General

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.

Paulding County EMA sets Mitigation Dates for Agricultural Aspect of Paulding County

Fire burns stubble on the field.

Hello there,
If you have received this email, it is because your presence is requested to take part in Paulding County’s Pre-Hazard Mitigation Planning Meetings. These meetings in particular will focus on the agricultural aspects of the plan. We will be talking about the impact on the business side of agriculture as well as the family farms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires that each county in the United States have a Pre Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Mitigation Plan allows for local governments to plan for and implement sustainable cost-effective measures designed to reduce the risk to individuals and property from future natural hazards, while also reducing reliance on federal funding for future disasters. Continue reading Paulding County EMA sets Mitigation Dates for Agricultural Aspect of Paulding County →

Fair Week was a Hot, But Great Week!

Hello Paulding County! Welcome to summer! Last week’s scorching weather broke for a beautiful weekend and our Jr. Fair exhibitors were thankful for the slight cool down.  Now, the heat and humidity has returned and concerns are popping up about a flash drought. Expect this weather rollercoaster to continue due to our La Nina weather pattern.

Last week, I was able to participate in various Jr. and Sr. Fair activities at the first county fair in Ohio. From speaking to helping in Acres of Fun, the livestock sale, still project awards, livestock shows, taking tickets…. I definitely got my steps in. I am so thankful for all the community support that makes this county fair so successful. Hats off to all those involved via helping hands, sponsorships, volunteering or any little part of the fair. To see the fair results, check out the Paulding County 4-H Blog at Paulding County Fair | Paulding County 4-H Clover Connection (osu.edu)

Poison hemlock has been in bloom across the county and you may also see wild parsnip as well. I have an included a really good information article on this weed in this week’s edition. Also, have included a nice article on a perennial weed- Canada Thistle.

Be safe and hydrated. Have a great week!

WE WANT YOU… to bring us your on-farm research ideas

We want YOU! – Call for On-Farm Research Cooperators

Now is the time to start thinking about the questions you have surrounding your farming operation. What is the ideal seeding rate for corn or soybeans on my different soil types? What rate of Nitrogen will give me the best bang for my buck? Do I really need Phosphorus starter fertilizer? Will interseeding cover crops increase my late-season water-holding capacity of my soil? What is the health of my soil? The good news is that there is a simple way for you to answer these questions: on-farm research!

The Ohio State University Extension eFields Publication has 5 years of these types of trials published for you to see at https://digitalag.osu.edu/efields. The eFields program allows farmers just like you to get answers to the questions you have about your unique operation. What works for others may not be the best option for you, so let’s work together to find the correct answer.

If you’re interested in talking about an on-farm research trial for this Spring planting season, contact Paulding County Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Sarah Noggle, or Water Quality Extension Associate, Rachel Cochran, to learn how we can help.

Need some more inspiration or ideas? Check out the 5th Anniversary 2021 eFields Publication at https://digitalag.osu.edu/efields.

 Contact us!

Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding OH – 419-399-8225

Sarah Noggle, noggle.17@osu.edu, 567-344-5013

Rachel Cochran, cochran.474@osu.edu, 567-344-5016

Farm Business Analysis Technician Position Open!

The Farm Business Analysis Program from Ohio State University has an opening for a Farm Business Analysis Technician.  This position will be located in northwest Ohio.  The host County is Defiance, but our technicians do their work virtually, on farms, at programs, or at training, so generally being located in northwest Ohio is what we are looking for. Continue reading Farm Business Analysis Technician Position Open! →

Paulding FCS is hosting a Grant Writing Workshop

Casey Bishop, FCS, Paulding County

The Beginner’s Guide to Grant Writing Course will be offered in Paulding County by Ohio State University Extension Community Development Educators, Melissa Rupp, and Kyle White. In this two-day program, you’ll learn what to do before you write a grant, organizational mission and structure, components of a grant proposal, finding and connecting with funders, and writing and finalizing an actual proposal for review.

Attendees should come prepared with a grant project idea which they will detail further during the course. This course is open to individuals, organizations, non-profit, or anyone with a general interest. Attendees must attend both sessions, Apri l 5th, 2022, and May 3rd, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This program will be held in the Youth Leadership Building at 501 Fairground Drive, Paulding, Ohio 45879. Registration is mandatory and limited to the first twelve (12) individuals. The deadline to register is March 25th, 2022. For pricing or to register online go to: go.osu.edu/PauldingGrant

For additional information on any FCS programs, contact Casey Bishop (Paulding County Extension Educator, Family, and Consumer Sciences) at bishop.807@osu.edu or call 419-399-8225.

