Are you a hunter, landowner, or wildlife enthusiast? If so, please join the Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife for an evening workshop about chronic wasting disease (CWD) in Ohio’s wild deer herd.

Each workshop will cover:

• What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?
• Navigating Disease Surveillance Area Regulations
• Carcass Handling Restrictions & Best Management Practices
• Where and How to Test my Deer for CWD?
• How does CWD impact Deer Management?

Chronic Wasting Disease in Ohio’s Wild Deer Herd: What You Need to Know

• August 8 – Hardin County
• August 12 – Union County
• August 29 – Wyandot County
• September 5 – Crawford County
• September 10 – Allen County
• September 12 – Marion County

All workshops are 6:30 – 8:30 pm. See the attached flyer for locations. 

There is no fee to attend these workshops. Due to space limitations, REGISTRATION is REQUIRED.

Visit go.osu.edu/cwdworkshop to register.

Contact Name: Marne Titchenell

Contact Email: titchenell.4@osu.edu

Originally Published in the C.O.R.N. Newsletter

Authors: Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez

Winter wheat maturation is about 10-14 days ahead of normal with harvest beginning late last week in southern Ohio. Last year, winter wheat yield was extremely high with a state average of 90 bu./acre (USDA NASS, 2024). During the previous five years, the state average wheat yield ranged from 56 to 85 bu./acre (average of 73 bu./acre). Last year, we attributed high yields to low rainfall (and consequently low disease) and cool temperatures, leading to a long grain-fill period. This year, we’ve experienced warmer temperatures, greater disease, and shorter grain-fill periods. Between March 1 and June 16, 2024, there were 1,000, 1,135, and 912 growing degree days at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station, Western Agricultural Research Station, and Wooster Campus, respectively (Table 1). During the same time period last year, there were 738, 816, and 617 growing degree days at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station, Western Agricultural Research Station, and Wooster Campus, respectively.

Table 1. Monthly growing degree day accumulation in 2023 and 2024 (CFAES Weather System, https://weather.cfaes.osu.edu/).

This year, wheat yield will likely be lower than last year. However, earlier wheat harvest opens opportunities for a second crop following wheat. In Ohio, double-crop soybeans are the most common crop after wheat harvest, but other crops, such as sunflower, may be planted. The two primary requirements for successful double cropping are: 1) There must be time for the production of a second crop, and 2) There must be adequate water to produce two crops, whether from stored soil moisture, rainfall, or irrigation. The first requirement will likely be met, with earlier wheat harvest and a predicted later first freeze date, but continued dry weather in areas of the state may be problematic. However, several management practices will help maximize double crop yield potential.

Double crop soybean management considerations.

1. Soybean relative maturity. Relative maturity (RM) has little effect on yield when soybeans are planted during the first three weeks of May. However, the effect of RM can be larger for late plantings. When planting soybean late, the latest maturing variety that will reach physiological maturity before the first killing frost is recommended. This is to allow the soybean plants to grow vegetatively as long as possible to produce nodes where pods can form before vegetative growth is slowed due to flowering and pod formation.

Table 2. Recommended relative maturity (RM) ranges for soybean varieties planted in June and July in northern, central, and southern Ohio.

1. Row spacing. Double-crop soybeans should be produced in narrow rows- 7.5 or 15-inch row spacing. The later soybeans are planted, the greater the yield increase due to narrow rows. Soybeans grown in narrow rows produce more grain because they capture more sunlight energy, which drives photosynthesis.

1. Seeding rate. Soybean plant population at harvest for mid-to-late June plantings should be between 130,000-150,000 plants/acre. The harvest population for early July plantings should be greater than 180,000 plants/acre. Harvest population is a function of seeding rate, quality of the planter operation, and seed germination percentage and depends on such things as soil moisture condition, seed-soil contact, and disease pressure.

Double-crop sunflower management considerations.

In addition to double cropping with soybean, other alternatives may become feasible within the crop system. In 2022-2023, field experiments were established to study sunflowers’ viability as a double crop after wheat or barley harvest in Ohio (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Double crop agronomic sunflowers planted at 30-inch row spacing after wheat harvest during 2022-2023 field projects in Ohio.

