Conservation

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 →

Success Stories of Conservation program to be held February 20th

Ohio State University Extension and Northwest State Community College are partnering to provide a regional event focused on successful implementation of agricultural conservation practices, called “Success Stories of Conservation”.  The event will feature farmers giving 5-minute “lightning talks” that will discuss how specific conservation practices have benefitted them on their operations, followed by a panel-type question and answer session. In addition, Dr. Jim Uphaus, Professor and Chair of the Agriculture program at Rhodes State College, and Dr. Vinayak Shedekar, Assistant Professor of Agriculture Water Management at The Ohio State University, will host breakout sessions focusing on the return on investment of conservation practices and the benefits of utilizing farm drainage, respectively. The event’s keynote speaker will be Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist in Agronomic Systems at The Ohio State University, discussing his research in the Powell Creek Watershed and what watershed-scale implementation of conservation practices can do. Continue reading Success Stories of Conservation program to be held February 20th →

Join us next week for three ag-focused events!

Paulding County Extension is set to host THREE programs next week! Continue reading Join us next week for three ag-focused events! →

Join Paulding County Extension for January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable Meeting

Join OSU Extension Paulding County and escape the cold with some hot topics at our January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable meeting! Continue reading Join Paulding County Extension for January 7th Cover Crops Roundtable Meeting →

Join us in 2025 on the First Friday Breakfast Series

Join Paulding County Extension Office for the Farm Management and Agronomy Monthly Agriculture Breakfast in Paulding County, Ohio! The next breakfast will take place on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Paulding Pancake House, located at 18187 US 127, Cecil, OH 45821. This welcoming event offers local farmers a chance to connect over a hearty breakfast while staying informed about the latest agricultural trends and local updates.

This month’s featured speaker is the Paulding County Soil and Water Conservation District, sharing insights on conservation practices and resources for local farmers. Each session includes a 15-minute guest speaker to provide valuable information on timely topics.

RSVP is appreciated to plan for handouts. Register at https://go.osu.edu/paulding1stfriday 

The breakfast is a great opportunity to build community and foster collaboration among farmers and agribusiness professionals. Sessions run year-round, and while most meal costs are sponsored, attendees may occasionally cover their own. RSVP is appreciated to ensure enough materials are available. We hope to see you there!

Battle for the Belt – Is Corn or Soybean King hosted in Paulding County

Join us for the Battle for the Belt agronomy event in Paulding, Ohio, an exciting competition designed to showcase and enhance your skills in crop management and agronomy practices, including the hot topic of whether soybeans or corn are king. This regional OSU Extension program features Ohio State and field Extension specialists (Horacio Lopez-Nicora, Osler Ortez, and Laura Lindsey) who will address the question, “Is it better to plant corn or soybeans first?”

Participants will engage in hands-on activities, challenges, and educational sessions led by experts in the field. Speakers will provide valuable insights and data from two years of university research conducted at the OARDC research stations in Wood County, Clark County, and Wayne County as well as in county research during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. This event not only offers an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in agronomy but also encourages friendly competition as participants vie for the coveted championship belt. Whether you are a seasoned farmer or new to the field, the Battle for the Belt promises to be an informative and entertaining experience that will elevate your agronomic knowledge and practices. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with fellow farmers and industry leaders while having fun!

  • General Information: Pre-registration is preferred for food count for this event. Walk-ins are welcome but may be limited by no lunch option.
  • Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding OH 45879
  • Cost: Free
  • Registration Information: RSVP by January 13. Limited seats for this meeting. Lunch included is provided with registration.
  • Contact: Sarah Noggle, noggle.17@osu.edu, (419) 399-8225
  • Registration Link: go.osu.edu/25BeltBattle

2024 Virtual Soil Health Tour

Ohio State University Extension’s fourth annual Soil Health Tour is live for 2024! This year’s virtual tour partnered with Michigan State University to showcase conservation practices in action through the Western Lake Erie Basin of Ohio and Michigan. Five tour stops showcase individual farmers who have implemented different conservation practices on their farms. Each producer’s video interview with an Extension staff member discusses the practice they are utilizing, why they chose to implement it, benefits they have seen thus far, and changes they would make, if any if they did it all over again. In addition to those sites, we are showcasing 8 regional locations of a study that members of OSU Extension have completed over the past few years, looking at soil health across the state. To view the interactive StoryMap, visit go.osu.edu/SHTour24.

If you enjoy learning about conservation practices in action, consider joining us for an event on February 20th, 2025, at Northwest State Community College. This event, Success Stories of Conservation, will be a place for farmers, landowners, and technical support staff to openly discuss how conservation has worked for them, as well as their challenges with these practices. More information can be found at our website, waterqualityextension.osu.edu.

Join Us for Farm Office Live in 2025!

From the Farm Office Team

As we wrap up the year, the Farm Office Team would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in our Farm Office Live webinars over the past year. Your engagement and support make these sessions impactful and worthwhile.

