Disease

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.

Red Crown Rot: What Ohio Soybean Growers Need to Know

Article by: Sarah J. Noggle, Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Paulding County

As the 2025 growing season begins, it’s important for Ohio soybean farmers to be aware of a potential new threat: Red Crown Rot (RCR). While this disease has not yet been confirmed in Ohio, it has been identified in nearby states, including Kentucky and Illinois, which means vigilance is key.

What is Red Crown Rot?
Red Crown Rot is a soilborne fungal disease caused by Calonectria ilicicola. It can be easily confused with other common soybean diseases like Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Brown Stem Rot (BSR) because of similar yellowing between the leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis). However, a key identifying feature of Red Crown Rot is the presence of brick-red fungal structures at the base of the stem and crown, especially noticeable under wet conditions.

Why Does It Matter?
Red Crown Rot can lead to significant yield losses and is challenging to manage once it becomes established in a field. Understanding how to recognize early symptoms and differentiate it from other diseases is critical for minimizing its impact. Continue reading Red Crown Rot: What Ohio Soybean Growers Need to Know →

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.

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.

If African Swine Fever Comes to Your Neighborhood, Are You Prepared?

Learn the signs and what to do if African Swine Fever or another foreign animal disease affects your herd. This program addresses the steps you should take, the state and federal response, and biosecurity planning. Presentations provided by Ohio Department of Agriculture, USDA, and The Ohio State University.

WHO: Veterinarians with swine clientele & small swine producers (Even if you have just a pig or two this information is for you! But, producers of any size are welcome to attend.)

WHERE AND WHEN: All Presentations 6-7:30 p.m.

  • December 8th  Licking County Extension Office; 771 E Main St, Suite 103, Newark
  • January 12th  Clinton County Extension Office; 111 S Nelson Ave, Suite 2, Wilmington
  • February 2nd  Champaign County Extension Office; 1512 S US Highway 68, Suite B100, Urbana
  • February 16th  Putnam County Extension Office; 1206 E 2nd St, Ottawa
  • January 19th  OSU – ATI; 1328 Dover Rd, Wooster

Brochure attached. There is no cost to attend and no RSVP is required. Light refreshments are provided by Ohio Pork Council. Any questions? Contact Dr. Kristy Shaw at 614.728.6253 or kristy.shaw@agri.ohio.gov.

Small Swine Producer Flyer11.2021.