Author: Sarah Noggle

Join Escape To the Forest with Invasive Species

Join the Ohio Woodland Stewards Program on Friday, June 27, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for a virtual session titled “On the Brink: Early Detection of Woodland Invasive Plant Species”. Most woodland owners are already familiar with the dreaded “usual suspects,” such as garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle, and autumn olive. Have you considered what invasive plants might be on the next horizon? Join ANR Educator Carrie Brown as the team explores plant species that are not yet state listed but are exhibiting invasive characteristics.

Register at go.osu.edu/invaders

2024 Farm Commodity Program Payment Estimates for Ohio Counties as of May 2025

Authored by: Carl Zulauf, Seungki Lee, and David Marrison, Ohio State University, May 2025

Click here for the PDF version of this paper, including charts and graphics

This paper provides estimates of expected payments by the ARC-CO (Agriculture Risk Coverage – County version) and PLC (Price Loss Coverage) commodity programs for the 2024 crop year.

Official payment rates are expected in October 2025.  They can deviate notably from estimates as final prices and yields are yet known.  Prices and yields, particularly for ARC-CO, are in a range where small changes can cause large changes in payment rates.  Use the estimates with caution.

The estimates use 2024 crop year program parameters from USDA, FSA (US Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency), and the latest available data for 2024 market year price estimates from USDA, FSA, and county yield estimates from USDA, NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service). Continue reading 2024 Farm Commodity Program Payment Estimates for Ohio Counties as of May 2025 →

How Ohio’s Proposed Pesticide Rules Could Affect Teens Working on Farms

By: Jeffrey K. Lewis, Esq., Legal Associate, Agricultural and Resource Law Program, Income Tax Schools
Posted Friday, May 16th, 2025 on https://farmoffice.osu.edu/blog/proposed-pesticide-rules-could-affect-teens
Help wanted sign in front of corn field.

On April 9, 2025, the Ohio House of Representatives passed its version of the state’s biennial budget, also known as House Bill 96, which introduces substantial revisions to Ohio’s pesticide application laws. These updates aim to bring the state into closer alignment with current federal regulations and carry significant implications, particularly for family farms that involve youth workers. As the school year ends and more minors begin working regularly on farms, the timing of these proposed changes raises concerns about how they may limit the roles young people can legally perform, especially when it comes to pesticide-related tasks.

Changes on the Horizon?
One of the most notable changes is the proposed restriction that only licensed commercial or private pesticide applicators may “use” Restricted Use Pesticides (“RUPs”). This would eliminate the previous allowance for trained service persons, immediate family members, or employees to apply RUPs under the direct supervision of a licensed applicator.

Additionally, House Bill 96 expands the definition of “use” of RUPs to include not only the act of application but also:

  1. Pre-application activities such as mixing and loading;
  2. The application itself, performed by a licensed commercial or private applicator;
  3. Other pesticide-related tasks include transporting or storing opened containers, cleaning equipment, and disposing of leftover pesticides, spray mixtures, rinse water, containers, or any materials containing pesticides.

The bill makes clear that no individual may use RUPs unless they are properly licensed under Ohio law, reinforcing the importance of formal certification for anyone involved in pesticide handling.

Continue reading How Ohio’s Proposed Pesticide Rules Could Affect Teens Working on Farms →

2025 Second Quarter Fertilizer Prices Across Ohio

For those of you tracking fertilizer pricing, here is the report for the Second Quarter in Ohio.

The second quarter results from a survey of Ohio fertilizer retailers showed prices in Ohio were generally lower compared to the national averages reported by Progressive Farmer – DTN (Quinn, April 2025). The survey was completed by nine retailers, representing nine counties, who do business in the state of Ohio. Respondents were asked to quote spot prices as of the first day of the quarter (April 1st) based on sale type.

The survey found the average prices of fertilizer were lower in Ohio compared to the national prices for all major fertilizers except DAP. However, only two were significantly lower (more than 5%): 28% UAN was 10% lower and 10-34-0 APP was 6% lower than the national average. The national average price for DAP was the same as in Ohio.

When compared to prices from the last quarter’s Ohio survey, three fertilizers were up significantly (more than 5%): 28% UAN, up to $341/ton from $292/ton; urea, up to $561/ton from $491/ton; and potash, up to $449/ton from $415/ton.

