Ag and Natural Resources Classes, Links and Websites

 

Improving Weather and Climate Understanding in Ohio

Workshops will help to increase knowledge, skills, and capacity of environmental educators and bolster access to programs and resources on Ohio relevant weather and climate topics for use in both public and professional environmental education.

Southwest Ohio
Location: Eulett Center - Edge of Appalachia Preserve
Date & time: Monday October 28, 10am-3pm

Scan the QR code to register and learn more, or visit: byrd.osu.edu/improving-weather-andclimate-understanding-ohio-workshop-series

Women in Ag Wednesday Webinars

Join us in 2024 on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 10:30-11:30 am for our Women in Ag Wednesday Webinars. Register one time HERE for all access.

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Adams County Beekeepers Association (ACBA) scholarship application

ACBA In association with Adams Co. Farm Bureau, Adams Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), OSU Extension are offering a Beekeepers scholarship.

The recipient of this scholarship will receive woodenware consisting of a standard hive, including frames and foundation, a bottom board, a top cover, a nucleus or a package of bees with a queen, and the necessary beginner’s equipment to start the beekeeping project.

The recipient will also receive these additional benefits:
1) A one year membership in ACBA
2) Will be encouraged to participate in the Association’s meetings
3) Mentoring by a ACBA member throughout the year
4) Will receive assistance using extraction equipment to remove honey, only if deemed possible, the first year

The recipient will be expected to attend the Adams County Beekeepers Association meetings and present a short progress report of the activities to date. The recipient will keep a written record complete with dates, photos, and other pertinent data sufficient to substantiate all progress reports.

The recipient will be expected to give an oral final presentation of what they have learned from the program at the September or October monthly meeting.
A Certificate of Completion, and full ownership of the colony and equipment, will be presented at the final monthly meeting if the scholarship recipient has met all requirements. Ownership of the colony of bees and equipment will be held by ACBA until the Certificate of Completion is awarded.

Click HERE for more details and a copy of the scholarship application.  Deadline to apply is March 15, 2024.

Please send all pages of the application to: Adams Soil & Water Conservation District
                                                                    Attn: Bill Wickerham
                                                                    807 NE Main St., #B
                                                                    West Union, OH 45693

You may also send electronically to: wickerham.adams.swcd@live.com

Ohio Coyote Ecology and Management Project

Few animals elicit such strong, and opposing, emotions as the coyote. But love ‘em or hate ‘em, after decades of range expansion across the United States, coyotes are an established predator throughout Ohio. So, the question we can all agree on is: How do we minimize potential conflicts with coyotes in this state? And to answer that question, we need data.  To continue readng this article, please click HERE.

Keep up the Conversation!

By: Bridget Britton Behavioral Health Field Specialist

As May winds down, so does Mental Health Awareness Month, but that doesn’t mean it we stop talking about mental health. Working in agriculture is often an all-consuming profession.  Many farmers live where they farm, there is no physical boundary between them and work. Work/life balance is a consistent challenge for many. Are there strategies that might be helpful to farmers in recognizing when and how to draw a line? It's important for them to find ways to create effective boundaries between the various aspects of their lives. Encouraging to think about three things in order to maintain the work-life boundaries that make it easier to function effectively.  CLICK HERE to read about some helpful tips to work on reducing stress and maintaining positive mental health.

As always if you or someone you know is struggling and may be in a crisis, please reach out for support. Do not hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Check out OSU Extension’s resources at go.osu.edu/farmstress

10 tips on improving mental health

The trials and tribulations of 2020 and 2021 have sent many people into mental health spirals. Depression and anxiety are common at the moment and people who have never experienced these problems in the past may struggle to improve their own mental health.

Getting out of bad mental health spells is tricky. Improving your mental health can feel impossible when you’re at the bottom of the pit, so to speak.  CLICK HERE to read an article about how to improve your mental health.

Update on Ticks in Ohio

Ticks and tick-vectored disease are major concerns to humans, companion animals and livestock in Ohio.  We have gone from one medically important tick twenty years ago in Ohio to five now, adding two in the past couple of years.  Ticks are a growing problem in North America. Timothy McDermott, DVM, is an Ohio State University Extension educator who presents updated information on ticks (including new species recently detected in Ohio and beyond) and the diseases they vector. He also discusses protection and prevention measures that can benefit humans, pets and livestock.To view the video CLICK HERE.

Pasture Rental Rates. Do you Know Your Price?