We are excited to announce the dates for our 2025 Winter Series and invite you to mark your calendars for these upcoming webinars. Sessions will take place on Fridays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on the following dates:

  • January 17
  • February 21
  • March 28
  • April 25

What to Expect

Farm Office Live webinars offer timely and essential updates for farm operations, from legislative changes to business management insights.

Here’s the Tentative Agenda for our first session on January 17, 2025:

  • Legislative Round-Up
  • Farm Business Analysis Program Update
  • Long-Term Care Update
  • Quarterly Fertilizer Update
  • Crop Input Outlook
  • Livestock Outlook
  • 1099 Reminders
  • Farm Policy & Farm Bill
  • Winter Program Update

Where to Find More Information

Stay up-to-date and access past recordings and slides on our website: Farm Office Live.

Save the Dates!

Don’t miss these opportunities to gain valuable insights and connect with experts who are here to help you navigate the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

We hope you enjoy a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025! As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Warm regards,
The Farm Office Team

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! →

Sarah Noggle Receives Prestigious Ohio No-Till Council Educator of the Year Award

Plain City, Ohio: On December 4, 2024, the Ohio No-Till Council announced Sarah Noggle, an esteemed educator in agriculture and natural resources, as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Educator Award. This prestigious recognition highlights Noggle’s exceptional contributions to advancing sustainable farming practices, soil health, and agricultural education in Ohio and beyond.

Noggle was selected from a diverse pool of educators representing elementary, high school, university, and adult education programs across the state. Her ability to engage and inspire learners of all ages, coupled with her expertise in conservation and agricultural sustainability, set her apart as a leader in her field.

As an educator, Noggle serves as a tireless advocate for conservation agriculture, with a focus on no-till practices, soil health, cover crops, and sustainable farming systems. Through her leadership and innovative educational programs, she has empowered countless farmers, landowners, and community members to adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and strengthen the long-term viability of agricultural operations.

A cornerstone of Noggle’s work has been her commitment to fostering meaningful connections between farmers and agricultural professionals. Her efforts in Extension programming have built bridges between research and application, ensuring that evidence-based practices reach the hands of those who steward the land. Noggle’s dedication to local and statewide initiatives, including her work with cover crops and farm stress, exemplifies her holistic approach to serving Ohio’s agricultural community. Continue reading Sarah Noggle Receives Prestigious Ohio No-Till Council Educator of the Year Award →

NW Ohio Newsletter 2025

📬 The 2025 Northwest Ohio Newsletter is Coming!

Exciting news! The 2025 Northwest Ohio Newsletter will be hitting mailboxes near the end of December! 🗓️

Packed with the latest updates on agriculture, Extension programming, and community opportunities, this newsletter is your go-to resource for staying informed and connected.

Prefer to read online? 📲 Check out the Virtual Version here.

Stay tuned—there’s a lot to look forward to as we kick off a new year together! 🌾

#Agriculture #Extension #NWOhio #StayConnected #LeanOnYourLandGrant #PauldingCountyStrong #OSUE

NW Ohio Corn Fields Needed for Research Projects

Are you a farmer in Northwest Ohio who planted corn this year? The Water Quality Extension Associates are looking for partners to participate in an “End-of-Season Soil Nitrogen After Corn” study to help understand nitrogen use and efficiency and potential adjustments to N programs. OSU Extension will pay lab costs for up to two samples per farm.

For more information, please visit go.osu.edu/eosnitrogen or reach out to Rachel Cochran at cochran.474@osu.edu or Heather at torlina.1@osu.edu.

Cover Crops Roundtables – Join us monthly!

Join Paulding County Extension for their monthly, year-round series focusing on topics related to cover crops at their Cover Crops Roundtable meetings! These meetings are held on Tuesdays each month from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Paulding County Extension Office. Continue reading Cover Crops Roundtables – Join us monthly! →

Emergency Haying and Grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Acreage Available for 70 Ohio Counties

By: David Marrison, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Farm Management

Figure 1: September 17, 2024 Drought Monitor

Figure 1: September 17, 2024 Drought Monitor

Drought conditions continued to degrade across Ohio. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor report on September 17, 59.56% of Ohio is experiencing severe or greater drought conditions with 9.5% classified as D4 or exceptional drought conditions (Figure 1). It is important to remember that D4 conditions only occur once every 50 to 100 years. Approximately 98% of the state is experiencing at least abnormally dry conditions. One silver lining is the current seven-day forecast shows the potential for rain in many areas of Ohio next week which should help slow the progress of drought should it occur.

The drought conditions have impacted both pastures and hayfields across Ohio. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) administered under the USDA Farm Service Agency permits emergency haying and grazing on certain CRP practices in a county designated as D2 or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor, or in a county where there is at least a 40 percent loss in forage production. Continue reading Emergency Haying and Grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Acreage Available for 70 Ohio Counties →

Join OABA for the 4R Technology Review Field Day on August 28

Education of audience on wagon

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-23/join-oaba-4r-technology-review-field-day-august-28 by Aaron Heilers

Ohio AgriBusiness Association invites you to attend the free 2024 4R Technology Review Field Day.

