Month: July 2025

Upcoming Ohio Farmland Leasing Update Webinar

🌾 WEBINAR ALERT 🌾
Ohio Farmland Leasing Update
📅 August 15, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Hosted by OSU Extension – Farm Office Live

Join us for a special Farm Office Live webinar focused on key updates and insights for farmland leasing in Ohio!

🔍 Topics include:
âś… 2025 Cash Rent Outlook
âś… Legal Issues with Farm Leases
âś… Tips for Drafting Strong Leases
âś… Resources for Landowners & Tenants

🎤 Speakers:

  • Peggy Kirk Hall, Attorney – OSU Ag & Resource Law Program

  • Robert Moore, Attorney – OSU Ag & Resource Law Program

  • Barry Ward, Leader – Production Business Management

🆓 Free to attend – perfect for landowners, tenants, ag professionals, and anyone involved in farmland rental!

đź“Ś Register now and stay informed at this link!

#OhioAg #FarmlandLeasing #FarmOfficeLive #OSUExtension #AgLaw #CashRent #FarmManagement

Highlights from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for Cattle Producers

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by Josh Maples, Assistant Professor & Extension Economist, Department of Agricultural Economics, Mississippi State University

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) was signed into law on July 4th and included many provisions for agriculture. The nearly 900-page bill includes changes to programs affecting beef cattle producers, and I’ll highlight just a few of those updates in this newsletter.

Increased Payments from Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) 
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) was modified to allow more financial relief during periods of severe drought. Some producers often refer to LFP as the “FSA drought program.” Previously, LFP provided one monthly payment for a D2 drought lasting eight consecutive weeks. Under the new updates, livestock producers are now eligible to receive two monthly LFP payments if their county experiences D2 drought conditions for 7 out of 8 consecutive weeks. Additionally, the program now triggers a single monthly payment after just 4 consecutive weeks of D2 drought during the grazing season. These changes are aimed at providing a faster drought response for producers relying on grazing. The chart above shows the length and severity of drought at the national level over the past 25 years. LFP is triggered at the county level.

Permanent Estate Tax Exemption
The OBBA makes permanent a federal estate tax exemption of $15 million per individual or $30 million per married couple. This offers relief to family-owned farms where the value of land, livestock, and other assets can often exceed cash in the bank. This helps to address the issue of heirs sometimes being forced to sell livestock or land just to cover estate tax bills when the farm is transferred to the next generation. This removes or lessens a major barrier to families wanting to keep farms intact across generations. Additionally, the OBBA makes the 20% small business tax deduction permanent.

Poultry Insurance Pilot Program
While this one is not cattle focused, I’m including it here because there are many cattle producers in the southeast who are also poultry growers. The bill directs the creation of a pilot insurance program for contract poultry growers which would allow producers to opt into index-based insurance covering extreme weather-related utility surcharges (gas, electricity, water, etc.). The program must be developed in consultation with poultry industry stakeholders and deployed across enough counties in top producing states to effectively test demand, feasibility, and design. A formal policy or insurance plan must be approved within two years and would establish the first federal insurance framework protecting poultry operations from rising utility costs.

New world Screwworm Moves North Adding to Market Volatility

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by Bernt Nelson, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

New detections of new world screwworm (NWS) in Mexico led Sec. Brooke Rollins to close Southern ports of entry to livestock imports. USDA had previously announced a phased re-opening of Southern ports, beginning with the furthest port away from where NWS has been detected in Mexico and moving East as continued progress is made on sterile fly production. However, the re-opening was halted, and livestock imports once again paused, when NWS was detected 160 miles North of the sterile fly dispersal locations in Veracruz, Mexico–only 370 miles from the U.S. border.

An isolated outbreak of NWS occurred in Texas in 1976 resulting in about $330 million in losses. A recent ERS study evaluated what it might look like if NWS would reach Texas now. According to the study, after adjusting for inflation, market conditions, etc. the impact would be around $1.9 billion. This study did not account for the record setting prices in 2025 along with some other market changes which means the impact could be greater.

One question being asked is how much of an impact will the Southern port closures have on markets? The U.S. imports 1.2-1.5 million head of cattle from Mexico every year. These are mostly feeder cattle destined for feedlots and ultimately beef production. U.S. cattle slaughter was about 31.9 million head in 2024. In terms of production, 1.5 million head would be about 4% of 2024 slaughter. This is a significant portion of the market and while other fundamental factors like strong demand are currently having a bigger impact, this drop in supply will put upward pressure on cattle prices. According to USDA’s latest WASDE report, 2025 production is forecast down 170 million pounds due to smaller production for the second half of the year. Higher feedlot placements are expected in the second half of 2025, leading USDA to increase 2026 production by 540 million pounds or 2% from last month to 25.815 billion pounds. This forecast assumes that cattle imports from Mexico will remain banned for the remainder of the forecast period.

