Alternative Crops

Register Now for the January 9-10 Ohio State Organic Grains Conference

Registration is open for the 3rd annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference, January 9-10, 2025, at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky, Ohio. The conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers.

“Attendance last year was encouraging,” says conference director Eric Richer. “There’s a growing interest in organic production and practices. We’re pleased to move to a larger venue that allows organic farm equipment to be displayed at our trade show and more room for concurrent sessions and networking.”

Featured speakers for 2025 include Erin Silva, University of Wisconsin-Madison State Extension Specialist in Organic and Sustainable Cropping Systems; Damon DeSutter of DeSutter Farms in Attica, Ind.; Osler Ortez, Ohio State Corn and Emerging Crops Specialist; and Sophie Rivest-Auger, Organic Field Crop Advisor for Quebec’s Centre for Expertise and Transfer in Organic and Local Agriculture.

Additional farmers, researchers, and educators from Ohio and beyond will round out two full days of agronomic and farm management sessions. Topics for this year include interseeding cover crops in organic corn, flame cultivation, the use of biological products in organic production, setting up weed control equipment for success, nitrogen credits from cover crops and manure, and a market end-users panel.

The conference is presented by Ohio State University Extension’s Farm Office and Ohio State’s Organic Food & Farming Education and Research (OFFER) program. The event also receives input from a planning committee of Ohio State staff and researchers, educators from organic non-profits, and organic farmers, including Bridget Burgess. Burgees is the current president of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s Organic Grain Growers Chapter and head of seed cleaning, compost operations, and sales at Hirzel Farms in Luckey, Ohio. She especially encourages growers new to organic to attend the January event.

“Any entry-level organic or transitioning farmer would benefit from time spent listening and networking with the growers at this conference,” says Burgess. “These are growers who were doing organic before it was cool,” she adds.

Registration is $175 from now through January 3. Continuing education credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisors. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/OrganicGrains.

Get Ready to Dig into Soil Health with the 2025 Ohio State Soil Health Webinar Series!

Are you ready to expand your knowledge of soil health? The 2025 Ohio State Soil Health Webinar Series is here, bringing expert insights on hot topics requested by viewers in recent years.

This free, virtual series offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading researchers, educators, and farmers who are shaping the future of soil health. Recordings will be available through the Ohio State Extension Agronomic Crops Team page, but event planners encourage live participation. Joining live sessions allows attendees to ask questions, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations with experts.

Register now at go.osu.edu/SoilHealthWeb to receive meeting links and calendar reminders. Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) can earn continuing education credits by attending live sessions. Continue reading Get Ready to Dig into Soil Health with the 2025 Ohio State Soil Health Webinar Series! →

Ohio Maple Days 2024

Registration is now open for Ohio Maple Days 2024.

Friday, December 6th we will be offering a workshop on transition and estate planning featuring Ohio State University’s own David Marrison and Robert Moore.  While this workshop is a part of Ohio Maple Days it is open to any landowner who wants to participate.  Registration is available here.

 Saturday, December 7th is a day for everything maple.  Topics this year include an expert panel on filtering, cost-share programs, managing a timber sale, marketing for producers, and a grading and tasting session to name a few.  Visit with vendors and enjoy a maple-themed lunch.  Registration is available here.

Maple Days Flyer 2024

Green Fields Green Dollars Episode 2 is out now!

The second episode of OSU Extension’s newest video series, Green Fields Green Dollars, is now live on the OSU Agronomy YouTube channel! Hosted by Rachel Cochran, Water Quality Extension Associate, and Clint Schroeder, Farm Business Analysis Program Manager, episode two focuses on the economics of cover crop benefits. Check out the video, linked here, to learn more about cover crops’ impact on yield, breakdown of returns by experience level, and value of ecosystem services.

Ohio Fruit News 2024 Summary of March Topics

The March issue of Ohio Fruit News (OFN) is attached and also available online. In this issue you will learn about:

  • Fruit Tree Planting Tips
  • Updates on Chlorpyrifos
  • Tips for tuning up your sprayer
  • Woolly apple aphid identification and management
  • Best practices for planting strawberries

Register for Ohio Pawpaw Conference on May 18

The Ohio Pawpaw Conference will be held in Wooster at the Shisler Center on May 18th.  This one-day conference is a great place to learn, share, and network. Be surrounded by other pawpaw producers and enthusiasts. The Pawpaw conference brings in people from all over the state, please share with your clientele as conference capacity is limited. This year we will be hosting a tradeshow of books and products for your production needs and knowledge.

