Seneca County will be hosting a beef quality assurance training on February 6, 2025 from 6-8pm. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training helps producers improve animal welfare, enhance food safety, and boost the quality of their beef products. By adopting best management practices, producers can increase consumer confidence, potentially leading to higher market value and better overall herd health. This training is free to attend and refreshments will be provided. Although we do not require registration, you may do so by calling 419-447-9722 or emailing Pressley at buurma.20@osu.edu

Four new articles have been posted in this week’s issue number 1428 of the Ohio BEEF Cattle letter: http://u.osu.edu/beef/

Hoping 2025 is a good one and that you can join us at some of the upcoming programs OSU Extension Beef Team members have planned this year : https://u.osu.edu/beefteam/events-programs/

Articles this week include:

• Where do we go from here?
• The benefits of frost seeding legumes
• Variable Rate Frost Seeding Evaluated at UK Research and Education Center
• 2024 Beef Cattle Market Review

To register, please call our office at 419-447-9722 or email buurma.20@osu.edu

Lunch will be provided courtesy of Ag Credit- Tiffin

Thursday, February 6th, 2025

 Sharonville Convention Center
11355 Chester Rd
Cincinnati, OH  45246

Don’t miss this premier Tri-State Green Industry Educational Event:

• Ten education tracks with sessions on horticulture, tree care, lawn care, and more
• Networking opportunities
• Trade show
• Professional credits for ISA, LACES, and pesticide applicators in OH, IN, and KY

More details at go.osu.edu/gic_info

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

 Register now: go.osu.edu/gic2025_register 

Stay tuned for student and educator pricing.

For bulk registration (10+ attendees) email Fern Gulley gulley.66@osu.edu

Support a legacy conference: Become a sponsor!

Consider increasing your company’s visibility and helping this cornerstone industry event thrive by being a sponsor. Opportunities start as low as $250!

Learn more at go.osu.edu/gic_sponsor

The Tri-State Green Industry Conference is a collaborative educational effort between the following organizations, arboreta, and botanical gardens, as well as Green Industry leaders:

• Ohio State University Extension
• Purdue Extension
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• University of Cincinnati
• The Boone County Arboretum
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

Questions? Email Fern Gulley at gulley.66@osu.edu

With the turn of the calendar year coming off a year with a record setting number of tornados in Ohio, what should we expect for early 2025?  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts the 2024-2025 winter season in Ohio have temperatures leaning above to likely above normal, and precipitation leaning above to likely above normal.  While these forecasts are for the overall winter season, OSU Extension Climate Specialist Aaron Wilson cautioned of the possibility of significant snowfall or ice accumulation in the coming days.  This could be followed by very cold, Artic air through the first half of January.

How do we prepare the farm for such conditions?  Take advantage of daylight, when temperatures are warmer, and when weather is favorable to winterize equipment and buildings.  This is also a good time for routine maintenance so there is less probability of breakdowns needing repair when conditions are less than favorable.

Keep an eye on the weather.  Being aware of not only the short-term forecast, but also the long-term forecast is as important in the winter as it is in the Spring when trying to get crops in the ground.  Before a heavy snow falls, it is beneficial to clearly mark where drives are and especially where any lagoons and ponds are located.  This will assist those less familiar with the layout of the farmstead to avoid dangerous situations.

Be prepared for the unexpected with livestock.  Do not wait until temperatures are below freezing to shop for a water tank heater.  You will most likely find an empty shelf.  Have water tank heaters ready as well as any heat lamps that may be necessary for farrowing, lambing, kidding, etc.  Have a contingency plan for power outages that will allow you to get water to livestock.  Depending on the forecast, you may want some extra supplies of feed and bedding material in case trips to town and deliveries may be delayed or not possible.

Take care of yourself!  Layer clothing so depending on the amount of physical labor you are performing you may remain comfortable.  Ensure your head and hands are always warm.  Even as in the summer, be mindful to stay hydrated and avoid over-exertion.  When using alternate power and heating sources, be mindful of carbon monoxide buildup and provide adequate ventilation.  At all times, let someone know where you will be working.

Being prepared increases safety, reduces stress, and facilitates smooth operation in less-than-ideal circumstances.

For more information, please call Wayne Dellinger at the Union County Extension Office at 937-644-8117 or email dellinger.6@osu.edu.