When compared to the April 2024 average Ohio prices, the April 2025 average Ohio prices were slightly lower for anhydrous, 28% UAN, MAP, DAP, and potash. Ammonium sulfate is the only product that saw a significant price increase (+20.2%) in the last year. Urea, ammonium thiosulfate, and poultry litter remained relatively unchanged (+/-1%) from one year ago.

The chart linked in the report (Table 1.) is the summary of the survey responses. The responses (n) are the number of survey responses for each product. The minimum and maximum values reflect the minimum and maximum values reported in the survey. The average is the simple average of all survey responses for each product rounded to the nearest dollar. We recognize that many factors influence a company’s spot price for fertilizer including but not limited to availability, geography, volume, cost of freight, competition, regulation, etc.

Paulding, Ohio – Spring in Northwest Ohio brings color, pollinators, and the promise of homegrown vegetables—things the Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteers (MGVs) look forward to each year. The group is excited to announce that the 24th Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or until sold out. The event will occur at the Block Building on the Paulding County Fairgrounds, located at 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879.

This one-day-only sale offers something for every gardener. A wide variety of perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetables, native plants, trees, shrubs, and container gardens will be available. Most items are priced between $1 and $10. A highlight of the sale is the opportunity to purchase single plants—especially useful for those looking for specific varieties of tomatoes or peppers, including many heirloom types. Continue reading →

Join the Cover Crop Variety Testing Network

The Cover Crop Variety Testing Network is seeking farmers to join their team as citizen scientists to test different cover crop species and varieties this fall. The goal is to build a national network of cover crop variety trial sites to learn which varieties work best for different regions, management practices, and farming systems. Check out the attached flyer and/or contact etiennesutton@missouri.edu for more details. Check out the official flyer here.

Space is limited! Click here to complete a short sign-up survey by June 15.

To learn more about this collaborative national project, visit the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture website.

May 7th Wednesday Women in Ag Webinar – Cut Flowers for Beginners

Join us on May 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., for the Wednesday Women in Agriculture next session on…

Cut Flowers for Beginners

Interested in growing cut flowers on a small scale? Join Sabrina Schirtzinger, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Knox County, to learn valuable tips and tricks to get started!

Register for the entire series using this link once. go.osu.edu/wiawednesdaywebinars2025

Red Crown Rot: What Ohio Soybean Growers Need to Know

Article by: Sarah J. Noggle, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Paulding County

As the 2025 growing season begins, it’s important for Ohio soybean farmers to be aware of a potential new threat: Red Crown Rot (RCR). While this disease has not yet been confirmed in Ohio, it has been identified in nearby states, including Kentucky and Illinois, which means vigilance is key.

What is Red Crown Rot?
Red Crown Rot is a soilborne fungal disease caused by Calonectria ilicicola. It can be easily confused with other common soybean diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Brown Stem Rot (BSR) because of similar yellowing between the leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis). However, a key identifying feature of Red Crown Rot is the presence of brick-red fungal structures at the base of the stem and crown, especially noticeable under wet conditions.

Why Does It Matter?
Red Crown Rot can lead to significant yield losses and is challenging to manage once it becomes established in a field. Understanding how to recognize early symptoms and differentiate it from other diseases is critical for minimizing its impact. Continue reading Red Crown Rot: What Ohio Soybean Growers Need to Know →

Livestock Mortality Composting In Person Class on April 2

The Hancock County Ohio State University Extension Office along with the Hanock and Putnam County SWCD offices will be hosting a Livestock Mortality Composting Certification Training at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd at the Hancock County Agriculture Center meeting room located at 7868 County Road 140, Findlay, Ohio.

This training session will certify an operator to compost all approved livestock species and is available to all Ohio livestock producers. Composting is a natural process where bacteria and fungi decompose organic material in a predominantly aerobic environment. During the composting process, microorganisms break down organic materials into a stable mixture called compost. The compost resembles humus, and is spread on farming fields.

To legally compost dead livestock in Ohio from normal farming practices, producers must attend a certification program.

All who are interested in attending are asked to pre-register by April 1st by phone at 419-422-6569 or e-mail h2ohio@hancockswcd.com.  There is no cost to attend. Check out the Livestock Mortality Composting Workshop Flyer.