Join the Paulding County Master Gardener at their Drive Through Plant Sale on Saturday, September 12

Join the Paulding Master Gardener Volunteers at their Fall Drive Through Plant Sale on Saturday, September 12 from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Paulding County Fairgrounds.  We are asking that people enter via the main gate at the fairgrounds. Please bring a box or have your trunk lined with newspapers to set your plants in.  A volunteer will walk with you outside your car to take your order. You will be asked to stay in your car. Items are priced to sell.  See our listing of plants, trees, etc. Quantities are limited so come early to get the best selection.

OSU Extension of Paulding County – We have an App for that

See what we just launched! Over the past few months, Michael and I have been working with a company to get all of our Paulding County OSU Extension information in one place.  Thanks to the great sponsorship from Haviland Drainage Product and Haviland Plastic Products. This app will include Ag, Master Gardener, and 4-H News.  As our new position for Family and Consumer Sciences is added in 2021, there will content relating to that program area. Search Paulding County Extension and you should find the app.  In the app, it includes our blog posts, calendars, YouTube Page, Facebook information, Twitter, LinkedIn and so much more.  You can upload horticulture questions for our Master Gardener Volunteer Hotline.  This will also include registration forms and upcoming events.  Don’t miss out on this valuable information for Paulding County.

Navigating COVID-19 on the Farm – Best practices for Daily Management of Sanitation, Deliveries, Equipment Repairs, and People

by:  Lisa Pfeifer, Educational Program Manager, Agricultural Safety & Health & Dee Jepsen, Ph.D., Associate Professor and State Safety Program Leader, Agricultural Safety & Health

Click here for a PDF version of this article

Practices for limiting exposure and risks related to coronavirus.

While agriculture has been a part of the essential work that continues to hum with a focus on keeping our food supply chains open amid stay at home orders, it is important not to lose sight of the fact business, as usual, will demand course correction and new plans to keep family and employees safe, and farms operable and secure. Information changes quickly in the face of the unknowns of this pandemic, but one prediction that has remained stable is the timeline for a vaccine. It will be 12 to 18 months before a vaccine is available, necessitating plans to see farms through spring planting, summer, harvest, winter, and spring a second time. To delve into some ideas on how to navigate a normal workday on the farm in the face of a public health emergency and an economic crisis it will take thinking outside of the box and a commitment to change some rote behavior and practice. Continue reading Navigating COVID-19 on the Farm – Best practices for Daily Management of Sanitation, Deliveries, Equipment Repairs, and People →

H2Ohio Deadline For Accepting Applications Moved Back to March 31

Taken from Ohio Department of Agriculture and Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District

The deadline for farmers to submit applications for the H2Ohio program is moving back to the original date of March 31, 2020.

Governor DeWine strongly believes in the H2Ohio water quality initiative and farmers have shown overwhelming interest to implement the program’s best practices.  Our state and nation are facing an unprecedented economic crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  In an effort to preserve resources for H2Ohio, ODA is suspending the acceptance of new applications after March 31 but will continue to process all current applications.

ODA recently extended the deadline to accommodate workflow changes due to COVID-19 and ensure all applications could be processed electronically or via telecommunications.  The work transition has gone smoothly and all remaining applications will be handled similarly within the original timeline.

Further information regarding the H2Ohio program will be forthcoming.  Updates will be posted to this website and distributed through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  For a complete list of SWCD offices, go to http://h2.ohio.gov/agriculture/.

Additionally, information from the Paulding SWCD

Phone number to office 419-399-4771.  Link to the website for H2Ohio information http://www.pauldingswcd.org/technical-programs/h2ohio/

Celebrate National Ag Day March 24 — Thanks to our Farmers …. Food brings everyone to the Table

Taken from www.agdaily.com/news/national-ag-day-2020/

Today, we celebrate National Agriculture Day, even if that means celebrating with 6 feet between us or online. It takes a lot more than a virus to stop farmers and ranchers from celebrating this special day. The Agriculture Council of America will host National Agriculture Day today, March 24, 2020. This will mark the 47th anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day 2020 is “Food Brings Everyone to the Table.”