The OABA 4R Technology Review Field Day event will bring together experts in the field of agriculture technology and conservation to share their knowledge and best practices for implementing 4R nutrient management. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest technology and techniques in fertilizer management, precision agriculture, and soil health. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest advances in agriculture and connect with industry experts.

Join OABA for a day of informative presentations, field demonstrations, and networking opportunities. This event is perfect for farmers, crop advisers, ag retailers, and anyone else interested in maximizing crop yield and improving the quality of Ohio’s waterways.

Six hours of Continuing Education Credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisers in attendance.

The event will take place August 28, 2024 at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus Secrest Aboretum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Please register online by clicking here.

Educational demonstrations and sessions for the day include:

  • Suflur, phosphours, and nitrogen management
  • Manure sensing equipment
  • Drones in agriculture
  • Best soil sampling practices

Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer Workshop offered regionally

Are you a hunter, landowner, or wildlife enthusiast? If so, please join the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for an evening workshop about chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Ohio’s wild deer herd.

Chronic Wasting Disease in Ohio’s Wild Deer Herd: What You Need to Know

  • August 8 – Hardin County
  • August 12 – Union County
  • August 29 – Wyandot County
  • September 5 – Crawford County
  • September 10 – Allen County
  • September 12 – Marion County

 All workshops are 6:30 – 8:30 pm. See the attached flyer for more information.  

Each workshop will cover:

  • What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
  • Navigating Disease Surveillance Area Regulations
  • Carcass Handling Restrictions & Best Management Practices
  • Where and How to Test My Deer for CWD?
  • How does CWD impact Deer Management?

 There is no fee to attend these workshops. Due to space limitations, REGISTRATION is REQUIRED.

Visit go.osu.edu/cwdworkshop to register.

Marne A. Titchenell, Wildlife Program Director, OSU Extension, School of Environment and Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, 210 Kottman Hall, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, 614-292-0402  Office, titchenell.4@osu.edu  u.osu.edu/wildside,  woodlandstewards.osu.edu  senr.osu.edu

Celebrate our rivers at RiverFest 2024!

For the eighth year in a row, Defiance is celebrating the Maumee and Auglaize Rivers with RiverFest, hosted at Pontiac Park from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 29th, 2024. There will be activities, demonstrations, food, and fun for everyone! Bring your kids, ages 1 to 100 for Kids River Passport STEAM activities, including Project Wet and other demonstrations by Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District, Defiance City Schools, Defiance College Science Club, Yoga in the Park, Camp Lakota/Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, ODNR Scenic Rivers, OSU Extension, The Nature Conservancy, Maumee Watershed Alliance, and more! A living history encampment will provide a taste of local history, then you can grab a taste of current history by visiting one of the food trucks at the park! A kayak raffle will also be held during RiverFest! More information can be found at the Land To Lake website, landtolake.org, or Click here to view the event flyer.

23rd Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale

The pop of color from a flower, the bees on the native plants, and the taste of a homegrown tomato are all aspects of spring and summer in NW Ohio and one the Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteers love. The 23rd annual sale will continue in 2024 with some changes. The sale will be one day only on Saturday, May 18th from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM or until the plants are sold out. The sale will occur at the Paulding County Fairgrounds inside the Block Building at 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879.

Plants and more will still be available at the 2024 Paulding County Master Gardener Volunteer plant sale. The sale will include perennials, annual flowers, herbs, vegetables, trees, potting containers, natives, and shrubs. Most items are between $1-$10 each. The proceeds from the sale will go back into the community Master Gardener Volunteer projects and programs. Continue reading 23rd Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale →

Fall is the perfect time to review the Phosphorus Loss Risk Assessment document for determining P application rates

Fall is a busy time of year for many of us involved in agriculture; from harvest to cover crop seeding, to wheat planting and fertilizer application, we have a ton of tasks to get done in a short window of time. But with the hectic nature of the season comes an opportunity to refresh ourselves with the recommendations for Phosphorus application rates. Continue reading Fall is the perfect time to review the Phosphorus Loss Risk Assessment document for determining P application rates →

Please Give Your Input on the Paulding County Parks and Trails Survey

The residents of Paulding County have expressed a strong desire for increased opportunities to engage in outdoor activities together. To fulfill this vision, a dedicated committee has been established with the primary goal of securing state funding to revitalize and create connections between Reservoir Park and the Black Swamp Nature Center. It is important to note that there are no plans for additional local taxes.

We are actively seeking your valuable input through this survey to ensure that this project aligns with the aspirations of Paulding County’s residents. We encourage all Paulding County residents to share their thoughts on the types of activities they would like to see in this newly revitalized space. Your feedback will play a role in shaping the future of outdoor recreation in Paulding County.

Take the survey by clicking this link, or by entering bit.ly/parksandtrailssurvey into your browser.

Please reach out to Anna Gurney with Paulding SWCD, (419) 399-4771 or education.specialist@pauldingswcd.org, with any questions about this project.