Mid-Year Review: Cattle and Beef Markets in 2025

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by James Mitchell, Livestock Marketing Specialist, University of Arkansas

Cattle and beef prices are sharply higher through the first half of 2025. Oklahoma City steer prices for 500-600 lb calves have averaged $347/cwt year-to-date, up 21% from the same period in 2024 and more than double the 2019-2023 average. Feeder prices (700-800 lb) are averaging $281/cwt, a 17% year-over-year increase. Fed cattle prices in the five-area region are averaging $215/cwt, up 16% from last year, while the Choice boxed beef cutout has averaged $342/cwt—13% higher than 2024 and close to 31% above the five-year average.


Cattle inventories remain the fundamental driver. The January 1 Cattle report showed total U.S. cattle inventories at 86.7 million head, the smallest since 1951. Beef cow numbers declined again to 27.9 million head, and calf crop estimates suggest fewer feeder cattle will be available for the rest of the year. These supply constraints are supporting prices across market segments.

Trade policy and animal health have added new layers of risk to markets. There were disruptions to cattle imports from Mexico last fall and again in May following detections of New World screwworm in regions beyond previously established biological barriers. These detections triggered new restrictions and surveillance measures. The U.S. announced a phased border reopening late last month, but feeder cattle trade flows are still subject to further changes. Markets have had to sort through the Trump administration’s 10% baseline tariff and the back-and-forth on additional tariffs and retaliatory measures. The lack of clarity around future trade policy has made it difficult for market participants to plan around future trade expectations.

Geopolitical tensions are also contributing to market risk. The recent escalation between Israel and Iran has implications for global energy markets and volatility, which can spill over into agricultural markets. The potential for related price shocks remains a concern as we head into the second half of the year.

The outlook for the remainder of 2025 remains positive. Cattle supplies are historically tight, and demand has remained resilient despite broader macroeconomic concerns. Trade restrictions with Mexico will impact feeder cattle availability for feedlots. Cattle and beef markets will be sensitive to trade policy, global conflicts, and broader economic conditions. These factors underscore why it is important to manage price risk even when prices are historically high.

Continue reading Mid-Year Review: Cattle and Beef Markets in 2025 →

Watch for downed cherry trees!

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by Dean Kreager, Licking County Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

Downed cherry trees pose a health risk for livestock.

Many people are aware of the danger when grazing animals consume wilted leaves from black cherry trees.  These leaves contain prussic acid which can result in cyanide poisoning.  If this sounds familiar, it is also the compound that causes toxicity issues with some warm season annuals after a frost.

Signs of toxicity can set in within 15 minutes of ingesting wilted leaves.  You may notice excess salivation, labored breathing, and convulsions.  Symptoms set in quickly so often you may find dead animals without seeing signs.  The lethal dose for cattle has been reported as 1.2 to 4.8 pounds of wilted black cherry leaves for a 1,200-pound cow and .18 to .72 pounds for a 180-pound sheep.

Wilted leaves are toxic to grazing animals.

There are several factors that determine the toxicity level of the leaves including season, dry and wet conditions, and how long the leaves have been wilting.  The toxicity of leaves decreases as the leaves dry.  Once they are completely dry, risk from consumption is greatly reduced.

Black cherry trees are relatively fast growing in fence rows and forest edges.   This results in upper limbs that are weaker than many slower growing trees.  In addition, it is a shallow rooted tree, potentially leading to toppling in windstorms.  It is also susceptible to internal decay, leading to breaking off in storms.

Check for downed cherry trees first thing after a storm.  I have had two to clean up this summer already.

To learn more about the toxicity issues of black cherry see this previous article from 2010. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2010/06/09/summer-storms-and-wild-cherry-trees/

Hay Testing Even More Important in 2025

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by Dr. Chris Teutsch, UK Research and Education Center at Princeton

Figure 1. As plant maturity increases, yield increases and forage quality (digestibility and crude protein) decreases. The single most important factor impacting forage quality is stage of maturity at harvest.

In many parts of Kentucky first cutting hay was delayed. Although yields were good, forage quality is another story. As the grass plant reaches maturity (gets mature seed) yield goes up, but quality decreases (Figure 1). This year we were on the right side of this figure, good yield but lower quality. We have already got our hay testing results back from the lab for our first cutting and that is exactly what they show (Table 1).

I wish we could have been more timely in our hay harvest this spring but weather conditions were just not conducive to dry hay harvest. In fact, weather records indicate that we are seeing a trend toward fewer baling days in May (baling day = 3 curing days + 1 harvest day). It is just getting tougher to be timely with our first cutting harvested as dry hay. So, the question becomes what do we do? The list of practical solutions is short; in fact, there is really one viable alternative and that is baleage. High quality baleage can be made with a curing window as short as 2 days (one day to mow and wilt and a second day to bale and wrap). This provides more opportunities to harvest at the correct stage of maturity (late boot to early head).

