We lack solid information on herbicide availability and price, and it’s a fluid situation, but it appears that glyphosate and glufosinate can be in short supply, and prices are high. Continue reading Enlist herbicide banned in 12 Ohio counties
Help Recruit Women Raising Children on Farms for OSU Research Project
Researchers at the National Farm Medicine Center and The Ohio State University are looking for women who are raising children 0 to 18 on farms in Ohio, Vermont, and Wisconsin to participate in a small group discussion and a short survey. This small group discussion with other women raising children on farms will be about the strategies you use to take care of the children and how these decisions connect with decisions related to the farm business, farm safety, and quality of life. Women who are full-time on the farm or work off-farm are eligible to participate. The small group discussions will take place in February through Zoom (with the option to call in by phone).
The discussion will last 90 minutes and $50 is available as a thank you for your time.
To sign up to participate, visit this link: https://redcap.link/WomenRaisingChildrenOnFarms
For questions, contact Florence Becot at 715-389-9379 or becot.florence@marshfieldresearch.org
Wind and Solar Farms in Farm Country: Addressing Land Use Conflicts Recording
Please note the live session has ended but below is the recording
Topic:
The terms “solar farm” and “wind farm” could not more perfectly demonstrate the inevitable pairing of renewable energy and agriculture as uses of land. Although harvesting the sun and wind for distribution through the electric grid is far from a traditional agricultural practice, farmland is typically the anticipated location for utility-scale wind and solar facilities. Policies that encourage increased production of wind and solar energy, then, can be at odds with those that promote agricultural uses of land. Additionally, local opposition to utility-scale wind and solar development can be strong. The friction forces a policy decision on whether to prohibit or limit wind and solar development on farmland in the face of mandates and incentives for renewable energy. Continue reading Wind and Solar Farms in Farm Country: Addressing Land Use Conflicts Recording
Apply to Master Gardener Training by February 10
Do you want to join the Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer Program? Applications are now available for the 2022 training class. The Ohio State University Master Gardener Program reaches hundreds of people in Paulding County each year. While this program is held in 2022 in Williams County, the initial certification classes are universal statewide and will count toward becoming a volunteer in Paulding County.
Volunteers receive training from OSU experts on topics such as lawns, soil health, tree identification, annual and perennial plants, insects, pest management, plant diseases, and more! Once trained, Master Gardeners volunteer for OSU Extension to increase the outreach efforts of Ohio State University throughout the community. Some projects include conducting public seminars and workshops, hosting informational booths, and maintaining local gardens.
The training will begin in March and run through April. Applications are due February 10, 2022. Classes will be held Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at 1425 East High St., Bryan, OH. The cost for the complete program is $65 per person or $95 per couple for Williams County residents payable by the first class and $100 per person for non-Williams County residents. Printed applications are available at the OSU Extension Williams County Office or applications may be submitted online at go.osu.edu/WmsCoMGVTraining.