Day: January 18, 2024

Taxonomic challenges in the identification process, an example – Alder Sawfly, Nematus erythrogaster

by at

The Ohio State Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic (PPDC) received a sample of sawfly larvae from Holden Arboretum collected on a species of alder (Alnus spp.) in June 2023. The larvae were eating alder leaves when they were collected by the propagator at Holden Forests and Gardens.

Among the sawflies in North America that are reported to feed on alder, Nematus erythrogaster is the only one that resembles these larvae.

Because of the inability to identify the color-faded larvae due to storage in ethanol, we sent them to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) for confirmation. Then, they submitted the sample to the National Identification Services (NIS) for molecular identification.

Learn more here

Professional Marketer Program launches February 1st

by at

Ohio grain, beef cattle, and dairy producers will have an opportunity to sharpen their commodity marketing skills at the 2024 Professional Marketer Program.  This advanced marketing school will consist of 5 sessions held one day each week during the month of February.  It will be held at the Buckeye Ag Museum in Wooster, OH.

The session topics and speakers are as follows:

February 1, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Introduction to Hedging with Futures and Options Markets, John Yost, OSU Extension Wayne Co.

Developing a Marketing Plan, John Yost, OSU Extension Wayne Co.

February 7th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Enterprise Budgets, Breakevens, and Farm Taxes, Barry Ward, Leader of Production Business Management – OSU Dept of AEDE

Budgeting for Family Living Expenses, David Marrison, OSU Extension Farm Management Specialist

Working with your Lender, Evan Hahn, Farm Credit

Crop Insurance, Eric Richer, OSU Extension Farm Management Field Specialist

February 14th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Climate and Weather Outlook, Aaron Wilson, OSU Extension Ag Weather & Climate Field Specialist

International Policy Impact on Commodity Markets, Ian Sheldon, Andersons Professor of International Trade – OSU Dept of AEDE

Fundamentals of Grain Markets, Seungki Lee, Assist. Prof. of Farm Management – OSU Dept of AEDE

Fundamentals of Beef Cattle Markets, Nevil Speer, Consultant

Fundamentals of Dairy Markets, Chris Wolf, Cornell University

February 22nd, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Futures & Option Markets Technical Analysis, Alan Brugler, Brugler Marketing & Management

Pricing Strategies and LDP’s for Beef Cattle, Kenneth Burdine, University of Kentucky

Advanced Pricing Strategies for Grain, Linsday Rettig, Grain Marketing Specialist – Kalmbach Feeds

Milk Marketing for Income Protection, Jason Hartschuh, OSU Extension Dairy Management Field Specialist

February 28th, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Mental Health and Work Stress, Bridget Britton, OSU Extension Behavioral Health Field Specialist

Being the Best Boss, Rob Leeds, OSU Extension Delaware Co

Farm Insurance, Robert Moore, Attorney and Research Specialist – OSU Extension

Farm Bill Update, Jack Irvin, Vice President, Public Policy – Ohio Farm Bureau

At the end of each session, participants will have time to work on developing a marketing plan for their operation.  The cost of the program is $150 and provide you with a binder of all course materials and lunch and break refreshments each day.  The registration deadline is January 20th.  You can register at http://go.osu.edu/2024professionalmarketer or by calling the Wayne County Extension Office at 330-264-8722.

Precision Livestock Farming for Beef Producers

by at

This winter OSU Extension Digital Ag team is offering a 6 part Zoom series on precision livestock farming. Programs will begin on Wednesday, January 31st from noon to 1 and continue for 6 weeks. Each program will feature a different speaker on various precision livestock topics.

Three of the topics will be of particular interest to beef producers. The first on January 31st will focus on utilizing drones and remote imagery to determine forage quality and quantity in pasture and hay fields. Dr. Josh Jackson, Assistant Extension Professor with the University of Kentucky will be our featured speaker for this presentation.

The next program of interest will be on February 28th, while its focus is on using activity and temperature monitoring for dairy calves, heifers, and cows this technology could also be used in beef cattle for early disease detection or estrus detection just like in dairy cattle. The featured speaker for this presentation will be Jason Hartschuh, OSU Extension Field Specialist, Dairy Management and Precision Livestock.

The last Beef-focused presentation will be on March 6th featuring new technology for pen-side diagnosis of the pathogen that is causing Bovin Respiratory Disease in your cattle to improve treatment recommendations. The featured speaker for this presentation is Dr. Mohit Verma, Assistant Professor, of Agriculture and Biological Engineering at Purdue University.

Other programs will feature technology for sheep, swine, and poultry producers.

To sign up for these programs register for free at https://go.osu.edu/plf24