Disease

Don’t forget to get your Pre-Sale Farm Science Review Tickets

Farm Science Review tickets are on sale now at the Paulding County Extension Office!

đźšśFSR is the premier agricultural education and industry expo in the area. With new ag technology, hands-on exhibits, field demonstrations, conservation practices programs, commercial exhibitors, and research showcases, it is one of the biggest agricultural events of the year!

📲FSR dates are Tuesday through Thursday, September 16, 17, and 18, and are located at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 SR 38 NE, London, OH 43140.

🎟 Single-day tickets are $10 presale, $15 at the gate, and children 5 and under are free.

Presale tickets are on sale until 4:00 pm on September 15 and are in limited quantity. Stop by the office today!

Backyard Flock Owners Survey for Ohio Department of Health on Avian Influenza

Are you raising a backyard flock? This survey is for you!
Since March 2024, 70 cases of avian influenza A(H5) (H5 bird flu) have occurred in humans in the United States, mostly among workers exposed to infected dairy cows and commercial poultry farms. However, cases have also occurred among people exposed to birds kept in non–commercial, backyard flocks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) are interested in learning more about backyard flock owners and their flocks to improve H5 bird flu prevention messaging.

The anonymous survey asks about:
• Characteristics of backyard flock owners, their families, and their flocks.
• Knowledge of H5 bird flu and signs and symptoms of H5 bird flu in birds and humans.
• Perceived risk of and concern about H5 bird flu to their backyard flock and themselves/families.
• Attitudes towards reporting sick or dead birds and protective measures like vaccination of their flock.
• Practices they use to protect their flock and themselves from H5 bird flu.

CDC will use the survey results to help make sure that backyard flock owners have the information they need to protect themselves from H5 bird flu. Questions about this survey can be sent to h5flustudy@cdc.gov.
For questions about steps backyard flock owners can take to protect themselves from H5 bird flu, please visit odh.ohio.gov/hpai or contact your local health department.  For questions about protecting your flock, please visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)’s HPAI Poultry webpage or contact ODA at 614–728–6220.

QR code to the survey:

 

 

 

URL link to the survey:
https://redcap.link/backyardflock 

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.

Ohio Fruit News: Disease and Pest Management

Do you have a problem with your fruit trees, bushes, or vines? Submitting quality samples is key to accurate disease diagnosis and effective management—especially for tree fruits, pome fruits, soft fruits, and berries. To prepare high-quality fruit samples, collect tissue showing all stages of symptoms and include the entire plant if possible. Be sure to wrap roots securely to prevent drying and use plastic bags to retain moisture during transit. For tree and pome fruits, send three branch sections measuring between half an inch to two inches thick and six to eight inches long, selecting branches that include both healthy and symptomatic tissue, especially from wilting areas. Keep these samples cool and bagged until shipment. For soft fruits and berries, use paper bags instead of plastic to reduce excess moisture and help preserve fruit quality. Mature fruits should be packaged separately, but submitting the whole plant is ideal. Secure all materials in sturdy boxes to avoid damage during shipping. Proper packaging and sample selection lead to more accurate evaluations and better disease management recommendations.

Visit the Ohio Fruit News and read more on identification and management!

Continue reading Ohio Fruit News: Disease and Pest Management →

Public Invited to 2025 Plant Diagnostic Clinic in Paulding County

Do your trees look stressed? Are your tomatoes showing strange spots? Would you like to learn how to better identify what’s affecting your flowers, shrubs, or garden vegetables? Whether you’re a backyard gardener, a small-scale grower, or simply curious about plant health, the 2025 Plant Diagnostic Clinic is for you!

Hosted by the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program, the clinic will occur on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Paulding County Extension Office. Paulding County Master Gardeners are excited to host this program, as this is the first time in 20 years to be able to host the regional program. Paulding was selected as one of the four (4) locations statewide.

