Livestock

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 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 →

Beef Quality Assurance in Putnam County on Wednesday, January 22

Putnam County will be the host for the region for those of you needing to certify or recertify for Beef Quality Assurance. The event will be held on Wednesday, January 22 from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM at the OSU Extension Office in Putnam County, 1206 East Second Street, Ottawa, OH 45875.

Join us for the annual Beef Quality Assurance Certification/Recertification program. Open to all and no cost to attend. RSVP to Beth Scheckelhoff at scheckelhoff.11@osu.edu or by calling (419)523-6294. Light refreshments will be provided by the Putnam County Cattlemen’s Association. Please call to sign up so we have an accurate food count!

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.

📅 When: Wednesday, January 15th, at 12:00 PM
💻 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!

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 →

Two August Field Days to Explore Barriers and Benefits of Crop and Livestock Integration

Exploring Crop and Livestock Integration Field Days

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-25/two-august-field-days-explore-barriers-and-benefits-crop-and by Cassandra Brown

Over the last 50 years, both crop and livestock production systems in the U.S. have become increasingly specialized and separated. A two-year Ohio State project has partnered with 31 working Ohio farms to examine the economic, ecological, and social impacts of specializing or integrating these farming systems. During this event, attendees will consider soil health results and other on-farm data from our two-year study, join in discussion with study participants about the benefits and barriers to integrating crop and livestock systems, and hear about specific strategies or issues from area farmers.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required to receive the meal provided during the event. This project is supported by a grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Two options to attend “Exploring Crop and Livestock Integration: Barriers and Benefits”

Is it time to cull the mature female and replace her with a heifer?

Cull or keep this mature cow?

Article is taken from https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/07/10/is-it-time-to-cull-the-mature-female-and-replace-her-with-a-heifer/#more-16653 by Dr. Andrew Griffith, Assistant Professor, Livestock Marketing Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee

I had a discussion last week concerning selling older cows and replacing them with bred heifers. This is an important decision for most cow-calf producers including myself as I have bred heifers for sale and I have some older cows whose useful life in the breeding herd is extremely short. Thus, there are multiple questions to answer.

The first is if and when a mature female should be marketed. The second is if she should be replaced with a younger breeding female now or at some later date.

From the market price perspective, it is extremely important to compare the value of the mature female with the value of replacing her. As an example, boning utility cows in Tennessee had an average price of $143.50 per hundredweight last week and had an average weight of 1,210 pounds, which results in a value of $1,736 per head.

The decision at this point is to develop and breed a female or to purchase a bred female. Bred females are guaranteed bred and will generate revenue more quickly which makes them more valuable than one to be developed and bred.

Register today, space is limited.

Article is taken from https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/07/10/beef-cattle-a-i-workshop-hosted-in-muskingum-county/

OSU Extension Muskingum County will host an introduction to artificial insemination of beef cattle on July 30 and August 1, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Extension Office in Zanesville. This two-night workshop is a classroom event starting on night one and concluding with hands-on-practice on night two.

Topics that will be covered during this workshop include: Advanced Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology, Estrous Synchronization, Pasture Considerations, Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s), and Tools, Equipment, & Techniques. Program cost is $20 per person and RSVP’s are due July 25.  The classroom location is the meeting room at the Rural Services Building, 225 Underwood St, Zanesville, OH.

Please RSVP and register using the online webform and payment portal found at go.osu.edu/muskingumbeef.

Direct questions to Clifton Martin, Extension Educator, Muskingum County (740-454-0144), or to Dean Kreager, Extension Educator, Licking County (740-670-5315), or see this flyer.

Plan now to make your summer forage seeding!

Article is taken from https://u.osu.edu/beef/ by Stan Smith, OSU Extension, Fairfield County

With Ohio’s wheat harvest being completed early this year it allows ample time to plan and prepare to do an August forage seeding. Over the next month soil fertility testing should be accomplished, perennial and biennial weeds can be controlled, and ample time remains for selecting and securing the desired forage species for seeding.