Richard Purdin, OSU Extension, Adams County ANR/CD Educator

As the 2021 grazing season comes to a close, cattle producers are beginning to move cattle off the pasture into winter feeding lots or barns. This is also a great time of year to start planning for the next growing season. There are many factors that a cattle producer must consider these days when making plans for the 2022 grazing season. Two of factor that are hovering over cattle producers record books these days are, rising input cost and increasing land prices. With the recent improvement in feeder cattle and market cattle prices, many producers might be wondering if expanding their heard is worthwhile? With the increase in fertilizer prices neighboring landowners with hay land or idle grasslands might be considering cash leasing their land to that producer looking to expand. So how does one come up with a fair pasture rental price? Here are some options and consideration before entering a pasture lease agreement. To continue reading this article, CLICK HERE.

Do You Get the Winter Blues?

Winter blues  By: Bridget Britton Behavioral Health Field Specialist
 Those that work in the agriculture industry know that 
 it doesn’t matter the time of year, it is always busy. 
 The Winter season is no different it just has its own 
 unique demands. However, there may be other things
 going on in our bodies right now. During this time of
year, many people often begin expressing a feeling of sadness or mild depression. Did you know that feeling sad during this time of year is very typical, and many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder?  What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?  To find out what SAD is and to continue reading this article, CLICK HERE.

If there is ever a concern of feeling depressed know it is okay to seek out support from a doctor, friend, pastor, or family member. There is also the Suicide Prevention LifeLine if ever needed call 1-800-273-8255.

It’s Time to Break Down the Stigma

By Bridget Britton, Behavioral Health Field Specialist ANR

 September is National SuicWork in Ag can be stressfulide Prevention Month, and
 with that comes the opportunity to raise awareness
 to help prevent even one more suicide from happening.
 When you live where  you work the stress often never
 leaves a person’s mind. Unfortunately, people become
 overwhelmed to a point where they feel there is no
 other option beside suicide. For that exact reason it
 is important to talk about suicide, and how can we
 support those going through a mental health challenge

in effort to prevent a future suicide.  To find out more on how this is affecting our community, and what can be done to help support, please
CLICK HERE.

Fall Armyworms March Across Ohio

OSU Extension county offices across the state are receiving e-mails and phone calls about Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, family Noctuidae) causing substantial injury to turfgrass.  Thus far, it appears that fall armyworm is the dominant culprit rather than Yellowstriped Armyworm (S. ornithogalli) and Common Armyworm (Mythimna convecta). Fall and yellowstriped armyworms are semi-tropical species that “fly” north each season.  We often get both species in Ohio in August and September when they replace black cutworms that most superintendents see on their greens and tees.  Both species also attack field crops, especially corn and small grains. Every few years (usually 3-5 years), we get a massive buildup of these pests in the southern and transition turf zones.  Reports of heavy armyworm activity have been coming out of Oklahoma to North Carolina for the last two months.

We believe adults from those outbreaks were picked up in the storm front that came from the south across much of Ohio about four weeks ago.  The adults of these moths have been known to travel 500 miles, even more, in 24 hours.  They can get into the jet stream and move vast distances, then drop down to find suitable host plants.  To continue reading about the Fall Armyworm outbreak and how to control them, CLICK HERE.

Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases

The Corn Disease Working Group (CDWG) developed ratings for how well fungicides control major corn diseases in the United States. The CDWG determined efficacy ratings for each fungicide listed in the table (next page) by field testing the materials over multiple years and locations. Ratings are based on the product’s level of disease control and does not necessarily reflect yield increases obtained from product application. A product’s efficacy depends upon proper application timing, rate, and application method as determined by the product label and overall disease level in the field at the time of application. Differences in efficacy among each fungicide product were determined by directly comparing products in field tests using a single application of the labeled rate. For application timing and use considerations, please contact your local cooperative extension service. The table includes marketed products available that have been tested over multiple years and locations. The table is not intended to be a list of all labeled products. Additional fungicides are labeled for disease on corn, including contact fungicides such as chlorothalonil. Other fungicides may be available for diseases not listed in the table, including Diplodia, Gibberella and Fusarium ear rots. Many products have specific use restrictions about the amount of active ingredient that can be applied within a period of time or the amount of sequential applications that can occur. Read and follow all use restrictions prior to applying any fungicide.

CLICK HERE for a flier to learn more.