This hands-on, interactive workshop will teach participants how to diagnose problems in trees, shrubs, woody ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and other plants commonly grown in Ohio landscapes and gardens. Morning sessions will include training on using a dichotomous key for woody plant identification and instructions for collecting and submitting plant and pest samples to the C. Wayne Ellett Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic. In the afternoon, attendees will put their knowledge to the test by diagnosing real plant samples and applying the diagnostic process.

“This event is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to gain confidence in identifying plant problems and making informed decisions in the garden or landscape,” said Sarah Noggle, Extension Educator in Agriculture and Natural Resources. “The skills you’ll learn can save your plants and your pocketbook.”

Cost for the clinic is $45, which includes morning snacks and lunch. Those currently enrolled in the statewide hotline called Ask a Master Gardener Volunteer program can attend for free.

Space is limited, so register today! To register, visit: https://go.osu.edu/pauldingmgvdiagnostic25. View the official flyer here!

Questions? Contact: Sarah Noggle at noggle.17@osu.edu or by calling the office at 419.399.8225. For more information about the Master Gardener Volunteer program, contact Sarah Noggle at noggle.17@osu.edu, stop by the OSU Extension Office at 503 Fairground Drive, or call 419-399-8225.

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.

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.

Register for ODPA Annual meeting and Ohio Dairy Quality Conference on February 11, 12

The Ohio Dairy Producers Association invites you to their annual meeting on Tuesday, February 11 in Wooster at the Shisler Conference Center. Registration begins at 9:30, with the meeting to follow. Attendance is free and open to all dairy farmers. Enjoy lunch provided by our sponsors and learn how ODPA is helping to navigate the future of dairy on your behalf.

Join us as we examine the current state of the industry, evaluate the evolving needs of Ohio’s dairy farms, and critically assess state and federal policies that impact dairy. Together, we will explore statewide strategies and industry initiatives needed to shape a prosperous future.

Guest speaker Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, will share insights into the new Trump administration and the importance of proactively engaging with key federal staff and elected leadership in this new political climate.

Other presentations include:

  • An update from Ohio State on its new dairy facility, staffing, and key research projects
  • An update from the FO33 Market Administrator regarding the federal milk marketing order modernization and what to expect in 2025

2025 Ohio Dairy Quality Conference Official Agenda

Wednesday is the Ohio Dairy Quality Conference.

To register RSVP by February 1 at https://www.odpa.org/events/odpa-annual-meeting-2025. The cost is $35 for the Ohio Dairy Quality Conference on Day 2. The registration flyer shares the hotel room block at the Hilton Garden Inn Wooster is available at https://group.hiltongardeninn.com/tsapj6 under the room block name “2025 Quality Conference”.

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

Statewide Webinar on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

Tim McDermott, DMV, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources in Franklin County, will be co-hosting an informative webinar on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) alongside Dr. Kristy Shaw, DVM from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and Jenna Gregorich from the Ohio Poultry Association.

đź“… When: Wednesday, January 15th, at 12:00 PM
đź’» Where: Online (link provided upon registration)
🎟 Cost: FREE and open to the public

This webinar is designed to provide valuable updates and insights into HPAI, covering critical topics such as:

  • Biosecurity measures to protect your flock.
  • Recognizing the signs and symptoms of HPAI.
  • A state-level update on HPAI, including its implications for the poultry industry and even a bit about its effects on dairy.

Why Attend?

HPAI remains a significant concern for poultry owners, farmers, and anyone involved in agriculture. This webinar is an excellent opportunity to:

  • Stay informed about the latest developments.
  • Enhance your biosecurity knowledge.
  • Ask questions directly to experts in the field.

Register Today!

Registration is required, and you can sign up HERE.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with your network! Attached are flyers in PDF and JPEG formats for easy sharing on social media or email. Let’s spread the word to ensure everyone has access to this essential information.

We look forward to seeing you on January 15th!

Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus and Downy Mildew

Soybean field

Article is taken from  https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-26/soybean-vein-necrosis-virus-and-downy-mildew by Horacio Lopez-Nicora

As we progressed with our field scouting this past week, it has become evident that Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus (SVNV) is making a noticeable presence in our soybean crops across various regions. SVNV, a viral disease primarily spread by thrips, manifests typically as yellowing and necrosis along the veins of the soybean leaves. Initial symptoms include chlorotic lesions that evolve, resulting in a necrotic, vein-associated appearance. The impact of SVNV on overall yield is still under investigation, but early infection is generally more detrimental. Growers should be vigilant about thrip populations and adopt integrated pest management strategies, including the use of resistant varieties if available, to mitigate the spread of this virus.

Continue reading Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus and Downy Mildew →

Lep Monitoring Network – News on WBC and CEW, Update # 15

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-news-wbc-and-cew-update-15 by Stephanie Pflaum, Amy Raudenbush, Maddie Brillhart, Nic Baumer, Lee Beers, CCA, Trevor Corboy, Allen Gahler, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Alan Leininger, Ed Lentz, CCA, Sarah Noggle, Les Ober, CCA, Jordan Penrose, Mike Sunderman, Frank Thayer, Kyle Verhoff, Brooks Warner, Jacob Winters, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

We have just finished out our 15th week of monitoring for Ohio pests at the Lep Network. This past week, we have seen a continuation of WBC numbers trending down and a slight increase in the CEW average. As was mentioned last week, WBC populations across Ohio have most likely hit their peak numbers of the season and a decline should be expected. While we are most likely beginning to round out of the peak for this pest, any counties with averages that are still above 7 should continue scouting until their county numbers have significantly declined.

Western Bean Cutworm numbers are peaking in many counties across the state
This past week was our 6th week monitoring for WBC in Ohio. The statewide average for WBC decreased again from 1.9 during the week ending on July 21st to 1.0 for the week ending July 28th. The counties with the highest averages are Sandusky (19.0), Huron (7.0) and Henry (4.8) (Figure 1). While we are relatively certain that we have surpassed the peak in WBC moths for this year and are starting the decline, it is still important to be scouting for WBC egg masses (Figure 2). As mentioned above, if this week’s average topped 7 moths in your county, see below for tips on how to scout for this damaging pest. Counties that should continue scouting this week are: Huron and Sandusky.

Continue reading Lep Monitoring Network – News on WBC and CEW, Update # 15 →

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: Projection for the Weeks of July 21 and 29

Corn contaminated by vomitoxin

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-projection by Pierce Paul, Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Aaron Wilson, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

This week we continue providing updates pertaining to the projected risk of grain contamination with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), which is commonly referred to as vomitoxin. This week, the focus is on fields reaching the silking or R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4. Using temperature and RH data from CFAES weather stations across the state of Ohio as predictors, the chance (or probability) of vomitoxin contamination of corn grain was estimated using models developed in the Paul lab. Models were run separately on data from each of nine weather stations for 15 silking dates from July 21 to August 4. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the 15-day pre-silking model prediction window, which may be specific for each area of the state and field within that area.

Based on weather data collected from CFAES weather stations located in Ashtabula (LAT: 41.8846, LON: -80.6978), Franklin (LAT: 40.0112, LON: -83.0442), Noble (LAT: 39.7478, LON: -81.5167), Jackson (LAT:  39.0519, LON: -82.6367), Sandusky (LAT: 41.3503, LON: -83.1219), Wood (Latitude:  41.2847, Longitude: -83.8444), Pike (LAT: 39.0681, LON: -83.0144), Clark (LAT: 39.8633, LON: -83.6721), and Wayne (LAT: 40.7787, LON: -81.9308) Counties, OH, grain developing in corn fields in close proximity to the stations that reach the R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4 are at high risk of being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON.     

Our models were not developed to predict whether vomitoxin will be 2, 5, 8, or 10 ppm, they only predict whether vomitoxin will be ≥ 1 ppm. Whether or not contamination will be considerable higher that 1% will depend on other factors such as hybrid maturity and susceptibility, field location, tillage, and crop rotation, as well as weather conditions. Under favorable weather conditions, a highly susceptible hybrid planted no-till into corn stubble will likely be contaminated with vomitoxin well above 1 ppm compared to a tilled field of a moderately resistant hybrid planted after beans.

These model predictions can be used to help you determine if a fungicide for vomitoxin management would be beneficial. However, no single management strategy will be fully effective again vomitoxin. Even with a fungicide application, hybrid resistance is critical for achieving low vomitoxin levels at harvest. Treated fields planted with partially resistant hybrids will often have lower levels of vomitoxin at harvest than treated fields planted with susceptible hybrids. Two of the most effective products for vomitoxin management are Proline and Miravis Neo. These fungicides tend to be most effective when applied at R1 when silks are still wet. Applications made after silks are dry and brown are considerably less effective at reducing vomitoxin. The fungicide must penetrate the canopy and reach the corn silks to be effective.

These models are the first step towards the development of a prediction tool that would be available to growers to run on a daily basis during pollination to assess vomitoxin risk at their field location. The current model development has been generously supported by the Corn Marketing Board through your corn check-off. As more data are collected, models will be developed to predict the risk of higher levels of contamination (2 ppm, 5 ppm, etc etc).

More information on vomitoxin risk assessment and management in corn can be found in this corn newsletter article: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8

Estimates of the risk of DON contamination of corn grain are provided at no cost within the state of Ohio. The model developers, The Ohio State University, and funding agencies cannot guarantee prediction accuracy. Users should always consult extension educators and state and field specialist when making disease and mycotoxin management decisions.

Check Roots for Soybean Cyst Nematode: What’s Your Number?

Soybean Cyst Nematode in hand

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/check-roots-soybean-cyst-nematode-what%E2%80%99s-your-number by Horacio Lopez-Nicora

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is quietly expanding its presence in Ohio, with increasing numbers across the state. Fields affected by SCN might not show aboveground visible symptoms, but SCN females can be detected attached to soybean roots six to eight weeks after planting. We encourage Ohio soybean growers to actively manage SCN by checking roots for the presence of SCN. If you’re unsure whether you have SCN in your fields, take a walk through your fields with a shovel, digging up plants every 30 to 50 paces. Carefully remove soil from the roots (a water bucket can help) and look for SCN females (Fig. 1). Initially white to cream, turning yellow and eventually brown, SCN females are significantly smaller than nitrogen-fixing nodules (Fig. 1). The SCN females will eventually fill with over 200 eggs, transforming into cysts that protect the eggs and allow them to survive for several years in infested fields. We encourage growers, agronomists, and crop consultants to check soybean roots for SCN throughout July, August, and September.

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Knowing if you have SCN is the first step in managing it effectively. Watch this video to learn how to check your roots for SCN females. If SCN is detected in your field, a fall soil sample can determine your SCN numbers and help tailor appropriate management strategies. If you are already planting SCN-resistant varieties, checking roots can help evaluate the effectiveness of your resistance management or identify if the SCN population in your field is adapting to those resistant varieties (a shift in virulence).

Maintaining low SCN levels is much easier than reducing high numbers below damage thresholds. With support from the Ohio Soybean Council and The SCN Coalition, we can process up to two soil samples per grower for SCN testing, free of charge [read more here]. Share your #SCNRootCheck photos on social media by tagging @TheSCNCoalition on Twitter and Facebook, and @Ohiosoycouncil on Twitter and @ohiosoybeancouncil on Facebook.

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8 by Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Pierce Paul, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

Mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly referred to as vomitoxin, has become a significant problem for Ohio corn growers. What was once considered an every-ten-year problem, has now become a yearly challenge in some sections of the state. DON contamination of grain is often associated with Gibberella ear rot (GER), a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. The Ohio State University Cereal Pathology Lab led by Dr. Pierce Paul has been researching and developing weather-based models to predict when weather conditions are favorable for DON contamination of corn grain. The current models have an 80% accuracy at predicting when conditions are favorable for grain to be contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON, meaning that based on data collected so far, the models are correct about 8 out of 10 times at predicting whether DON contamination will reach or exceed 1 ppm.

The fungus that produces DON infects corn ears during pollination while silks are wet (R1 growth stage). Each week, we will be updating the models and share estimates of the chance of grain in various parts of the state being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON. This information will be made available through the C.O.R.N newsletter. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the model’s prediction model’s prediction window, which is specific for each area of the state and field within that area. As a result, each week predictions will likely change for the corn that is pollinating based on changes in weather conditions. Similarly, during any given week, predictions will likely change from one field to another based on hybrid maturity, planting date, and weather condition, all of which affect the silking/pollination window.

Continue reading Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection →

Avian Influenza Detected in Dairy Cattle

On Monday, March 25th the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a statement confirming the identification of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle located in Texas and Kansas. They have suspected that HPAI may be a contributing factor in the unclassified illness affecting older, mid to late lactation dairy cattle in several herds in New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas over the past two months. It is not yet clear if all reports of the unclassified illness are caused by HPAI. The full press release from USDA can be found here. The OSU Extension Vet Med team worked on a factsheet attached here. The following are answers to common questions producers and the general public may have about this outbreak.

OSU Precision Livestock Farming education series

Technology is changing the way we manage plants and animals. When someone says Precision Agriculture, we often think about crop production but there are many opportunities for technology to enhance our abilities to care for livestock. This winter OSU Extension is offering a glimpse at some of these technologies through hour-long weekly webinars. Each week we will have an expert join us to discuss a precision livestock topic for the species of livestock they work with, or forage production. These technologies are allowing us to improve animal husbandry and management efficiency.

The webinars will be from Noon until 1:00 PM throughout the winter 2024 months on January 31, February 7, February 14, February 21, February 28, and March 6. You can register to attend all of the topics or just the one of interest to you.  Registration is located at http://go.osu.edu/PLF24 or you can scan the QR Code below.  

Reach out to Jason Hartschuh at hartschuh.11@osu.edu with questions. To see the official flyer on Precision Livestock Farming flyer

Monthly topics include:

  • January 31, 2024 – Utilizing Drones and remote imagery to determine forage quality and quantity in pastures and hay fields. Speaker: Dr. Josh Jackson, UK Extension
  • February 7, 2024 – How does precision livestock farming relate to swine health? Speaker: Dr. Talita Pilar Resende, OSU Extension
  • February 14, 2024 – Sprinkler Effects on Cooling Water Use, Litter Moisture, and Broiler House Environment. Speaker: Dr. Tom Tabler, UT Extension
  • February 21, 2024 – Benefits of Data collection at lambing using RFID and handheld recorders. Speaker: Dan Persons, Shearwell Data
  • February 28, 2024 – Activity and temperature monitoring systems for dairy calves, heifers, and cows, Speaker: Jason Hartschuh, OSU Extension
  • March 6, 2024 – Pen-side Diagnosis of BRD pathogen, Speaker: Mohit Verma, Purdue Extension

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! →

Tar Spot and Fungicide Survey for Farmers and Crop Consultants

From Iowa State University Extension:

Planting is nearly here and folks are busy – but we are hoping you can help us with a tar spot and fungicide survey. This survey is the creative component for a Masters of Agronomy student, Kelsey Richie. She is hoping to get a better understanding of how tar spots may affect farmers’ decisions around fungicides. There are two surveys, one for farmers and one for crop specialists. If you could spare some time to complete the survey, it would be greatly appreciated.

The survey is only open until May 1st, so please give your input soon.