The study had three commercial high oleic sunflower varieties: “ultra-early” maturity (N4H161 CL), “early” maturity (N4H302 E), and “mid-early” maturity (CP 455 E). These varieties were studied across three seeding rates: 17,000 seeds per Acre, 22,000 seeds per Acre, and 27,000 seeds per Acre. Preliminary results showed sunflower yields ranging between 1,012 lbs./Ac and 2,740 lbs./Ac (Table 3). The average yields per site were in the 1,400 to 1,900 lbs./Ac range, with the two highest yield sites being comparable to the average U.S. sunflower seed yields in the past two years.

Table 3. Study locations, previous crop, planting dates, harvest dates, and double crop sunflower yields in pounds per Acre (lbs./Ac) at 10% moisture.

From the preliminary results on the sunflower work, crop production challenges have included weather, equipment availability, bird damage, plant lodging, and variable/low stand counts which have possibly limiting crop yields. This project is in progress and will be planted again in 2024, more results are forthcoming. Future considerations for sunflowers should include consistency of results across sites/years, variety selection, seeding rate, germination, fertility, bird control, seed/oil quality, and marketing options as major priorities.

Reference:

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2024. Quick Stats. Available at: https://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/results/58FEB025-0AD4-3B92-9F18-30D377D14279

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

Author(s):

Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez

– Haley Shoemaker, OSU Extension AGNR Educator, Columbiana and Mahoning Counties (originally published in the Ohio Farmer on-line ; sourced from the Ohio Beef Cattle Letter)

These days dropping a cull or feeder calf off at the local auction can feel a little bit like Christmas in July – prices are solid, and markets are strong, largely due to a decline in cattle inventory following years of drought and

Find out where your ‘benchmarks’ fit among your peers.

production challenges.  And while as cattle producers we’re naturally inclined to keep the “when will these prices end” thought in the back of our mind, we also sometimes find ourselves getting comfortable with the idea of $135/cwt for culls or upwards of $300/cwt for calves.

Periods of high prices, such as those the industry is experiencing now, have been known to make the good farm business manager look great, and the mediocre farm manager look good.  Anyone who’s been in business for any amount of time knows that these trends have a way of evening themselves out, but the factor that remains is that a well-managed farm business will stand the test of time, and volatile markets.  One of the tools utilized by beef herd managers across the U.S. is called FINPACK, a financial analysis software service offered in Ohio through the Farm Business Analysis and Benchmarking Team.  Each year, farm analysis teams throughout the country collect data from a variety of enterprises, ranging from beef, dairy, and crops to specialty products and small ruminants.  The data collected from balance sheets, income statements, and enterprise analyses not only provide invaluable information to the producer and their operation, but also compile the national database, known as “FINBIN”, managed by the University of Minnesota.

Taking a look at FINBIN’s five-year financial report for beef cow-calf enterprises, a couple trends stick out – net return, an indicator of the farm’s profitability, has only recently climbed into the positive during 2023 at an average of $125.31 per cow, preceded by four years ranging between ($41.50) and ($113.13) per cow.  2023’s rise in net return was accompanied by increased direct and overhead expenses, totaling $1,019.85 per head on average, indicating that even with elevated feed and operating costs, managers who took a calculated approach to business decisions “made the most” so to speak, of a favorable marketing landscape.  Those producers who managed their way into the top 20% of beef herds included in the 2023 database saw an average net return of $564.09 per cow, and an average of $812.14 per cow in direct and overhead expenses.  This represents a nearly $438 break separating the “average” and “top” herds, which can be the difference between a profit or loss during a year of weaker markets.

So, how do you know where your farm falls?  Is your business average, slightly above, or excelling – and how does your operation measure financial success?  If “I don’t know” was the answer to any of those questions, completing a farm business analysis may be a logical next step.  Beginning a financial analysis can be an eye-opening experience for a farm business.  In addition to gaining perspective on how a farm compares to similar operations throughout the state, producers also learn how to keep more targeted and detailed records, allowing for historical data and trends to be identified over years of participation in the program.  These trends provide insight into the operations’ reaction to business decisions and market variability, and can help producers clearly decipher financial strengths, areas of potential concern, and opportunities for improvement.

