The Ohio State Fair is officially wrapped up, and it was definitely one for the history books! In this episode, we recap more exciting times from the Ohio State Fair. Matt Reese and Dale Minyo of the Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal are here to provide all of the updates with a star-studded cast of guests, from champion livestock exhibitors to the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Featured audio includes conversations with:

• Brian Baldridge, the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture
• Betty Wingerter, who helps in the Poultry Barn at the Ohio State Fair and Allison Kinney, a long-time poultry exhibitor from Logan County
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Pen of Meat Chickens exhibitors, Alec Genter and Ava Hester
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Turkey exhibitors, Isabel Newman and Alex Kinney
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Barrow exhibitors, Kylie Locke and Kole Bishop
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Beef exhibitors, Annistyn Oszust and Essie McGuire
• Kelly Morgan, Director of the OH-PIGS Show Circuit
• Sam Roberts with United Producers

This week’s episode is full of Ohio State Fair excitement! From interviews with champions to chats on this year’s successful State Fair to conversations about the fairground’s massive construction projects, this episode has it all. Join the team at one of the favorite events of the year and stay updated on its agricultural impact.

Also featured in this episode is Dale speaking with Rudi Pitzer Perry of Farm Credit Mid-America about the benefits of farm diversification and the proper steps to take towards developing your farm.

Featured audio includes conversations with:

• Carole Pontious and Doug Bayliss with the Ohio State Fair Boer Goat Department
• Rudi Pitzer Perry of Farm Credit Mid-America
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Wether Goat exhibitors, Maya McCoy and Braxton Method
• The Ohio State Fair Sheep Department Co-Directors Pat Myers and Jim Brandt, with Roger High of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
• The Ohio State Fair Grand Champion and Reserve Champion Market Lamb exhibitors, Ava Shroyer and Marshall Miller

In this week’s podcast, join host Matt Reese of Ohio’s County Journal and the Ohio Ag Net Podcast as he talks with Jenna Reese, executive director of the Ohio Forestry Association. She talks about recent updates for woodlands through CAUV, the importance of forestry management, chainsaw safety, and the upcoming Paul Bunyan Show in October.

This week’s featured audio includes:

• Dale Minyo gets the scoop on Farmers for Soil Health.
• Joel Penhorwood has an update with GrowNextGen Ag Biotech Academy.

This week’s Ohio Ag Net podcast features the members of the Partners for Ohio Agriculture team that is gearing up for 2024 Dean’s Charity Steer Show on Tuesday, July 30 at the Ohio State Fair. The team includes the Jennings family from Clermont County, with exhibitor Kaylee Jennings showcasing her Chianina heifer, Becky. Dan Wagner, President and CEO of Farm Credit Mid-America, is the celebrity exhibitor handling Becky during the event under the tutelage of Jennings. Joining them is Matt Reese of Ohio’s Country Journal and the Ohio Ag Net Podcast. Get the inside scoop of preparations as the team has hopes of bringing home some of the top awards at the event, and, more importantly, maximizing the funds raised for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Donate to support RMHC through Partners for Ohio Agriculture at: //igfn.us/vf/2024SteerShow/team/PartnersforOHAgriculture.

This week’s featured audio includes:

• Matt talking to Katy Boots with Nutrien Ag Solutions about the 4Rs of nutrient management
• Dale Minyo speaking with Charlie Booker with Agri Spray Drones concerning FAA compliance rules for drone spray applications.

Here at the Ohio Ag Net, we love to highlight all the amazing things going on in Ohio Agriculture. But sometimes, especially during this hot season, you just have to let off some steam and talk about the frustrating things.

Nothing is left unsaid in this year’s summer agriculture rant podcast. Hear from Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net team members, alongside agriculture industry leaders, as they share their thoughts regarding everything from falling commodity prices to environmentalists’ perception of agriculture.

Included in this week’s podcast:

• Hosts Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg chat with Luke Crumley, Director of Public Policy and Nutrient Management for Ohio Corn & Wheat, about his summer ag frustrations.
• Dale gets a biodiesel update from Scott Fenwick of the Clean Fuels Alliance.
• Matt interviews farmer and industry leader Ray Von Horn about the 2024 wheat harvest.
• Joe Everett, farmer and team member, shares his thoughts on falling commodity prices.

This week, join hosts Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg as they speak with Brandon Kern of the Ohio Soybean Association about the ongoing challenges and potential implications on agriculture with the EPA’s Endangered Species Act. 

More in this week’s podcast:

• Dale interviews Gordan Russell, US Head of Grains & Oilseeds at Louis Dreyfus Company, at the LDC soybean crush facility groundbreaking.
• Dusty has a wrap on the Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast for Lake Erie.
• Matt talks with Roger High of the Ohio Farm Bureau about new policies for Ohio’s livestock exhibitors.
• Dale speaks with Abby Durheim from the Nebraska Farm Bureau. 