DATE OF CONFERENCE: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
COST: $50 (Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Conference Participation, Trade Show, and Bus Tour)
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: May 13
LOCATION: Shisler Conference Center, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, OH 44691 (https://woostervenues.osu.edu/facilities/arden-shisler-center-education-and-economic-development)
REGISTRATION LINK: http://go.osu.edu/PAWPAW2024

Pawpaw 2024 Ohio Conference Flyer

Continue reading Register for Ohio Pawpaw Conference on May 18 →

eFields Available digitally

The 2023 eFields report will provide summaries of on-farm research trials conducted around the state. Printed copies are available to you at no cost via the Paulding County Extension.

You can see past reports online at www.go.osu.edu/eFields. Additionally, we would like your help in shaping the future of our research efforts. The following is a survey go.osu.edu/eFieldsImpact to help with our direction in 2024.

Save the Date – Spring Tee Off 2024

Spring Tee Off, formerly Grounds & Greens, takes on a new look this year. Two separate tracks will be offered at the Spring Tee Off: BEST+ and Leadership. BEST+ takes the BEST Program to a new level, with hands-on laboratories for the identification of turfgrass species, seeds, weeds, diseases, and insects, all led by the OSU Turf Team. This track is geared toward recent entries to the turfgrass industry, Extension professionals, or veterans interested in brushing up their identification skills. Without correct identification of turfgrasses and pests, significant dollars and labor are wasted on improper pesticide applications. In the worst case, these applications can lead to loss of turf.

On the other side of the 4-H Center, leadership specialists from Ohio State University’s Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership will lead interactive seminars on topics not often featured at turfgrass events. However, these topics are critical to be effective in managerial or ownership positions, regardless of whether you are a golf course superintendent, lawn care operator, or sports field manager. These topics include leadership strategies, workplace culture, communication, and conflict management. You will leave these seminars with plans to attack each of these areas in your workplace.

More details about registration, speakers, and a final program will be released by the end of January and will be found at ohioturfgrass.org. Until then, prepare to be in Columbus on March 7 for a new experience.

Northern Ohio Crops Day

Join OSU Extension in Sandusky County for the 2024 Northern Ohio Crops Day on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed (1387 SR 590, Gibsonburg, OH 43431). Registration Deadline: January 25, 2024. Call OSUE Sandusky County to RSVP at (419) 334-6340. The cost is $55.

Education Credits offered:
•3 hours private pesticide applicator Categories 1,2,3,6 and core. Others by request
•2.5 hours commercial pesticide applicator Categories 2A,2B, Core
• 1-hour fertilizer applicator re-certification
•Certified Crop Advisors CEUs

To view the official flyer and schedule click the 2024 NOH Crops Day agenda.

GREENHOUSE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP: Dynamic Growing

Join OSU Extension in a Greenhouse Management Workshop: Dynamic Growing

Date: January 25-26, 2024

Location: Shisler Center (OSU Wooster Campus, 1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, Ohio)

Why: Learn about controlling greenhouse climate conditions greenhouse to optimize crop quality—fundamental and advanced topics.

For the official flyer with details click here!!

Two ways to attend:

In-person: Enjoy all sessions & tours. | Breakfast, lunch, & networking event included.

$190 on or before January 5, 2024, | Use code EBIRD-24 when registering online.

$250 after January 5, 2024

Virtual: Watch presentations online.

$150 | No early bird special. | Use code VIRT-24 when registering online.

For program and registration details, click here.

For online registration, click here.

 

Upcoming Organic Grains Conference Registration Opens

Registration is open for the 2nd annual Ohio State Organic Grains Conference, January 4-5, 2024 at the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center near Toledo, Ohio. The 2024 conference offers programming for experienced organic growers, growers transitioning to or considering organic, and consultants or educators who support these growers. Continue reading Upcoming Organic Grains Conference Registration Opens →

Farm Science Review is just around the corner!

LONDON, Ohio – More than 50 companies will join the ranks as exhibitors for the 61st Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. The new exhibitors represent various sectors in the agriculture industry including livestock handling, equipment advancements, agronomic technology, agricultural policy, and more.

Paulding County Extension Office has tickets for sale at a discounted price total of $10 per ticket. Tickets will be for sale until Monday, September 18 at noon. Continue reading Farm Science Review is just around the corner! →

2023-2024 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide

The 2023-24 Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide is now available.  The easiest way to get a hard copy is to order from the website https://mdc.itap.purdue.edu/item.asp?Item_Number=ID-465.  You can also download the guide for free.

This guide provides conventional pest management recommendations for commercial tree fruit, small fruit, and grape producers throughout the Midwest and surrounding states. These recommendations have been formulated to provide up-to-date information on pesticides and their application.

Summer Ag Events in NW Ohio

 

Hi all,

I wanted to share the upcoming events in NW Ohio Extension related to Agriculture to get those events on your calendar. Here is the link https://go.osu.edu/summernwohio22 or you can download the PDF of the newsletter 2022 Summer NW Ohio Newsletter PDF Version. I hope to see you at these summer events.