In a Proclamation on National Agriculture Day, President Donald Trump said, “As our nation continues to face the unique challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, we pay tribute to the unbeatable strength of America’s agricultural producers as they once again answer the call to feed our country and the world.  On this National Agriculture Day, and now more than ever, we salute and honor the men and women who contribute daily to our national prosperity. Continue reading Celebrate National Ag Day March 24 — Thanks to our Farmers …. Food brings everyone to the Table →

March Madness in an Agriculture Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Julie Strawser (strawser.35@osu.edu), Teresa Funk (funk.67@osu.edu)

OSU Extension Announces Agriculture and Natural Resources Madness:
A Tournament of Education

Columbus, OHIO – Did your usual conference get canceled? Looking to fill the void of the big basketball tournament? Ohio State University Extension is here to help with a new virtual education program for farmers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources Madness: A Tournament of Education will include 64 educational events broken into daily brackets. Each day, a virtual educational session will be held at 9 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. The education tournament is free of charge and will likely continue until mid-May.

“This effort is a direct response to providing a variety of useful and timely sessions for farmers across the state during Governor DeWine’s stay-at-home order,” said Jacqueline Wilkins, interim director of OSU Extension. “While our ‘tournament’ is being loosely tied to March Madness, it’s not a competition, and people can join in at any time for as many or as few sessions as they desire.” Continue reading March Madness in an Agriculture Way →

Resiliency in a time of Pandemic

Many of our Ohio agricultural business partners are settling into teleworking, the challenges of setting home office boundaries with children who are out of school and taking care to keep family and friends most at risk for COVID-19 infections. It can be challenging.

Meanwhile, our Nation’s farmers are entering a third consecutive year of “never before seen” impacts on their livelihoods – First trade wars, then disastrous climate change impacts, and now… a global pandemic plus sharp commodity price drops associated with effects of crude oil price drops on ethanol production.

To paraphrase John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust: “None of us know how this is going to unfold over the next few months, but one thing is certain: America’s farmers and ranchers will be out in the field planting and getting ready for the 2020 season.”

Unsurprisingly, those who work in food and agriculture are “essential critical infrastructure workers” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

The stress is enormous. Still – across Ohio, farmers are getting ready for the spring planting season. Some operations have commenced in the southern part of the state. They are a resilient bunch. Continue reading Resiliency in a time of Pandemic →

Virtual Coffee Shop – Get online or call in on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Flowers and Birds

Native flowers and birds

I’m sure most of you have heard that The Ohio State University, along with many other organizations and businesses, have closed classes and reduced services.

All OSU offices have been closed in an attempt to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Though we are closed, all employees in our office will still be working full time from remote locations. We want to continue to serve our community, but do it in a safe way that does not contribute to the spread of the Coronavirus.

Here is how you can contact me during this time:
Email: noggle.17@osu.edu
Remote Work Phone Line: 567-344-5013 or call the office (Katie will connect you  to me directly) 419-399-8225
Zoom/video conference by appointment Continue reading Virtual Coffee Shop – Get online or call in on Tuesdays and Thursdays →

OSU Extension Office is temporarily closed

March 18, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL CONTACT: Paulding County Extension, 419-399-8225

OSU Extension offices throughout Ohio will implement teleworking options for staff amid current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak concerns

Columbus, OHIO – Governor DeWine recently issued a state of emergency for the state of Ohio, and along with the Ohio Department of Health, has implemented a variety of strategies to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To do our part in reducing risk to Ohio State University Extension employees or clientele, we have implemented a teleworking plan effective immediately, and all OSU Extension offices will be closed to the public until further notice. Continue reading OSU Extension Office is temporarily closed →

NW Ohio Newsletter

Looking for Agriculture or Horticulture events in NW Ohio ……. pesticide testing, re-certification, agronomy topics, farm management?  Check out the online NW Ohio Newsletter for any of these events.  There is so much more than what is list.  Don’t miss out on these great opportunities.   Follow this link to the newsletter and calendar of events. https://paulding.osu.edu/sites/paulding/files/imce/OSU2019WEB.pdf

DeWine to appoint new ODA and OEPA Directors

Dorothy Pelanda (left) and Laurie Stevenson

COLUMBUS — Republican Dorothy Pelanda of Marysville, a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, has been nominated by Governor-elect Mike DeWine to serve as the next director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Continue reading DeWine to appoint new ODA and OEPA Directors →

Moving from an E-mail newsletter to a Blog

Happy New Year!!

As we look forward to 2019, I am switching from an email monthly newsletter to a blog.  I have already transferred all of my current subscribers to receive a weekly update of my new posts from this blog site.  Click on the information that pertains to your operation.  Feel free to sign up additional employees or others related to your farming operation.  This will include local and area events.

Let’s make 2019 a successful year!