Buckeye Briefs

Ohio youth and collegiate dairy cattle judges earned several top finishes during national and international judging contests held in conjunction with the 2026 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.

Ohio was represented in the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, and International Post-Secondary Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, with teams from Ohio placing among the top seven overall in each competition.

In the 104th National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, the Ohio team of Taylor Klopfenstein, Sydney Beiting, Charlie Weiss, and Maggie Rodenbucher placed seventh overall with 1,924 points. The team, coached by Sherry Smith, also placed sixth in oral reasons with 634 points.

Beiting earned an individual top-10 finish in reasons, placing seventh with 221 points.

California won the National 4-H contest with 2,046 points, followed by Wisconsin and New York.

The Ohio State University also earned a top-three finish in the 105th National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest.… Continue reading

The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) announced its 2026 award recipients during its annual celebration banquet held on Sept. 10 in Columbus. This year, OPA presented the Golden Feather Award and four Rising Star Awards.

Golden Feather Award

The Golden Feather Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Ohio’s egg and poultry industry. This year, OPA was pleased to honor Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge with this award.

“Director Baldridge has been a committed advocate for Ohio agriculture throughout his career, from his service in the Ohio legislature to his leadership at the Ohio Department of Agriculture,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “He has long been a trusted partner and respected voice for our industry, and we are proud to honor him for his unwavering support of Ohio’s poultry farming community.”

Director Baldridge has demonstrated a strong commitment to Ohio agriculture through his leadership, collaboration and advocacy. With deep Ohio and agricultural roots, he brings both personal experience and policy expertise to his role.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Ohio continues to be one of the strongest farmland markets in the Farm Credit Mid-America territory, but the latest data shows that the story is not simply about rising land values.

Location, land productivity, availability, and an increasingly diverse pool of buyers are all shaping what farmland is worth across the Buckeye State. At the same time, farm economics are forcing producers to be more selective about when and where they invest.

According to Farm Credit Mid-America’s latest farmland value benchmark study, Ohio farmland values increased just over 10% during the past year, compared to a 7% increase across the organization’s five-state territory of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and the Delta counties of Arkansas.

“Ohio realized just a little above a 10% increase, so leading the way,” said Jenny Reithman, head of collateral production at Farm Credit Mid-America. “Lots of different reasons for that, including the old real estate adage of location, location, location.… Continue reading

At the Gwynne Conservation Area, landowners don’t just hear how to improve wildlife habitat, manage woodlands or protect ponds—they see those practices at work.

Across 67 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, ponds and streams, the Gwynne serves as an outdoor classroom where visitors can explore practical strategies for caring for their land.

The Gwynne is part of Farm Science Review, the agricultural showcase hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, from Sept 22-24.

“The Gwynne Conservation Area is designed as a place for landowners to see conservation practices on the landscape, making it much easier to understand how different practices might look and function on their own properties,” said Marne Titchenell, who’s based in CFAES’ School of Environment and Natural Resources as a wildlife program director for Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’ outreach arm.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Ohio Farm Bureau continues to oppose a proposed highway connector that would link U.S. 23 with Interstate 71 in Marion and Morrow counties, arguing the project warrants a more comprehensive examination of its costs, benefits and long-term impact on farmland and rural communities.

The proposed connector’s preferred route, which would directly affect roughly 800 acres of agricultural land within the highway footprint, has generated considerable discussion in north-central Ohio, with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) moving forward with a feasibility study and selecting a preferred alternative for the project.

“Our members’ primary concerns can be boiled down to are we really looking at all of the costs and all of the benefits,” said Leah Curtis, associate general counsel with Ohio Farm Bureau. “And are we giving a full view of, particularly, the costs that will be incurred by the people where this will be built and what benefits will they accrue from all of those costs?”… Continue reading

As a new school year gets underway, Ohio FFA members are returning to agricultural education classrooms across the state. For 11 individuals, this year brings an opportunity to serve beyond their home chapters as members of the 2026-2027 Ohio FFA State Officer Team.

Each officer will travel thousands of miles to visit local chapters, facilitate leadership programs, connect with industry leaders, and share the story of Ohio FFA as its highest-ranked student leadership. Through their service, state officers also support agricultural education teachers and build meaningful connections with organizations and individuals across the industry.

Let’s meet this year’s team!

Why did you join FFA?

Joining FFA was second nature for me. With two agriscience educators as parents, I got firsthand experience with agriculture and FFA long before zipping up my own corduroy jacket. Before becoming an FFA member, I had the opportunity to witness former state officers and members of my own chapter lead with integrity and purpose.… Continue reading

Twenty leaders have been named to the 2026 Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Policy Development Committee. The committee collects and organizes public policy recommendations from county Farm Bureaus and presents the final policy suggestions to be voted on by Ohio Farm Bureau delegates during the state annual meeting in December.

In its initial session, the committee heard from subject matter experts and Farm Bureau staff on topics such as property taxes, land use, data centers, livestock management and electricity availability.

The policy committee consists of 10 members from Ohio Farm Bureau’s board of trustees and 10 county Farm Bureau members.