Continue reading Plan now to make your summer forage seeding! →

NW Ohio Small Ruminant Tours

Defiance and William County OSU Extension are working together to host farm visits across both counties. During May, six (6) farm visits will focus on local sheep production facilities.  The aim of the program is for students, farmers, and community members to have the chance to interact and ask questions to local sheep producers. The tour is a great opportunity to have a boots-on-the-ground experience and learn more about agriculture in the community. The events are completely free, we ask that you register in advance so we can take the proper biosecurity steps. The Defiance County stops on the tour will be held starting at 6 pm on May 9th outside of Edgerton, May 16th outside of Holgate, and May 23rd outside of Defiance. For more information and to register contact us at the Defiance County Extension office (419-782-4771) or follow the link go.osu.edu/sheeptour.

To see the official flyer click here.

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

2024 Small Ruminant Feed and Water Use Efficiency Survey

Thank you for your interest in responding to this survey.

Before proceeding, please review the following information related to the study and your rights. By completing the survey you will help us determine the average level of awareness and base knowledge of feed and water use efficiency in small ruminant livestock. This online survey will direct you through a set of questions. You can access the survey at https://go.osu.edu/2024smallruminantefficiency or this QR Code

Continue reading 2024 Small Ruminant Feed and Water Use Efficiency Survey →

Forage Challenges as the Weather Turns Cooler to Keep Livestock Safe

From OSU Extension’s CORN Newsletter:

By Kyle Verhoff, ANR Educator, Defiance County, and Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Field Specialist, Dairy & Precision Livestock

As the year begins to wrap up and temperatures drop, there are countless things to consider including how the coming frosts impact the toxicity of our forages. This past week many portions of the state began to flirt with possible overnight frosts which raises concerns of prussic acid poisoning, nitrate poisoning, and increased bloat as a result of feeding certain fall forages. Continue reading Forage Challenges as the Weather Turns Cooler to Keep Livestock Safe →

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! →

Manure Management & Field Spill Demonstrations – Local Opportunity

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

1:00 – 4:00 pm | Delphos, OH

Learn how to respond to a liquid manure spill through this live spill demonstration and presentations.

Continuing education credits for CLM (3) and CCA (3) certifications

 

Click here for details.

2023 Small Farm Conference Registration Open!

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Mansfield Ohio on March 11, 2023.  The theme for this year’s Mid-Ohio Small Farm Conference is “Sowing Seeds for Success.”

Conference session topics are geared toward beginning and small farm owners as well as farms looking to diversify their operations.  There will be five different conference tracks including Farm Office, Horticulture and Produce Production, Livestock, Agritourism/ Marketing, and Natural Resources.

Some conference topic highlights include: How to purchase our family farm, food animal processing, beekeeping, sweet corn, blueberry and pumpkin production, small ruminant nutrition, agritourism laws, fruit tree pruning, and cut flower diseases.

Anyone interested in developing, growing, or diversifying their small farm is invited to attend including market gardeners, farmers market vendors, and anyone interested in small farm living.

Attendees will have the opportunity to browse a trade show featuring the newest and most innovative ideas and services for their farming operations. The conference provides an opportunity to talk with the vendors and network with others.

The Conference will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Mansfield OSU Campus in Ovalwood Hall, just minutes from I-71 and US Rt 30.

For conference and registration call OSU Extension Morrow County at 419-947-1070 or OSU Extension Knox County at 740-397-0401. Please follow this link to register for the conference: https://go.osu.edu/2023osusmallfarmconf

2023 Session Descriptions

Small Farm Conference Brochure 2023

Certified Livestock Manager Webinar 4: A Summary of eBarnsOn-Farm Research – CLM Credits Offered

