Held on April 28th at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, nearly 275 attendees representing 30 Ohio counties traveled to Ohio’s Dairy Palooza hosted by a volunteer committee working with the 4-H dairy youth specialist, Bonnie Ayars. Although Mother Nature was having a mood swing outside with a variety of chilly weather, the atmosphere inside was filled with enthusiasm.

Dairy Palooza 2012 was a one-day educational program for dairy youth enthusiasts and leaders interested in learning more about dairy projects with hands on activities that related to current topics of concern. Printed resources and informational items were carefully bound in notebooks and distributed at the registration table. These were connected to each of the workshop sessions. There was a red bucket that became the tote for a rope halter, a feed scoop, the binder of resources, and all the items from the career fair.

The day included 4 separate sessions and within each of these, 4 workshops were offered with suggested level of experiences ranging from cloverbuds and beginners to intermediates and seniors. Demonstrations, skits, role playing, mock scenarios, live cattle, and hands on activities were methods used to teach. From bovine laundry to an actual herd display set up for viewing, from selecting projects on the hoof and on paper to communication techniques with consumers, from skillathon stations to showmanship best practices and a career fair ongoing, everyone left with improved skills and a broader base of knowledge.

The day was not without elegant “cow cuisine” and real dairy products. Cow cookies with all breeds represented set the pace at the registration table and there were cheesy pizzas accompanied by donated milk beverages. However, the specially designed and theme decorated cake with butter cream frosting was an absolute crowd pleaser as a sweet treat to the day’s conclusion. The ice cream bars and sandwiches were also welcome additions.

This remarkable event could not have taken place without an army of dedicated volunteers and presenters. Key sponsors donated more than their time, but other resources and financial support to enrich the program. It took weeks and months of planning and everyone deserves a round of applause for their efforts.

So if you are feeling remorse at missing our 2012 rendition, the good news is that there will be another version in 2013. The date is yet to be determined. New topics, new updates, and a promise of more to see and do will be the goals of the committee.

OFBF is currently looking for 20 select individuals to participate in this leadership and advocacy development program, which will consist of seven multi-day institutes (17 total days). Topics covered during institute programs will include public policy matters facing local communities, the state of Ohio, the nation and the world. Additionally, specific sessions will help class members develop important skills necessary to become an effective leader and advocate for agriculture. One of the institute sessions will be held in Washington, D.C., to help class members gain a valuable understanding of national and global issues.

Individuals may nominate themselves or have their nomination sponsored by their respective county Farm Bureau, other agricultural organization or employer. If you are nominating yourself, you must be a Farm Bureau member (contact your county Farm Bureau for membership information). Applications are due May 18, 2012. For more information contact Sandy Kuhn at 614-246-8249 or e-mail skuhn@ofbf.org, or visit http://ofbf.org/get-involved/agripower

It was just starting to appear that everyone was, well, not exactly getting along, but at least cooperating with each other and finding some common ground. After all, Issue 2 was behind us and that war between Humane Society of the United States and the agriculture industry in Ohio ended somewhat peacefully with the creation of the  Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board.

Then, HSUS goes and files a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission against the National Pork Producers Council. It alleges that NPPC is engaging in deceptive advertising related to animal well-being with the “We Care” and Pork Quality Assurance Plus programs.

That, I believe, changes everything.

You see, the Pork Quality Assurance Plus Program is the pork industry standard for pork quality and animal welfare. With this claim HSUS is now saying, ‘Your standards are no good.’ They’re also throwing science right out the window. They are not even trying to play nicely on the subject. (Now personally, I think this is  also HSUS’s way at getting revenge for NPPC not supporting their agreement with the United Egg Producers on cage size).

We were warned they wouldn’t stop and that they didn’t want better standards for livestock. They wanted to end livestock production all together. I think this certainly proves that’s the agenda here.

The question is though, how does this effect the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board that was built with HSUS permission, participation and cooperation, yet is centered around the industry welfare programs including Pork Quality Assurance Plus?