The committee is chaired by Ohio Farm Bureau First Vice President Cy Prettyman of New Bloomington and includes OFBF President Bill Patterson of Chesterland and OFBF Treasurer Adele Flynn of Wellington. Other state trustees on the committee are John Bolte of Tiffin, Evan Davis of Leesburg, Todd Davis of Carrollton, Al Miller of Marietta, Matt Schmerge of Botkins, Gary Truance of Vinton and Greg Williams of Lucasville. … Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced funding is available for communities working to combat the invasive spotted lanternfly (SLF) and its host – the invasive tree of heaven.

To support local efforts, a limited number of grants, up to $15,000 each with an in-kind match of 10%, are available to organizations working to control SLF populations (universities and extension offices excluded).  State and local government agencies, parks systems, and non-profit organizations with a track record of success in invasive plant or pest management are encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to agencies working in the most infested areas.

“The invasive spotted lanternfly continues to spread in Ohio,” said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. “ODA is committed to working with our local communities to take action against SLF. Whether it’s removing the invasive host, tree of heaven, engaging residents, or applying targeted treatments, these resources can be used to suppress SLF populations across Ohio.”… Continue reading

Ohio cropland values and cash rental rates are expected to remain relatively steady in 2026 as tight farm margins temper the land market, according to the latest Western Ohio Cropland Values and Cash Rents study.

The annual study, conducted by Barry Ward, leader of production business management with Ohio State University Extension, found western Ohio cropland values are expected to change between a 0.1% decline and a 0.9% increase from 2025, depending on the region and quality of the land. Cash rents are expected to range from unchanged to a 1.5% increase.

Tight profit margins and worsening liquidity continue to weigh on cropland values and rental rates. At the same time, relatively strong farm equity positions and elevated property taxes are helping support values and rents. Crop prices, input costs, and yields will also help determine where farmland values and rents finish the year.

Ward conducted the 2025-26 survey from January through April 2026, gathering 132 responses from professionals and others familiar with Ohio farmland markets.… Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with Great Ohio Lodges, invites visitors to experience “Remember, Lights in the Sky” on Saturday, September 12. Nine state park lodges will host this one-of-a-kind evening where, at 9 p.m., a synchronized illuminated drone show will light up the night sky across Ohio.

This special statewide event honors America’s 250th anniversary, accompanied by a solemn patriotic tribute marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Families, friends, and communities throughout Ohio are encouraged to come together for a night of reflection, gratitude, and celebration.

“Whether you’re joining us for the drone show, exploring the parks, or enjoying the many activities offered at our lodges, we hope you take this opportunity to experience the very best of Ohio State Parks,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “There is truly something for everyone, and we invite visitors from across the state to be part of this unforgettable evening.”… Continue reading

The Kalmbach family today announced they have acquired a grain elevator and rail transload facility from Mennel Mining Company at 798 Lincoln Way in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 

The property features extensive grain storage alongside high-capacity unit-car rail transloading capabilities. This strategic acquisition expands Kalmbach’s direct access to local grain while strengthening the company’s broader investments in feed, pet food, and ingredient manufacturing and distribution.

“We really appreciate the opportunity to work with Mennel, another exceptional family business,” said family member Paul Kalmbach Jr. “This transaction was built on trust and reflects the great working relationship between our two teams. We’re excited about the capabilities this facility adds to our footprint, allowing us to better serve our customers for generations to come.”

… Continue reading

The Ohio Soybean Council is helping Ohio fire departments transition to safer, more sustainable firefighting products through its Soy-Based Firefighting Foam Reimbursement Program. Eligible departments can receive 50% reimbursement, up to $1,000, toward the purchase of SoyFoam™ TF-1122, a PFAS-free, soy-based firefighting foam from Cross Plains Solutions. 

SoyFoam™ TF-1122 is the first and only firefighting foam to earn GreenScreen Certified Gold™ status. It is also 100% fluorine-free, made with ingredients grown by U.S. farmers, and certified readily biodegradable, providing an environmentally responsible alternative. 

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with one application per department each year. For purchasing information, contact  Pat Butler at 269-438-1653 or pkfoamsolutions@gmail.com (Lucas, Fulton, and Williams counties), or Chuck Stiver at 330-421-2714 or cstiver@nextgenbiosolutionsllc.com (all other Ohio counties).

To receive reimbursement, departments should submit their receipt and proof of payment to the Ohio Soybean Council by emailing mcorbi@soyohio.org or mailing materials to 918 Proprietors Road, Suite A, Worthington, OH 43085. 

… Continue reading

Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio AgriBusiness Association will again partner to hold the Farm Science Review Agronomy College on Wednesday, September 9. The event is designed to educate agronomists, Certified Crop Advisers, custom applicators and farmers on current agronomy issues. To register, please visit: https://oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/fsr

The full-day event features time with OSU Extension and industry specialists in the field at the agronomy plots. Breakout session topics will address the challenges of the 2026 growing season and technology opportunities available today and into the future.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the program will conclude by 4 pm. Participants will rotate between sessions throughout the day. Sessions are listed below and will be presented at various times throughout the day. Each session will be 60 minutes in length. ODA Pesticide Credits have been requested and CCA CEUs will be offered. Cost is $120 and includes lunch, materials and credits. Special rates for students are available by contacting Janice Welsheimer directly at jwelsheimer@oaba.net… Continue reading

Ohio landowners and oil and gas well owners will see several changes to state law beginning Sept. 23, when Senate Bill 219 takes effect.