Roughstalk Bluegrass in Cereal Grain and Forage Crops

Roughstalk Bluegrass

 

 

 

 

 


There is a new and emerging weed challenging cereal grain and forage producers across the state. Roughstalk Bluegrass has taken root in wheat fields and newly established forage stands. This weed has reached population levels high enough to inhibit the harvest of cereal grains, reduce the quality of forages, and crowd out newly established forages.

What is it?

Roughstalk Bluegrass (Poa trivialis) is a perennial cool-season grass that has traditionally been an issue in turfgrass production. This plant can be found growing throughout the Midwest. Rough Stock Bluegrass has a high level of tolerance to shade and wet conditions or poorly drained soils. This weed can reach heights of 1-3 ‘tall. Often climbing above winter cereal grains and reducing growth. Most commonly Roughstalk Bluegrass is not noticed by producers until late May or early June when cereal grains are in the boot stage of growth.

To find out how it spreads, identification, and treatment CLICK HERE.

 

Fertilizing Hay and Pastures

Interested in learning more?  CLICK HERE to read this edition of the C.O.R.N. Newsletter.

One Question Could Save Someone’s Life

Bridget Britton, Extension Field Specialist, Behavioral Health

The month of May helps us to be aware that warm weather is inching toward Ohio, it is also Mental Health Awareness month. May is a time to help us gain awareness and understanding of persons with mental or behavioral health problems or difficulties. Mental health professionals, such as counselors, are trained and educated to help those struggling with mental or behavioral health challenges. However, did you know that even if you are not a trained professional this may be helpful to those silently struggling? Read on to learn more about a training anyone in the community can take to gain knowledge on how to help those struggling in a potential mental health crisis. To continue reading this article, CLICK HERE.

Perennial Weeds can Indicate Soil Health Problems in Pastures

If plants could talk, we could learn a lot, and our jobs as stewards of the land would be much easier. When we go to the doctor because we are sick, we do not sit quietly and expect the doctor to know how we feel and then tell us how to get better. We need to provide information that will help with the diagnosis.

But since plants cannot talk, our job is difficult when we try to locate the source of a problem, such as low productivity or an infestation of weeds.  To continue reading this article, please CLICK HERE.

The Elusive Deer-Proof Garden

Marne Titchenell,  Extension program specialist in wildlife, was central to a pretty extensive piece related wildlife and gardens that appeared in today’s New York Times. To read the article, CLICK HERE.

Feed Your Cows and Your Forage

Interested? Check out this article from the Beef Newsletter for more information.  CLICK HERE

Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Toolkit

ODA wanted to share the this information regarding the migrant and seasonal farmworker toolkit. https://agri.ohio.gov/.../resources/migrant-worker-toolkit.
 

Spring Pesticide Safety Reminders

You probably worked on your sprayer and other major equipment over the winter to gear up for pesticide applications.  Have you put any effort into preparing for applicator safety? Click here to read an article containing some questions to ask yourself in preparation for the season.

Tick Tock -- A Timely Update on Ticks, Diseases & Prevention

Timothy McDermott, DVM, Ohio State University Extension, gives a presentation on ticks -- their spread & biology, as well as the diseases they vector, how to prevent them, and what to do when you find them.
Click this video link: A Timely Update on Ticks
 

Stockpiling Forage Video

Check out the video at the link below: 

https://osu.zoom.us/rec/share/Zag4WHz4gH3L2fPMQU8yInYNcsgyKgW2werOWyK3e_wHwxMOkXsC19OggLTGnnn8.LYnJt_OpXRcUemJS

iBook for Weed Identification

Click here for the link to the iBook. 

National Pest Alert-Palmer Amaranth

Click here for more informtion.

Speak Up for the Dairy Producers

Click Here for an Article published by Pro Ag explaining Senate Bill s-1640 known as the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act. The Act is up for possible reintroduction. Calling your senators and congress men and woman and telling them to reintroduce this bill is important for allowing our local Dairy producers to sustainably produce and market their milk.  Get more information by clicking the link.

Haybuster 10’ No-Till Drill for rent

The Adams Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) has this machine to rent.  Click here for more information.

Master Gardener Program

You could be a Master Gardener if:

• You want to learn more about plants and gardening.
• You are eager to participate in a practical and intensive training program.
• You enjoy sharing your knowledge with others.
• You have the time to attend training and serve your community as a volunteer.

Call the Brown County office at 937-378-6716 to be placed on a list for future trainings.