In this week’s podcast, hosts Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg delve into the progress (or lack thereof) of the 2024 Farm Bill as we move closer to the November election. Join them as they speak with Brandon Kern, Director of Public Policy and Issues Analysis for the Ohio Soybean Association, and Luke Crumley, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Director of Public Policy and Nutrient Management.

Meanwhile, Dale Minyo visits Jennifer Hancock, a teacher whose classroom participated in the ChickQuest Program from GrowNextGen. This educational initiative provides unique, hands-on learning opportunities to students of all backgrounds.… Continue reading

High-performance vehicles might be making the same decisions as you at the retail gas pump. In this podcast, Matt Reese and Joel Penhorwood are joined by Ohio Corn & Wheat’s Ethanol Specialist, Brad Moffitt, to discuss Unleaded 88 fuel, ethanol from corn, high-performance racing, and cleaner air emissions. The conversation will debunk some common fuel myths, highlight some of the top ethanol blend users, and understand why it’s safe for your gas tank. 

Also in this week’s podcast:

Corn & Wheat Membership Blitz 

Marlene Eick and John Settlemyre speak about the grain checkoff program and association groups in Ohio, along with the advocacy benefits to farmers. 

Cattle Nutrition with Mark Goeke 

An Allen County cattle herd creates feed rations with increasing soybean contents for growth. 

Human Inc. with Dale Everman 

Wheat harvest has completed in Ohio, so what’s next? Dale speaks about post-harvest options, including manure application. 

Kenn-Feld & TTG Equipment Merger 

Jameson Ringger and Tom Burenga announce their company merger as TRULAND Equipment, effective August 21st. … Continue reading

Last week’s seasonable temperatures and timely rains spurred advancement in crop development, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. A series of midweek storms with widespread coverage delivered several inches of rain in some counties, with high winds and hail reported in the northwestern portion of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 25 percent short, 67 percent adequate, and 6 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 13 was 72.4 degrees, 0.9 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.86 inches of precipitation, 1.02 inches above average. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 13.

Corn silking progress reached 97 percent, corn dough progress was 45 percent complete, and corn dented progress was 2 percent complete. Soybeans blooming was 92 percent complete and pod setting progress reached 69 percent. Corn and soybean condition were 76 and 70 percent good to excellent, respectively.… Continue reading

Last week, warm and dry conditions dominated across the State, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 18.5 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, a decrease from the previous week. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 1.7 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 2 percent very short, 23 short, 71 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on August 6 was 71.3 degrees, 0.7 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.17 inches of precipitation, 0.65 inches below average. There were 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 6. 

While crop condition ratings improved, crop progress for corn and soybeans remained near or behind the five-year average for the majority of the State. Southwestern counties experienced below-average moisture levels, leading some farmers to report crop stress.… Continue reading

It’s that time of the season for the Ohio Crop Tour with OSU Extension and Ohio Country Journal. In this podcast, Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg are joined by Extension’s Greg LaBarge to discuss the major events of the growing season and what the travel crop sampling teams will be on the lookout for in the coming week. From yield estimates to season predictions, growers are getting into the fields and collecting data. 

Also in this week’s podcast:

Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions

Joel Penhorwood recaps the records and champions of the 2023 Ohio State Fair. 

Matt Bowers with Dye Real Estate

Matt Reese hears about current farmland prices, alternative energy sources, and evaluating your current land value. 

Between the Rows with Lawrence Onweller and Doug Miller 

Weekly farmer update from Fulton and Fayette counties discussing best practices with recent rain. 

GNG Ambassadors at the Fair 

Joel Penhorwood speaks with Grow Next Gen Ambassador, Shelbie Snoke, about new STEM-based activities they are bringing to county fairs and classrooms. … Continue reading

Holstein Junior Show—Judge Eddie Bue, Wisconsin

Junior Champion: Blayk Thomas, Champaign County

Reserve Junior Champion: Cole Bentley, Seneca County

Honorable Mention Junior Champion: Jacoby Gilbert, Wayne County

Intermediate Champion: Kennley Siegrist, Wayne County

Reserve Intermediate Champion: Carissa Pittman, Wayne County

Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion: Savannah Thomas, Champaign County

Senior Champion: Colton Thomas, Champaign County

Reserve Senior Champion: Aubrey Topp, Shelby County

Honorable Mention Senior Champion: Wyatt Schauch, Holmes County

Grand Champion: Colton Thomas, Champaign County

Reserve Grand Champion: Kennley Siegrist, Wayne County

Honorable Mention Grand Champion: Carissa Pittman, Wayne County

Some of the smallest organisms have one of the largest scientific following. Hosts of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Matt Reese, Dusty Sonnenberg, and Joel Penhorwood discuss nematode impact on crops and forests. The Society of Nematology recently met in Columbus to discuss everything from seed treatment to soybean impact and nematode’s role in our landscapes. Dr. Joe Boggs from The Ohio State University is the podcast guest to discuss poison hemlock, the dangers of wild parsnip, and economic impact of the Box Tree Moth. 