The main issues stated in the FTC complaint are sow housing and tail docking. The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board has addressed sow housing, but currently tail docking is a permitted practice. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see for how long though.

With this latest act, HSUS is now criticizing the national program standards that they are already on the record supporting in Ohio. Does that mean they now condemn the other standards put in place by the Livestock Care Board in which they participated?

Now that they have attacked the pork industry’s program, who’s next? And, how will this all play out in Ohio?

Through Invest An Acre, farmers are able to invest the proceeds from one acre or more of their crops in Feeding America to support their local food bank. This is the first effort to mobilize farmers on a national scale to support hunger relief.

Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, providing food assistance to people in every county through a network of more than 200 food banks.

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation brings resources to support this vital work by creating an opportunity for every U.S. farmer doing business with ADM to invest a portion of proceeds at the point of sale, either when the farmer signs a contract or delivers the crop.

ADM is one of the largest agricultural processors in the world. It operates the world’s premier crop origination and transportation network, connecting crops and markets in more than 75 countries. ADM transforms oilseeds, corn, wheat and cocoa into products for food, animal feed, industrial and energy uses.

Feeding America has 53 food banks operating in communities near ADM locations.

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is underwriting all Feeding America costs as well as a public awareness campaign. ADM is managing the accounting and transactions with farmers and the local food banks. All of the proceeds from Invest An Acre will go towards helping the hungry in the local community.

“The vision for this program is the brainchild of Howard,” said Vicki Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. “It is a paradox that our nation’s farmers literally feed the world, yet people are going hungry in America. Invest An Acre will raise dollars that will go back into communities where so many crops are grown, and where so many people are at risk of hunger. It will also generate awareness of domestic hunger among both the general public and U.S. farmers, who are in a unique position to help our efforts.”

“Invest An Acre allows farmers to fight hunger in their own communities as only farmers can. I applaud Feeding America and ADM for making this possible. This unique partnership brings together the leading hunger relief organization, a global giant in agricultural processing, and U.S. farmers in a way that can significantly reduce hunger,” said Howard G. Buffett.

“Everything that ADM does starts with farmers, and their hard work helps us serve vital needs throughout the global community,” said ADM Chairman and CEO Patricia Woertz. “The Invest An Acre program will give farmers a way to connect their harvest directly with the hungry in their local communities, and we are happy to work together with Feeding America and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to make it happen.”

To learn more about Invest An Acre, visit www.investanacre.org.

Once an alfalfa plant has germinated, that new plant needs 6-8 weeks to establish a good root system that enables it to handle warmer and drier summer weather, said Rory Lewandowski, an OSU Extension educator in Wayne County. Planting too late in spring can result in plants that can’t tolerate summer weather, possibly causing stand loss.

At about 8-10 weeks after emergence, the plant pulls the growing point below the soil surface, a process called contractile growth.

“Once contractile growth occurs, the alfalfa plant is considered a true perennial,” Lewandowski said. “The protected growing point below the soil surface is the reason why the alfalfa plant can survive winter temperatures, close cutting and grazing.”

Some of the most common questions regarding successful alfalfa establishment include soil fertility, planting depth and weed control, he said.

“All three factors need to be addressed to successfully establish an alfalfa stand,” Lewandowski said. “The basis for any decisions regarding the application of lime, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer is a soil test.”

The recommended soil pH for an alfalfa stand is 6.8. If lime needs to be applied, growers should keep in mind that it can take 6-9 months after lime is incorporated and mixed into the tillage zone before the target pH is reached. If soil pH is below 6.5, it is probably wise to apply lime this spring and aim for a late-summer planting, Lewandowski said.

“A soil test can also help determine if phosphorus and/or potassium need to be applied before planting,” he said. “Phosphorus is a critical element to aid a new plant in establishing a good rooting system.

“Lime and fertilizer can represent a significant dollar investment, and guessing as to the need and quantity can be expensive. So, don’t guess, soil test.”

But it is important to note that weed control in an alfalfa stand needs to begin before the crop is planted, Lewandowski said.