Mid-Ohio Small Farm Conference – Sowing Seeds for Success

No need to feel alone in the field. Our new and small farm conferences provide connections that will last long after the event.

  • Do you own a few acres that you want to be productive but you’re not sure what to do?
  • Do you have a passion for farming and turning your piece of this wonderful earth into a food producing oasis?
  • Do you own land or forest that you’re not quite sure how to manage?
  • Do you raise or produce products that you would like to market and sell off your farm but you’re not sure how to make it successful?

If you’re asking yourself these questions, this conference is for you! Targeted to new and small farm owners, we cover topics like:

  • Horticulture
  • Produce Production
  • Natural Resources
  • Livestock
  • Specialty Crops
  • Farm Management
  • Marketing
  • Miscellaneous Topics

You’ll also have the opportunity to browse a trade show featuring the newest and most innovative ideas and services for your farming operation. Talk with the vendors and network with your peers. If you are a new or small farm owner, you don’t want to miss the 2022 Small Farm Conference – Sowing Seeds for Success on March 12th from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Mansfield OSU Campus in Ovalwood Hall.  The campus is just minutes from I-71 and US Rt 30.

Please visit: https://go.osu.edu/osufarmconference2022  for class and registration details or call OSU Extension Morrow County 419-947-1070.

Shortage of Fungicides for Fruit Crop Growers

From Melanie Ivey, OARDC Plant Pathology

As with many other commodities, there is a shortage of fungicides (and herbicides), in particular Captan, for the beginning of the 2022 fruit crop season.  Since Captan is the backbone fungicide for many fruit crops growers will need to prepare a Plan B in case these two products do not arrive in time for the first early season sprays.  For apple, peach, cherry, grape, and blueberry, Captan can be replaced with Ziram.  A spreader/sticker can be added to Ziram to improve its efficacy.  I attached a copy of the Ziram 76DF Label.  The rates for Ziram are not the same as Captan so growers will need to refer to the label.  Remember the label is the law! For growers who have strawberries, they should consult the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide to select an alternative to Captan.

Growers should also anticipate a significant increase in prices for all fungicides. 🙁

Let’s hope we don’t have to move to Plan B and the products will arrive before the buds break!

The Dirt on Soil Health: Investing Below the Surface recordings available.

Did you miss out on the live presentations for this winter on The Dirt on Soil Health: Investing Below the Surface? Great news! Recordings are available for the entire series of topics.

In this weekly series, farmers, industry, and academic experts weighed in on practical steps to improve soil health and measure impact on crop yield and farm profitability.

Recordings and Slide Sets are available at https://agcrops.osu.edu/events/webinar-recordings/dirt-soil-health-investing-below-surface-0 or on the OSU Agronomic Crops Team YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYlh_BdeqniJPI5Ga7icO7mbFzDdpK7fr or by clicking one of the videos below.

Does It Pay to Improve Soil Health on Your Farm?

Panel discussion with farmers Nathan Brown (Highland County), Matt Falb (Wayne County), and Les Seiler (Fulton County).

Continue reading The Dirt on Soil Health: Investing Below the Surface recordings available. →

Making Corn Silage in Dry Conditions

The primary goal of making corn silage is to preserve as many nutrients in the corn plant as possible, to produce a feed that is acceptable to cows, and to minimize any risks associated with feeding the silage.  The following are important considerations for making corn silage when growing conditions have been dry.

Chop at the correct dry matter concentration (Editor’s note: see the accompanying article “Corn Silage Harvest Timing”). Drought-stressed corn plants are often much wetter than they appear, even if the lower plant leaves are brown and dried up.  Before starting chopping, sample some plants (cut at the same height as they will be with the harvester) and either analyze DM using a Koster tester or microwave or send it to a commercial lab (turn-around time may be a few days if you send it to a lab).  If the plants are too wet, delay chopping until the desired plant DM is reached.  The plant may continue to accumulate DM (increase yield), and you will not suffer increased fermentation losses caused by ensiling corn that is too wet. Continue reading Making Corn Silage in Dry Conditions →

The Annual Pumpkin Field Day Goes Virtual!

For over 20 years the pumpkin field day held at the Western Ag Research Station in South Charleston has hosted growers from around the state giving them a wide array of production and pest management research, demonstration, tips, and tricks. Instead of driving over to the research station, participate virtually from your home, business, or favorite coffee house/brewery!

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we won’t be able to hold a field day in person this year, but we are working hard to bring you the results of several demonstrations and research projects via a pre-recorded video stream that will air on the OSU IPM YouTube channel on August 27 at 6 PM. Continue reading The Annual Pumpkin Field Day Goes Virtual! →