2020 Williams County Weed Survey

Since 2006, Ohio State University Extension has recorded presence and level of infestation of weed species by surveying soybean fields in the fall. This information informs future weed management studies, led by Weed Science State Specialist Dr. Mark Loux, and identifies which weed species pose the greatest threat. Each county’s ANR Educator drives a 80-100 mi. circular route in his or her county, observing 80-100 soybean fields to estimate levels of weed infestation. Continue reading

OSU Agricultural Lender Seminar Virtual for 2020

This article originally appeared in Ohio Ag Manager

For over 30 years, OSU Extension has been providing Ohio’s agricultural lenders with professional development training.  The seminar is scheduled for October, but the venue will be online.  The 2020 OSU Extension Agricultural Lender Seminar will be help on October 21, 2020 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Continue reading

Precautions for Feeding Frosted and Drought-Stressed Forages

By:  Mark Sulc

Hay bales in the field

Livestock owners feeding forage need to keep in mind the potential for some forage toxicities and other problems that can develop this fall. High nitrates and prussic acid poisoning are the main potential concerns. These are primarily an issue with annual forages and several weed species, but nitrates can be an issue even in drought stressed perennial forages. There is also an increased risk of bloat when grazing legumes after a frost. Continue reading

Five Things to Know about Fall Herbicide Treatments

By:  Mark Loux

There is plenty of information on fall herbicide treatments in the C.O.R.N. newsletter archive and on other university websites.  Our philosophy on this has not changed much over the past decade.  A few brief reminders follow:

1.  When to spray?  Anytime between now and Thanksgiving will work, and possibly later.  We have applied into late December and still eventually controlled the weeds present at time of application.  Once hard freezes start to occur, there is usually a substantial change in the condition of certain weeds, such as dandelion and thistle, that renders them less sensitive to herbicides.  We discourage applications during periods of very cold weather which can occur starting about Thanksgiving, and also (obviously) when the ground is snow-covered. Continue reading

Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents 2019-20

By: Barry Ward, Leader, Production Business Management, Director, OSU Income Tax Schools, College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, OSU Extension

Ohio cropland varies significantly in its production capabilities and, consequently, cropland values and cash rents vary widely throughout the state. Generally speaking, western Ohio cropland values and cash rents differ from much of eastern Ohio and parts of southern Ohio cropland values and cash rents. The primary factors affecting these values and rates are land productivity and potential crop return, and the variability of those crop returns. Soils and drainage capabilities are the two factors that heavily influence land productivity, crop return and variability of those crop returns. Continue reading

A conversation with OSU Extension Beef Field Specialist Garth Ruff

This interview was originally featured in the Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter.

Last week OSU Extension Educator Clifton Martin had the opportunity to visit with Garth Ruff about Garth’s recent hiring as the OSU Extension Beef Specialist and current trends in the Beef Industry. During that conversation they covered trends in Ohio, the role of the OSU Extension Beef Specialist, opportunities for outreach, the status of Beef Quality Assurance, and key opportunities for producers to stay ahead of the curve.

Enjoy that conversation here:

The transcript of this recording may be found in PDF format linked here.

Ohio State University (OSU) Extension’s Ohio Women in Agriculture Program announces opportunities to Learn, Grow, Connect, Inspire and Empower at the 2020 Online Farm Science Review!

By:  Gigi Neal

Are you familiar with one of Ohio’s pioneering women in agriculture and her connection to the Farm Science Review?  As the matriarch of the Farm Science Review, Molly Caren was instrumental in the establishment of the OSU research farm in London, OH. The Molly Caren Agricultural Center plays host to the annual review that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year. As we look at the US Census and NASS (National Agriculture Statistic Service) data, women who own, operate, and produce agricultural products have reached a 1:3 ratio for farmers and ranchers across the country. The same holds true in Ohio with a total number of women farm operators at 43, 256! Continue reading

Ohio Pork Council Emergency Response for Non-Disease Event Webinar

Do you know how to build a farm emergency response plan? Attend our webinar and learn from expert tips!

Given the tight packing capacity and lack of skilled workers, the Fall processing season has already presented challenges, not to mention the added complications of COVID-19. Abrupt slow down of processing plants may happen. Liquidation of market pigs may be necessary. The goal of this webinar is to encourage Ohio pig farmers to engage and prepare an emergency response plan for their farms. Ohio Pork Council members are encouraged to attend.

Emergency Response for a Non-Disease Event Webinar
September 23, 2020
6:00-7:30 p.m.

Agenda
6:00-6:10 p.m.: Welcome, Anti-Trust Statement – Cheryl Day, Executive Vice President, Ohio Pork Council
6:10-6:15 p.m.: Opening Comments – Dr. Tony Forshey, State Veterinarian, Ohio Department of Agriculture
6:15-6:30 p.m.: Why Your Farm Should Have an Emergency Plan – Dr. Terri Specht, Staff Veterinarian, Heimerl Farms
6:30-6:45 p.m.: Emergencies Happen; We are Here for You – Cheryl Day
6:45-7:15 p.m.: The Nuts and Bolts of Developing a Plan – Steve Moeller, Professor and Swine Extension Specialist, Ohio State University
7:15-7:30 p.m.: Q&A Panel

Click here to register for webinar.