“Herbicide options in an established alfalfa stand are limited,” he said. “Perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses should be managed and controlled in the crops previous to the alfalfa rotation.

“The general rule of thumb is that at least 95 percent of the weed control in a forage crop is provided by developing a dense, healthy stand that will not allow weeds to invade.”

Specific herbicide recommendations for an alfalfa seeding are available in the 2012 Ohio and Indiana Weed Control Guide. Herbicide use on forage crops such as alfalfa can involve harvest and grazing restrictions, in addition to specific limitations regarding the timing of the herbicide application, Lewandowski said.

“Incorrect planting depth has been responsible for many poorly established stands of alfalfa or seeding failures,” he said. “Alfalfa is a small seed and should not be seeded too deep.

“The recommended seeding depth for alfalfa is one-quarter to one-half inch deep. It is better to err on the side of planting shallow rather than too deep. Early planting time combined with good soil fertility, weed control and correct seeding depth are the keys to spring alfalfa establishment.”

According to the Chairwoman’s summary – the proposal eliminates direct payments while strengthening risk management; consolidates and streamlines programs; improves program integrity and accountability; and grows America’s agricultural economy. Stabenow says the full committee will meet Wednesday at eight o’clock Central for purposes of considering and marking up the 2012 Farm Bill.

The full details of the Chairwoman’s summary follow:

Eliminates Direct Payments while Strengthening Risk Management

Farmers face unique risks unlike other businesses. Weather and market conditions outside a producer’s control can have devastating effects. A risk management system that helps producers stay in business through a few bad seasons ensures that Americans always have access to a safe and plentiful food supply. The proposal:

•           Eliminates direct payments. Farmers will no longer be paid for crops they are not growing, will not be paid for acres that are not actually planted, and will not receive support absent a drop in price or yields.

•           Consolidates two remaining farm programs into one, and will give farmers the ability to tailor risk management coverage—meaning better protection against real risks beyond a farmer’s control.

•           Strengthens crop insurance and expands access so farmers are not wiped out by a few days of bad weather.

Consolidates and Streamlines Programs

By eliminating duplicative programs, funds are concentrated in the areas in which they will have the greatest impact, making them work better for producers.

•           By ending duplication and consolidating programs, the bill eliminates dozens of programs under the Agriculture Committee’s jurisdiction.

•           For example, the bill consolidates 23 existing conservation programs into 13 programs, while maintaining the existing tools farmers and landowners need to protect and conserve land, water and wildlife.

Improves Program Integrity and Accountability

At a time when many out-of-work Americans are in need for the first time in their lives, it is critical that every taxpayer dollar be spent responsibly and serves those truly struggling. By closing loopholes, tightening standards, and requiring greater transparency, the proposal increases efficiency and improves effectiveness.

•           Increases accountability in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by:

•                     Stopping lottery winners from continuing to receive assistance.

•                     Ending misuse by college students.

•                     Cracking down on retailers and recipients engaged in benefit trafficking.

•                     Increasing requirements to prevent liquor and tobacco stores from becoming retailers.

•                     Eliminating gaps in standards that result in overpayment of benefits.

•           The proposal maintains benefits for families in need.

Grows America’s Agricultural Economy

The proposal increases efficiency and accountability, saving tens of billions of dollars overall, while strengthening agricultural jobs initiatives by:

•           Expanding export opportunities and helping farmers develop new markets for their goods.

•           Investing in research to help commercialize new agricultural innovations.

•           Growing bio-based manufacturing (businesses producing goods in America from raw agricultural products grown in America) by allowing bio-manufacturers to participate in existing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs, expanding the BioPreferred labeling initiative, and strengthening a procurement preference so the U.S. government will select bio-based products when purchasing needed goods.

•           Spurring advancements in bio-energy production, supporting advanced biomass energy production such as cellulosic ethanol and pellets from woody biomass for power.

•           Helping family farmers sell locally by increasing support for farmers’ markets and spurring the creation of food hubs to connect farmers to schools and other community-based consumers.