Join the Water Quality Team for our 4th Certified Livestock Manager Webinar of the series on February 6th from 10-11:30 am for “A Summary of eBarns On-Farm Research”.  Speakers include OSU’s own Dr. Brady Campbell, Assistant Professor, and Small Ruminant Specialist, Courtney Krieger, Water Quality Extension Associate, and USDA’s Dr. Jessica Pempek, Research Animal Scientist.  CLM and CCA Credits will be offered at the end of the program. Register at go.osu.edu/CLM to attend this webinar. For questions email emmons.118@osu.edu

eBarns was new in 2022 and focuses on applied livestock, forage, and manure management research across Ohio. The report can be found online at go.osu.edu/ebarns2022. Continue reading Certified Livestock Manager Webinar 4: A Summary of eBarnsOn-Farm Research – CLM Credits Offered →

2023 OSU Beef School Opportunities

Join the OSU Extension Beef Team with three upcoming educational opportunities. by Garth Ruff, Beef Cattle Specialist.

2023 OSU Beef Team Virtual Beef School

Starting in January and running through April, the 2023 OSU Beef Team Virtual Beef School will be hosted on Zoom on Wednesday evenings once a month at 6:30 PM. Topics will include Beef Inputs and Outlook, Managing Reproduction, Herd Health Management/Update, and Beef Team Live Roundtable. Participants can attend one or all sessions a no cost. To register for the webinars go to http://go.osu.edu/beefschool23. Official Virtual Beef School Flyer

Specific Dates and Topics.

  • January 11 – A Look at Input Costs, Barry Ward, OSU Extension; Cattle Market Outlook, Garth Ruff, OSU Extension
  • February 8 – Presynchronization and Improving Fertility of Beef Cows, Alex Crist, OSU Animal Sciences; Synchronization and Natural Service, Dean Kreager, OSU Extension
  • March 8 — Asian Longhorn Tick and Theileria, Dr. Risa Pesepane, OSU Vet Preventative Medicine; Managing Disease in 2023, Dr. Justin Kieffer DVM, OSU Animal Sciences
  • April 12 — Beef Team Live Roundtable, Ask Questions and Discuss Answers with OSU Extension Beef Team Members

Ohio Beef Cattle Feeding School

On February 6, 2023, there will be a Beef Cattle Feeding School. This year’s Cattle Feeding School will focus on adding value to the cattle feeding enterprise with three featured speakers at two different locations (Hancock and Wayne County). The cost of the event is $20 at each location with a meal provided.

  • Dr. Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State Beef Feedlot Specialist will discuss Marketing and Feeding Considerations for Dairy Beef and Beef x Dairy Cross Cattle.
  • Can we add value to beef manure? Eric Richer, Farm Management Field Specialist will be covering Compost and Fertilizer Potential for Pen Pack Beef Manure.
  • The third speaker of the evening will be GarthRuff, Beef Cattle Field Specialist who will talk Beef Market Outlook for 2023.

The Hancock County event will take place from 12:00 – 2:30 PM at the OSU Extension Office in Hancock County, 7868 County Road 140, Suite B, Findlay, OH 45840. The Wayne County event will take place from 6:00 – 8:30 PM at OARDC Shishler Conference Center, 1680 Madison Ave, Wooster, OH 44691.

Check out the 2023 Ohio Beef Cattle Feeding Flyer to reserve your spot and register for the event.

Ohio Beef Cow/Calf Workshop -Optimizing Herd Fertility

Join the OSU Extension Beef Team on Monday, February 20, 2023, 9:00 am -2:30 pm, at Clemens Farms, 5135 N.Bankes Rd., Malta, OH 43758 for a Cow/Calf Workshop dealing with herd fertility. The cost is $10 per person and the event is limited to the first 50 attendees. Participants must RSVP to OSU Extension Morgan County at 740-962-4854 by February 15, 2023. The event will include a Beef lunch and all materials. Participants are to dress for hands-on demonstrations.

Presentation Topics:

  • Feed Sampling and Nutrient Analysis
  • Mineral Nutrition for Beef Cows
  • Heifer Development Strategies
  • Heifer Synchronization Options
  • Body Condition Scoring and
  • Facilities Tour

Contact information: Chris Penrose, OSU Extension Morgan County. 740-962-4854 or Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Beef Cattle Field Specialist. 740-305-3201.

To see the official flyer: 2023 OH Cow Calf Workshop – Flyer