Dr. George Bird from Michigan State joins the conversation to discuss his leadership in the Soybean Cyst Nematode Coalition and his 40-year career in the field. From Auburn University, Dr. Kathy Lawrence talks with Dusty about the many growing trials that are benefiting growers and how nematode apply to all specialty crops, especially in the southern United States. 

From the University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana, Dr.… Continue reading

Ohio wheat harvest ramped up last week, with 32 percent of the crop now harvested, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. Widespread rainfall last week aided corn, soybeans and hay. Despite the rain, more precipitation was needed. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 61.7 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, a decline over last week’s 75.2 percent rating. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 28.4 percent of the State. The average temperature for the week ending on July 9 was 74.9 degrees, 2 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.35 inches of precipitation, 0.58 inches above average. There were 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 9. 

Wheat yields so far were mixed with some farmers reporting yields a little better than expected, while others were disappointed. Winter Wheat was rated 72 percent good to excellent, up from the previous week.… Continue reading

Summer is usually a break for those in policy and politics, however, this week’s guests are staying busy with the state budget. Hosts of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, Dusty Sonnenberg and Joel Penhorwood, discuss the recently passed state operating budget and the House Agriculture Committee. They’re joined by podcast guest, Director of State Policy for Ohio Farm Bureau, Evan Callicoat. The conversation will cover how agriculture is benefiting from lines in the state budget, improvements to H2Ohio Water Initiative, and what it takes to implement new Ohio funding. 

Dusty sits down with Representative Rodney Creech, Chair of the House Agriculture & Conversation Committee, to hear his thoughts on the recently passed legislation and the goals of his leadership in agriculture. He brings a unique perspective as a Preble County farmer, landscape business owner, and legislator for Ohio.

Dale hears updates from Homan Inc. with Dale Everman about everything agriculture solutions.… Continue reading

Smoke from wildfires in Canada adversely impacted air quality in Ohio. This has led to air quality alerts for several areas. Farmers have had to take precautions. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 75.2 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, an improvement over last week’s 80.2 percent rating. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 33.4 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 3 percent very short, 18 percent short, 68 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on July 2 was 71.9 degrees, 0.6 degrees above normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 1.22 inches of precipitation, 0.04 inches above average. There were 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 2. 

Last week, most areas saw some much-needed rain. The southern regions were still very dry. Harvest was progressing nicely with the exceptions of those areas hit hard by the severe storms in the northern tier of the State last week.… Continue reading

Storms last week delivered timely moisture to crops, according to Ben Torrance, State Statistician, USDA NASS, Ohio Field Office. The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor report showed 80.2 percent of the State as abnormally dry or worse, an improvement over last week’s 96.4 percent rating. Conditions matching the moderate drought rating were observed in 32.9 percent of the State. Topsoil moisture conditions were rated 5 percent very short, 28 percent short, 63 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Statewide, the average temperature for the week ending on June 25 was 70.1 degrees, 0.7 degrees below normal. Weather stations recorded an average of 0.70 inches of precipitation, 0.15 inches below average. There were 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 25.

Last week, weed suppression, side dressing for row crops, and limited soybean replanting kept farmers in fields. Severe storms, tornadoes, and hail contributed to crop damage in the northern tier of the state.… Continue reading

On this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, a Champaign County operation is making a strong presence in dairy genetics. Matt Reese, Joel Penhorwood, and Dusty Sonnenberg welcome Jenny Thomas of Triple T Holsteins to end National Dairy Month. Their discussion highlights the value of small farms, the in-and-outs of livestock photography, and the busy schedule of a small herd. 

Rainfall has been looking different everywhere in the state; Matt visits with Laurence Onweller of Fulton County to get an update on the Northwest Ohio growing season and rainfall in his region. Dale visits with Olivia Pflaumer, environmental science educator, at the Grow Next Gen Ag Biotech Graduate Academy. Students are not leaving problems unsolved in Pflaumer’s science classroom. They discuss biotechnology in the agriculture classroom and its impact on students. 

Soybean-based pretzels, tomato juice, and bread are all workings of Ohio State researcher, Dr. Yael Vodovotz. Dale speaks with her about her interdisciplinary research with the agriculture college and medical school.… Continue reading

In this week’s episode, join hosts Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg on the Ohio Ag Net podcast as they dive into the challenges of golden agriculture. They will discuss growing updates of Ohio’s golden wheat crop and the golden state of California’s proposition 12 regulation. The podcast guest, Pat Hord of Hord Family Farms, joins the conversation to shed light on the next steps for the hog industry and the future impact Prop 12 holds for Ohio producers. The conversation will cover the upcoming ballot initiative, state rights, and the significant work carried out by Ohio’s Livestock Care Standards Board.

Matt takes a look at wheat breeding efforts of Grow Pro Genetics while speaking with Ken Davis. He also hears from Neil Horrom of Mercer Landmark on how wheat farmers are being incentivized for collecting data and utilizing the newest technologies to track sustainability. The talk of early wheat harvest and the current growing season is discussed by Stephanie Karhoff with Ohio State Extension.… Continue reading