Join us March 5 for the Wednesday Women in Ag Webinar

Join us on March 5th at 10:30 am to learn more about Native Plants and how to incorporate them into your landscape. Amanda Bennett, ANR OSU Extension Educator in Miami County, will be our presenter.

Register for the entire series using this link one time. go.osu.edu/wiawednesdaywebinars2025

 

Join us on March 4 for the Field to Finance Monthly Roundtable

🌱 Join Us for Field to Finance – Growing Success! 🌾

Are you a new or beginning farmer looking to sharpen your skills in agronomy and farm management? Whether you’re 18 or 80, the Field to Finance – Growing Success monthly series in Paulding County, OH, is here to support you!

📅 Next Session: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH
💲 FREE to attend!

🔥 This Month’s Topics:
🌽 Agronomy (9:00 AM): Using the Corn, Soybean & Wheat Budgets
📊 Farm Management (10:00 AM): Technology in Agriculture (QGIS) & The Value of Farm Meetings in Transition

Each session features expert speakers, hands-on learning, and valuable networking with experienced farmers. RSVP is appreciated to ensure we have enough handouts and refreshments!

👉 Register here: go.osu.edu/FarmForward25

For questions, contact Sarah Noggle at (419) 399-8225 or noggle.17@osu.edu.

👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your farm, your finances, and your future! Tag a friend who should join you!

2025 Field to Finance March 2025 Flyer

Webinar Adoption Technology and AI in the Dairy Industry

Join CFAES and the College of Veterinary Medicine for the next webinar on March 5, 2025, from 3:00 – 4:00 PM (Central Time) in their next installment of the Dairy Cattle Webinars titled “Adoption Technology and AI in the Dairy Industry”.

Register for the webinar at https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_l8k6UfdrRgOiGIfH7SrA5g 

Precision technology is transforming dairy farming by providing practical, data-driven solutions to optimize efficiency and productivity. This webinar will explore (1) the latest technologies available for farm operations, (2) present data about the perception and adoption of precision technologies, and (3) highlight valuable resources to help dairy farmers, students, and industry professionals make informed decisions and optimize dairy farm management.

Join us for Breakfast on Friday, March 7

🥞🚜 Join Us for the March 7 First Friday Breakfast! 🚜🥞

Paulding County farmers, start your morning off right at the Farm Management & Agronomy Monthly Agriculture Breakfast! 🌾☕

📅 Date: Friday, March 7
⏰ Time: 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Paulding Pancake House, 18187 US 127, Cecil, OH

Enjoy a delicious breakfast while catching up on current ag trends, local farming news, and valuable insights from our guest speaker, Samantha Bluhm, Paulding County Farm Bureau Organizational Director. She’ll be sharing details on upcoming Farm Bureau events and the value of membership. 🌱🤝

This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow farmers in a relaxed setting and strengthen our local ag community! 👨‍🌾

Come to one or all sessions—just be sure to RSVP so we can have enough handouts ready!

📩 RSVP & Questions? Contact Sarah Noggle at (419) 399-8225 or noggle.17@osu.edu

Breakfast is at the attendees’ cost. See you there! 👏

#PauldingAg #FarmCommunity #AgricultureBreakfast #Networking #OhioFarming

East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference

For the 10th year, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will empower women, high school-age and beyond, through its East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference. The event will take place on March 21, 2025, from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Shisler Conference Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Check out the 2025 Conference Flyer

Registration information can be found at: go.osu.edu/eowiareg25. The conference costs $70 for adult participants and $35 for students, including participation, breakfast, lunch, and conference materials. The deadline for registration is Friday, March 7. Continue reading East Ohio Women in Agriculture Conference →

Join OSU Extension online and Learn how to Prune Fruit Trees

🍏 Online Fruit Pruning School – March 4, 2025! 🍑

Join us for a three-part online workshop where you’ll learn expert pruning techniques to enhance production and quality in your fruit trees and small fruit plantings.