Producers throughout Ohio have the option of completing either a whole farm analysis, or whole farm with enterprise analysis.  Both provide individualized reports that take into account beginning and ending balance sheets and income statements, however those who complete an enterprise analysis will also receive summaries breaking down costs of production per unit (per head, cwt, acre, etc.).  All data is handled with care to preserve confidentiality.  Additionally, personalized benchmark reports serve as a useful tool in visualizing an operations percentile ranking among peers, which has often been stated as one of the most beneficial outputs of completing a farm business analysis.

Getting started is as simple as reaching out to your county Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, or to Clint Schroeder, Program Manager, at 567-242-6693 or via email at schroeder.307@osu.edu.  It’s tempting during times of favorable prices to shift resources and attention to putting out the next most demanding fire, but recent history has proven that consistent, diligent management is what prepares a farm for years where financial efficiency matters most.  In the long run, you can’t manage what you don’t measure – don’t let your financial success fall into that category.

Sources:

Beef Cow-Calf – Average Per Cow Sorted by Year: https://go.osu.edu/cowcalf5yearavg

Beef Cow-Calf – 2023 High 20% of Farms: https://go.osu.edu/cowcalfhigh20

The January issue of OFN is attached and also available online. In this issue, you will learn about:

• Proposed changes to the registrations for Ziram, Thiram, and Ferbam, three fungicides that are critical to fruit disease management
• The current status of agricultural water standards for the Produce Safety Rule
• Fruit disease diagnosed in 2023 by the Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic

Print version OFN_JAN_2024

Online version https://u.osu.edu/fruitpathology/fruit-news-2/ 

– Matt Kleinhez, Article Originally Posted on Fruit, Vegetable, & Specialty Crop News)

Interest in marketing locally-grown, freshly-harvested vegetables fall through spring is strong and increasing among high tunnel growers in the Midwest, Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, Mid-South, and Northeast. Scanning the agendas of industry meetings and listening to growers and others in these areas makes clear that fall through spring harvest and marketing of high tunnel-grown crops is an established and increasingly common practice. Importantly, some growers have transitioned to cash cropping their high tunnels only fall through spring and leaving summer to grow cover crops and focus on other priorities, including field-based production. Conversations with and public presentations by these growers and other experts make clear that fall through spring income from high tunnel production can be significant if the correct crops and varieties are chosen and suitable practices are used.

We have long wondered which crops, varieties, and practices may be ideal for Ohio high tunnel growers looking to harvest fall through spring. Much of our previous research focused on a relatively small number of crops and the use of various tools and practices (e.g., films, fabrics, and/or soil heating). Our goal was to describe potential production outcomes when high tunnel growers invested in the process to various levels. Results from those experiments suggest that yields are likely to be greatest when investments are also highest, for example, when soil heating, plastic films, and row covers and the effort to maximize their utility are used. Those studies were summarized previously in this blog.

We are asking a different question in Winter 2023-2024. As the three panels below describe, seven crops were seeded in two high tunnels in October-2023 and grown without any supplemental heating, films, or row covers. This “minimalist” approach explores the worst-case scenario, the minimum that can be expected from these crops under the conditions they have experienced since seeding. This approach may appeal to growers unfamiliar with fall through spring production and/or those who are unwilling or unable to invest much time, money, or effort in it, at least at this time. The test outlined below is one example of what can be expected but many others exist. Of course, different outcomes may be possible when other varieties, planting dates, and growing practices are used. Upcoming evaluations will push the “minimalist” approach further as all crops capable of being grown and harvested fall through spring do not require a high tunnel. Please contact me (Matt Kleinhenz, 330.263.3810, kleinhenz.1@osu.edu) if you would like more information.

– Kate Hornyak, OSU Extension Program Coordinator, Delaware County (originally published on Ohio Farmer on-line)

Water stands as an essential nutrient for beef cattle, much like it does for humans. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including growth, reproduction, lactation, and the regulation of body temperature. However, the winter season intensifies the challenge of providing a sufficient and accessible water supply. This difficulty is compounded by the freezing temperatures and changes in the behavior of the livestock during colder months.

Challenges in Winter Water Management

Managing water for livestock during the winter months presents distinct hurdles. The primary issue is the freezing of water sources, limiting cattle’s access to water. Cattle often increase their water consumption in colder weather to meet their heightened energy needs. This requires more focused management strategies to ensure they receive sufficient hydration.

