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!

Paulding County Farm Bureau is looking for volunteers to help before, during and after the Paulding County Fair.

The Paulding County Farm Bureau is looking for volunteers for various time slots before, during, and after the Paulding County Fair in 2022. Due to the farming season and weather-related events, there are times the Farm Bureau needs to reach out beyond its board membership. Without volunteers in the community, these activities won’t be able to take place.

The fair runs from Saturday, June 11 to Saturday, June 18. These volunteers are preferably adults or older youth partnering with a parent/guardian. Tasks include helping with selling ice cream in their booth, helping with the Farmer Share Breakfast, helping with the Kids Dream Day event, and set-up and teardown of their building.  Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054faaa82da4f94-paulding

Thank you,

Abram Klopfenstein, President of Paulding County Farm Bureau

Jessica Vandenbroek, Organizational Director, Paulding, Putnam, Allen, and Van Wert Farm Bureau

Ohio Legislative Update: County Fair Funds, Water Quality Bonds, Animal-drawn Vehicles, Regulation, Broadband Services, Eminent Domain, Beginning Farmer Funds, Wind, Solar

Hopefully, Ohio’s planting season will soon be as busy as its legislative season.  There’s a lot of activity down at the capitol these days, with many bills on the move.  Here’s a summary of bills that could impact agriculture and rural communities. Note that the summary doesn’t include the budget bill, which we’ll address in a separate article.

Water quality bonds.  A joint resolution recently offered in the Senate supports amending Ohio’s Constitution to create permanent funds for clean water improvements.  S.J.R. 2, a bipartisan proposal from Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) and Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Hts.) would place a ballot issue before voters in November.  The issue proposes amending the Constitution to allow for the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund clean water improvements.  Up to $1 billion over 10 years would be permissible, with no more than $100 million allocated in any fiscal year.  Bond funds would create a permanent source of funding for the H2Ohio program, which is now dependent upon the state budget process.

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