🗓️ Date: March 4, 2025
🕘 Time:

  • 9:30-10:30 AM – Apple Tree Training and Pruning
  • 10:30-11:45 AM – Peach Tree Training and Pruning
  • 1:15-2:30 PM – Small Fruit Pruning (Aronia, Currants, Elderberries, Gooseberries, Grapevines, and Hardy Figs)

Connect live with Ohio State University experts for presentations and a Q&A session!

🔗 Register here: https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3dwRkDkKToyxWMQU_h7iog#/registration

#FruitPruning #OSUExtension #SustainableFarming #Horticulture #FruitTrees #AgEducation #PruningTechniques 🌳✨

Join Us for Cover Crops Roundtable on March 4

🌱 Join Us for the Cover Crops Roundtable – March 4! 🌱

Connect with farmers from northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and southern Michigan at our Cover Crops Roundtable! This in-person event is a great opportunity to share insights on soil health, crop rotation, and sustainable land management.

🗓️ Date: March 4
🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879
💲 Cost: Free

RSVP is appreciated for food planning! 👉 Register here

#CoverCrops #SustainableAg #SoilHealth #OSUExtension #FarmersRoundtable #AgCommunity #TriStateFarming 🌾🚜

2025 Overholt Drainage School (March 10 – 14, The Ohio State University Lima Campus) Registration closes on Feb. 28th

The 5-day Overholt Drainage School will cover a wide range of topics including planning, design and installation, drainage economics, topographic mapping, drainage law, GPS surveying, drainage design software, and conservation practices to manage water quality. The program is open to anyone interested in subsurface drainage design and installation, including drainage contractors, professional engineers, district technicians, consultants, NRCS, and agency professionals. Landowners and producers who intend to install or repair drainage systems on their own can greatly benefit by learning the key principles of drainage design and installation. Training is provided by a team of experts from The Ohio State University, experienced professionals from federal and state agencies such as the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and industry partners like the Ohio chapter of Land Improvement Contractors of America (OLICA). Check out the official flyer and agenda.

Cost: The cost of registration is $600 with discounts available for OLICA members, former Overholt School attendees, and multiple attendees from the same family, company, or agency. Lunch is included in the registration.

Registration information: Visit www.go.osu.edu/ODS25 for print and online registration forms, detailed session information, and hotel information. Availability may be limited, so early registration is encouraged. The registration deadline is February 28. Please contact me (shedekar.1@osu.edu) with any questions.

Training Schedule: Please see the attached flyer for a detailed agenda. Note that Day 1 on March 10th is optional for advanced participants.

Forage Resiliency Webinar Series Starts March 4th

The Ohio State Integrated Forage Management Team will be offering a three-part Zoom webinar series on forage resiliency to cover information on how to remain resilient to a variety of environmental challenges in forage production systems. Webinars will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month in March, April, and May. Details including registration information are as follows:

Check out the official flyer here.

Join OSU Extension at the Small Farms Conference in Wooster, Ohio

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Wooster, OH on March 8th. The theme for this year’s Small Farm Conference is “Sowing Seeds for Success.”

Conference session topics are geared to beginning and small farm owners as well as to farms looking to diversify their operations. There will be five different conference tracks including Horticulture and Crop Production, Business Management, Livestock, Natural Resources, and Diversifying Your Enterprise. Check out the official program guide here. Continue reading Join OSU Extension at the Small Farms Conference in Wooster, Ohio →

Join us for NW Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable

Empowering Women in Agriculture: Join the Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable

The agricultural world is evolving, and women are at the forefront. Whether you are a farmer, agribusiness professional, farm wife, or simply a woman passionate about agriculture, the Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable invites you to connect, collaborate, and grow.

About the Program, The Paulding County Extension Office is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative: the Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable, a monthly event tailored to celebrate and support women in agriculture. This engaging series runs year-round, offering a unique platform for women farmers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, and others in the agricultural community to come together.

Event Details

  • Next Session Date: February 27 (Topics of Discussion: Communication on the Farm, Surveying the Group for Future Meetings for the topics of Choice)
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879
  • Cost: Free of charge

Registration Information RSVPs are appreciated to ensure an accurate meal count. Attend one or all sessions—the choice is yours!

Register here: https://go.osu.edu/25nwohiowia

Contact Us For more information, reach out to Sarah Noggle at (419) 399-8225 or email noggle.17@osu.edu. Continue reading Join us for NW Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable →