Education

Farmer and Farmland Owner Income Tax Webinar

Farmer/Farmland Owner Tax Webinar Graphic

Are you a farmer or farmland owner wanting to learn more about recent tax law changes, which were part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act?

If so, join us for a live webinar on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, as part of our Farm Office Live Series.

You can register by visiting: go.osu.edu/register4fol. This webinar will cover key tax issues affecting farmers and farmland owners, including tax provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, tax planning in low-income years, residual fertility/excess fertility deduction, research and development tax credit, Ohio tax update, and much more!

Commercial Pesticide Applicator Crash Course

Are you preparing to become a commercial pesticide applicator in Ohio? Join OSU Extension for two focused training sessions designed to help you gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to apply pesticides safely, effectively, and in compliance with state regulations.

These trainings are ideal for individuals seeking a commercial applicator license for the first time or preparing for certification exams. Led by pesticide safety and education experts from OSU Extension, each session will cover essential topics for agronomic commercial pesticide applicators. Paulding County Extension is partnering with the Mercer County Extension Office to offer these two different sessions. November 20 will only be offered in Mercer County, and December 18 will be offered in both counties. Flyer and Registration Link

📅 Training Dates & Topics

November 20, 2025 – Commercial Core Training

Learn the foundational principles every commercial applicator needs to know:

  • Laws and regulations
  • Applicator safety and environmental protection
  • Calculations and formulations
  • Label interpretation

December 18, 2025 – Agronomy Pesticide Basics Training

Take a deeper dive into agronomic pest management:

  • Weed control principles and herbicide terminology
  • Disease management in agronomic crops
  • Insect management in agronomic crops

📍 Location: Mercer County Agriculture Center Conference Room, 4978 Mud Pike, Celina, OH

Note: The December 18 session will also be hosted in Paulding County, but all registration will be coordinated through the Mercer County office.

🕗 Time: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

💲 Cost: $35 per training (Pay at the event with cash or check, or Pay by credit card when registering online)

📝 Registration: Pre-registration is required. Scan the QR code on the flyer or register online at go.osu.edu/commpest.

📞 Questions? Contact Sarah Noggle at 419-399-8225 or noggle.17@osu.edu

 

NW Ohio Women In Agriculture to Meet on Thursday, November 13

Are your personal and farm finances working together—or pulling in different directions? 🤔

Join the Northwest Ohio Women in Agriculture Roundtable on November 13 at 6:00 PM to learn strategies for blending family and farm budgets for long-term success. The event will take place at the Black Swamp Nature Center, located at 753 Fairground Drive, Paulding, OH 45879. (Please note this is a last minute location change.)

This welcoming event offers local female farmers, farm wives, female agribusiness professionals, or anyone interested in agriculture a chance to connect over dinner while staying informed about the latest agricultural trends and local updates. While the program is geared towards adults, we do appreciate bringing youth along to learn. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. 🗓️ Register by Monday, November 10 🔗 https://go.osu.edu/25NWOhioWIANovember

While the event is a roundtable discussion, this month’s featured speakers are Paulding County Extension Educators, Melissa Rupp and Sarah Noggle, who will teach a session on Your Money Goals: Adding Personal Finances into the Farm Budget. Participants must RSVP to receive materials and a meal by Monday, November 10, 2025. 

SPECIAL THIS MONTH: If you have something you would like to trade or barter related to kitchen supplies, or even a potential white elephant gift for the holidays, bring that along.  Continue reading NW Ohio Women In Agriculture to Meet on Thursday, November 13 →

New Fertilizer Applicator Certification Class in Paulding County on December 3

Why Ohio Fertilizer Certification Matters — and Who Should Be Certified

Are you applying or supervising the application of manure or fertilizer on your farm? If so, you’ll want to read on.

What is the certification?

In Ohio, the Ohio Fertilizer Applicator Certification is a required credential for anyone applying fertilizer or manure—or supervising its application—on more than 50 acres of agricultural production grown primarily for sale. Technically, fertilizer is defined as any substance containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or other plant nutrients in dry or liquid form. The certification training gives you the knowledge you need to meet regulatory requirements, manage nutrients, protect water quality, apply materials effectively, and keep proper records.

 Who needs to be certified?

  • If you apply fertilizer or manure to more than 50 acres of agricultural land grown primarily for sale, you are required to obtain certification.
  • If you supervise others applying fertilizer or manure on 50+ acres, you also need to be certified.
  • The certification covers both commercial and private applicators—there is no separate “private vs commercial” certification; the same credential applies across the board.

 Why is this important? Continue reading New Fertilizer Applicator Certification Class in Paulding County on December 3 →

Upcoming Next Farmers for Soil Health Webinar: The Economics of Cover Crops

Get Ready for the Next Farmers for Soil Health Webinar: The Economics of Cover Crops! 🌱💰

Hey, farmers and soil lovers! Are you curious about how cover crops can boost your bottom line and make your soil healthier? Well, mark your calendars for August 14 at noon Central Time because the Farmers for Soil Health webinar series is back with a juicy topic: The Economics of Cover Crops in the Northern Corn Belt!

Join CTIC and Farmers for Soil Health as they bring together some seriously smart folks who know their stuff:
🎤 Dr. Jeff Hadachek from the University of Wisconsin — soil science wizard!
🎤 A. Marcelle Lewandowski from the Minnesota Office for Soil Health — the cover crop champ!
🎤 Brad Jordahl Redlin from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture — agriculture guru!

Continue reading Upcoming Next Farmers for Soil Health Webinar: The Economics of Cover Crops →

Farm Science Review Tickets are Now Available!

Explore the Future of Farming at the 2025 Farm Science Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

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 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

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! →

Farm Accounting with Quicken Workshops Across the State

Financial record keeping is critical for farm businesses.  At a minimum, the records support the completion of the annual income tax forms and documents.  Having accurate and accessible data makes tax time smoother and less stressful.

Record keeping can Do More Than a Tax Return.  Records can be utilized to manage critical farm input expenses, calculate the cost of production, allocate income and expense to each farm enterprise, farm, or field location, build reports that describe the farm finances in real-time, and lead to stronger financial documents such as the annual balance sheet and income statement.

Is it time to re-evaluate how the farm keeps financial records? If so, OSU Extension is pleased to offer five Farm Accounting Workshops with Quicken across Ohio this winter.  These workshops will be held at:

  • Auglaize County, January 28 & 29, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm — Call: 419-910-6050 to RSVP
  • Jefferson County, February 4 & 5, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm — Call: 740-264-2212 to RSVP
  • Ross County, February 10 & 11, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm — Call: 740-702-3200 to RSVP
  • Fairfield County, February 12 & 13, 2025 – 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm — Call: 740-653-5419 to RSVP
  • Seneca County, February 20, 2025 – 9:30 am to 3:30 pm — Call: 419-447-9722 to RSVP

Continue reading Farm Accounting with Quicken Workshops Across the State →

Planning the Future of your Farm program options for In-Person or Online Classes

Each year, OSU Extension holds “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” workshops to help families with farm transition planning.  We offer both a webinar and in-person workshops at several locations across Ohio.  This farm transition workshop challenges farm families to actively plan for the future of the farm business.  Learn how to have crucial conversations about the future and strategies and tools that can help you transfer your farm’s ownership, management, and assets to the next generation. Teaching faculty for the workshop are David Marrison, OSU Extension Farm Management Field Specialist, and Robert Moore, Attorney with the OSU Agricultural & Resource Law Program.

Topics discussed during this series include:

  • Developing Goals for Estate and Succession
  • Planning for the Transition of Control
  • Planning for the Unexpected
  • Communication and Conflict Management During Farm Transfer
  • Legal Tools and Strategies
  • Developing Your Team
  • Getting Your Affairs in Order
  • Selecting an Attorney

We encourage parents, children, and grandchildren to attend together to develop a plan for the future of your family farm. Continue reading Planning the Future of your Farm program options for In-Person or Online Classes →

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