•           Extending rural development initiatives to help rural communities upgrade infrastructure and create an environment for small businesses to grow.

Dupont Jeff Carpenter Early weed control

Over the past two weeks there has been a rash of barn fires, 5 in all, reported in Licking and Delaware Counties. Arson is suspected.

Thursday morning accounted for 3 of them, all within miles of each other in Delaware County. The calls started coming in to the Harlem Township Fire Department around 6am.

That is also when Linda Skinner’s phone started to ring.  Her father, 92 year old Shelby Garee, bought the 129 acre farm in 1950 when it was first used as a dairy.

For Linda, as the ashes still filled the air hours after the flames were put out, what had happened was just setting in.

“I can’t tell you the hours that my brothers and I spent in this barn helping milk cows, feed the calves, bed the cows and feed silage,” Skinner said. “I don’t understand how anyone would want to do this much damage.”

As for equipment at the Garee farm, a corn planter, a drill and other items in the barn were not able to be saved. However, Linda and her brother Steve were able to save several old tractors from an adjacent barn before the flames spread.

“As bad as it is it could have been a lot worse,” said Skinner. “We’ll do what we have to do. We will get it cleaned up and hauled away and go from there. That is all you can do.”

In late February, Licking County was the scene for 2 other barn fires, causing damage to a tractor, equipment and hay for a total loss of $6,000 in one barn and destroying over a million dollars of seed corn in the other barn belonging to the Clever Seed Corn Company in Croton.

Centerburg farmer Carl Judy is one of Clever Seed Corn’s customers that had all of his 2012 seed corn go up in smoke.

“It’s just bad timing,” said Judy. “Seed is tight but the Clever Seed Corn business has been around for a long time and it is a good family and I know they’ll make it right.”

In the meantime, Clever Seed Corn has been working closely with other seed companies around Ohio to make sure that the corn that was lost can be replaced and delivered to customers before they started planting.

All of the barn fires are still under investigation. Two were deemed arson and the other three were highly suspect to be the same cause, simply because of the timing and proximity of the barns.

Harlem Township Fire Chief Dale Fling says there are ways that farmers can keep their property safe and more importantly less prone to these types of situations.

“Some perimeter lighting is certainly a big help,” said Fling. “Motion sensors could also be helpful. In a rural setting alarm systems will not really prevent anything; it will just let you know after the fact. My best advice is to be vigilant and to watch vehicles that may be out of place in odd times.”

It seems that barns, not just recently in Central Ohio but over the years across the Country, have been susceptible to this type of malicious activity. Fling says he wishes he knew why.

“I think they are perceived as an easy target,” said Fling. “Typically they are a bit more remote and not really close to residential property. The ability to get in and get out and not be seen is in the mind set of these individuals.”

There are rewards being put up for any information about the two Licking County barn fires and the three in Delaware County are still under investigation.

“It is inspiring to see the level of support for our programs and activities that this new membership record suggests,” said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, who farms near Auburn, Ill. “This increased level of involvement makes obvious the value members believe NCGA staff and grower leaders provide to them and to the industry as a whole.”

NCGA membership offers many benefits, including leadership opportunities, academic scholarships and discounts.  Members play an active role in organizational leadership by shaping the direction of activities and influencing public policy that affects all farmers.  Additionally, membership provides valuable discounts with companies such as Office Depot, Dell, Cabela’s, Ford and Enterprise, and special access to official NASCAR information, including discounted tickets and merchandise.

In addition to representing individual members, NCGA is part of a federation in cooperation with  the many state-level grower associations and checkoff boards.  More than 300,000 growers contribute to state and national organizations through corn checkoff funds in their states.

“During this election cycle, the amount of influence asserted by large interest groups in government becomes obvious through the onslaught of advertisements and media messaging,” Niemeyer said.  “To ensure that our legislators continue to value the vital role corn farmers play in our society, growers must work together through NCGA and state associations that leverage the industry’s collective strength.  Together, growers voices are magnified in Washington to ensure agricultural interests are not unceremoniously pushed to the wayside.”