Table 1. Forage quality of 2025 first harvest hay at UK Research and Education Center in Princeton. †CP, crude protein, ADF, acid detergent fiber, NDF, neutral detergent fiber, TDN, total digestible nutrients.

Hay Testing Even More Important in Wet Years
In years like this one, hay testing becomes even more important. Since most of Kentucky’s first cutting hay was put up at an advanced stage of maturity, testing is going to be a critical part of making sure that we meet the nutrient requirements of our cows this winter. The single most important factor impacting rebreeding in cow herds is body condition at calving. To design an effective supplementation program for our lower quality hay we must know what the quality it. If you have never tested your hay, this is the year to start!

EDITOR’s NOTE: Until the end of July OSU Extension is offering a forage testing program with the goal of providing timely education regarding forage quality and winter supplementation. To find more detail and participate follow this link: https://go.osu.edu/testyourhay

Hay Quality 2025 . . . Been there, done that!

Article was taken from Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter and was written by Stan Smith, PA, Fairfield County OSU Extension

Once again when discussing hay harvest, we find ourselves in the midst of a conversation about timeliness and resulting quality concerns. It’s beginning to sound like a broken record or at very least an annual event. About all I can say is what most any Midwest farmer might say . . . been there, done that . . .

Yet again, in what’s seemingly become this annual occurrence of delayed hay harvest, quality forage, especially dry hay is in short supply throughout Ohio. This time it results largely from drought last summer, followed by wet, poor hay making spring weather of 2025. Combine that with spring pastures that matured quickly and became trampled due to wet grazing conditions and now, in mid-2025, we find the inventory of quality hay in much of Ohio remains critically low.

Unfortunately, it seems this may have become the norm for Ohio. With the National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) estimating Ohio hay making progress was less than half of normal at the end of May, after a similar lack of favorable hay harvest conditions continued throughout June, it’s apparent that Ohio cattlemen will again be faced with finding ways to make “feed” from hay that was harvested way past it’s prime.

As an example of the hay quality we’re seeing, a summary of six recent forage analysis’ from mixed grass hay made in June from throughout Ohio shows TDN of only 52% and an average Relative Feed Value of less than 90 on a dry matter basis.

I could tell you that’s not good, but perhaps a better way is to compare it to wheat straw. When you look up the “book values” for the feed nutrient content of straw you find that for the most part, this late made hay is little better than typical wheat straw. With so much first cutting Ohio hay being made in late June and beyond again this year, it leads me back to the same thought . . . been there, done that.

Feed of the quality referenced in the example above and being fed as long stem hay, even when offered in unlimited amounts, simply won’t satisfy the daily nutritional requirements of a cow most any time during the year. This include during her time of least nutritional need which is when she’s dry during mid-gestation. Without amendment, feeding this quality of forage for very long eventually results in cows with lesser body condition, delayed return to estrus, lower conception rates, lighter calf weaning weights, lower quality colostrum, and perhaps even weak calves at birth.

Continue reading Hay Quality 2025 . . . Been there, done that! →

Farm Science Review Tickets are Now Available!

Explore the Future of Farming at the 2025 Farm Science Review

Mark your calendars! The 2025 Farm Science Review returns to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18, running daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This annual event brings together agriculture professionals, enthusiasts, families, and students of all ages to explore the latest in farm technology, education, and hands-on demonstrations. With 100 acres of exhibits, 150+ educational seminars, and live field demonstrations—including corn and soybean harvests, tillage, baling, drone technology, and drainage techniques—there’s something here for everyone, from seasoned farmers to curious kids.

Tickets are available now! Kids 5 and under get in free, and parking is also free.

Whether you’re looking to grow your farm, expand your knowledge, or just enjoy a day outdoors with the family, the Farm Science Review is the place to be this fall.

Questions or accessibility needs? Just call 614-292-4278 or email fsrinfo@osu.edu.

Learn more and get your tickets today online or in local county offices!

Buckeye Network Feeder School Event in Wooster

OSU Extension Presents the Buckeye Dairy Network Feeder School at the Ohio State University Wooster Campus in Wooster, Ohio!

This event covers topics of Dairy Nutrition, Forage Safety and Management, Evaluation of Forages, Feed Mixing 101, TMR Program Implementation, and more! A special panel will be available for participants to ask any questions and offer real-life experiences and stories.

It will be held at the Farm Shop on August 8th, 2025 from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Scan the QR code to register or go online to this link. For questions, contact krogstad.6@osu.edu or call 330-264-8722. This event is limited to 20 participants.

Free Farm Pesticide Collection & Disposal Event

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is offering a free pesticide disposal collection event for farmers and agribusinesses.

This event will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. The address for this event is 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, OH 43567.

This is an opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides at no cost. Only farm pesticides will be accepted—items such as paint, antifreeze, solvents, and household or non-farm pesticides will not be permitted.

Those with large quantities are asked to pre-register by contacting the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614) 728-6987.