In colder temperatures, cattle consume more feed to maintain body heat. If water availability decreases, feed intake also drops, leading to poorer body condition. This is particularly critical if the birthing season is in spring, as reduced water and feed intake during winter can lead to poor fetal growth rates and lower lactation levels.

Methods to Deliver Water in the Winter

Having electricity at your winter-feeding areas is a huge plus. It unlocks several effective methods to prevent your cattle’s water supply from turning into an icy hazard. A straightforward solution is to use a plug-in heater, which can be installed in the drain plug of a large stock tank. This approach is simple and efficient, ensuring that water remains in a liquid state for your herd.

Large stock tanks with larger capacity are another option that can be considered. Stock tanks need to be checked often to allow livestock access to water and ensure filling purposes. Opting for ones with a larger capacity can make a difference when temperatures drop. To combat ice formation, consider installing a continuous flow valve. This valve will prevent freezing and ice from accumulating in the tank.

In areas where electricity isn’t an option, natural sources like ponds and springs come into play for livestock hydration. However, during winter, these natural waterways can present challenges, especially on extremely cold days when freezing is a concern. To navigate this, one can employ innovative methods such as a collection trench combined with solar-heated devices. These systems often include heat tubes buried deep underground, capturing solar energy to prevent water from freezing. However, it’s important to note that even with these measures, on particularly frigid days, with frequent visits by the herd to the water source, a thin layer of ice may still form. In such instances, breaking the ice becomes necessary to maintain uninterrupted access to water for your livestock.

What is Ideal

Keeping the ideal temperature of drinking water for cattle is a balance – it should neither be hot nor frozen. The sweet spot lies between 40 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s interesting to note that steers with access to cool drinking water have been shown to gain an additional 0.3 to 0.4 pounds per day compared to those consuming warmer water. This underscores the importance of regularly checking the temperature of water, especially in waterers equipped with heaters, to avoid what’s known as a “runaway” – a situation where the water gets too warm.

To accurately gauge the water temperature, use a thermometer, but remember to keep it suspended in the water rather than letting it touch the bottom of the container. The bottom, especially if heated, might show a higher temperature than the actual water. Conduct these checks over several cold days to ensure consistency. Maintaining water temperatures at least at 40 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial not just for the mechanical aspects of water delivery systems, but also for sustaining optimal animal performance.

Furthermore, according to the “Beef Housing and Equipment Handbook” from 1987, a guideline for water access is that 16 cows should be able to drink from each foot of a water fountain or tank perimeter. This is based on the assumption that cows are penned and have continual access to water throughout the day. Practical experiences often suggest that this number can be exceeded if the water flow is consistently adequate.

Understanding and implementing these insights about water temperature and accessibility can significantly impact the health and growth rates of cattle, especially in controlled environments like pens. Regular monitoring and adjustments as per weather conditions are key to ensuring the wellbeing of your livestock.

https://agnr.osu.edu/sites/agnr/files/imce/pdfs/Beef/LivestockAndWater.pdf

https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ANR-12

Last week Williams County Extension hosted a Holiday Arrangement Class. The class was led by Angie Girdham, Horticulturists at Hillsdale College. She taught participants how to make holiday centerpieces or grave saddles. The arrangements were made from White Pine, Fir, and Arborvitae trees. Special Thank you to Mike Weaver for providing the trees. Jessica Runkel, a regular attendee of the event and 4-H Programming Assistant, stated, “I love it. I don’t really know how to make an arrangement. So, I need a self-guided tour. My mom and sister have been coming and making grave saddles for the past 4 years for family members who have passed away. It is a bonding experience for us. that we look forward to every year.” What a wonderful way to spend the Holidays!

If you are interested in this or similar programming please give our extension office a call (419) 636-5608.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a disease caused by influenza type A virus that can infect poultry. Most strains are low pathogenic. Highly pathogenic strains (HPAI) are highly contagious in birds and often cause death in poultry. The recent HPAI outbreak in multiple counties in Ohio has affected over 4 million birds and prompted many questions. Visit go.osu.edu/HPAI  to learn more. This link includes videos, factsheets, and trifold.

It is also important to note that there is an upcoming webinar tomorrow, December 19 at 6 pm. 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

HPAI Webinar Link (Click for Access)

For more information please contact the OSU Extension Office.