Gov. Mike DeWine signed the legislation June 25, marking the first major update to Ohio’s oil and gas laws since 2012. According to The Ohio State University Farm Office, the law includes several provisions affecting private landowners, oil and gas leases, well owners, permitting, and orphaned wells.

One significant change establishes a 10-year statute of limitations for claims alleging an oil and gas lease has terminated or is no longer in effect. The provision replaces a longer timeframe established by a 2019 Ohio Supreme Court decision.

S.B. 219 also changes how Ohio Department of Natural Resources orders can be appealed. Appeals must now go first to the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission rather than directly to a county court of common pleas.

Other provisions modify expedited drilling and well-plugging permit reviews, streamline the process for assigning or transferring wells, and clarify that landowners may plug orphaned wells on their property and seek reimbursement from ODNR.… Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the removal of a significant portion of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) quarantine area in Clermont County—marking encouraging progress in Ohio’s effort against the invasive species.

The newly-released 6.2-square-mile area includes the southeast portion of Tate Township south ofState Route 125. This removal represents the reduction in regulations since the initial quarantine was established in 2011. ALB was first discovered in Tate Township in 2011, and since then, 118,306 infested trees have been removed to prevent the pest’s spread. ODA and USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) continue their partnership through the Ohio ALB Cooperative Eradication Program, which has produced strong results in limiting the beetle’s impact.

ODA Director Brian Baldridge and staff held an event for stakeholders from its ALB Eradication Program Office in Bethel to share an update on the progress made and what’s ahead for the program.

“ODA and USDA have worked tirelessly to fight this destructive pest,” Baldridge said.… Continue reading

Applications are being accepted for 2027 Ohio Farm Bureau Young Agricultural Professionals competitive events, including the Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture, and Outstanding Young Farmer contests. 

Farm Bureau’s strength depends on its members’ abilities to evaluate and discuss agricultural and community issues and decide on solutions that best meet the needs of Ohio Farm Bureau members. These competitive events for young agricultural professionals ages 18-35 foster these opportunities as well as recognize outstanding members for their achievements in business and their communities.

Discussion Meet

The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a predetermined topic. Participants build basic discussion skills, develop a keen understanding of important agricultural issues and explore how groups can pool knowledge to reach consensus and solve problems.

Applications are due Oct. 1 and can be found at ofb.ag/DM… Continue reading

Throughout the summer months, Ohio FFA members pursued premier leadership experiences across the country through a variety of FFA programs. Explore the highlights and stories from three students’ journeys.

Next Gen Agribusiness Conference: Chicago, IL

Next Gen conferences, hosted by the National FFA Organization, invite students to immerse themself in a specific agricultural career pathway through learning sessions, roundtables with industry leaders, and business tours.

Claire Rhoades, a junior member of the Brookville MVCTC FFA Chapter, attended the Next Gen Agribusiness Conference in Chicago, Illinois. Rhoades was one of 75 FFA members from across the country selected to participate in this opportunity to explore agricultural business operations, management, and entrepreneurship.

Rhoades attended the conference to explore potential career pathways and gain a deeper understanding of the professional opportunities available within the agriculture industry.

“Seeing the fast-paced office environment, learning about renewable energy projects, and experiencing a professional corporate setting showed me just how many opportunities exist in agriculture and business beyond the farm,” Rhoades said.… Continue reading

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is raising concerns about the impact Tyson Foods’ planned closure of its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facility could have on cattle producers in Ohio and across the Eastern Corn Belt.

Tyson Foods announced Aug. 13 that it will end operations at the Joslin facility as part of a broader restructuring of its beef business. The company cited historically low U.S. cattle supplies and continued limited heifer retention as factors behind the changes.

Tyson plans to anchor its beef business around facilities in Dakota City, Nebraska; Holcomb, Kansas; and Amarillo, Texas. The company will also close its Eagle Mountain, Utah, case-ready facility and is pursuing the sale of its Pasco, Washington, beef facility.

According to Tyson, cattle harvest capacity from the affected locations will be shifted to other facilities, allowing the company to maintain a similar level of cattle harvesting across its network.

For Ohio cattle producers, however, the loss of the Joslin facility means one fewer regional market for finished cattle.… Continue reading

The Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame inducted its 2026 class today in the newly opened Ohio Showcase Building. The Hall of Fame, established in 1976, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions toward making the Ohio State Fair one of the nation’s premier expositions. Since the program’s inception, more than 200 members have been inducted for their outstanding contributions toward making the Ohio State Fair one of our nation’s premier expositions.

This year’s class was welcomed by Ohio Expositions Commission Chair Rose Hartschuh and Executive Director Adam Heffron, with remarks from Governor Mike DeWine.

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Beth Burger Former Exhibitor and Draft Horse Supporter

For 74 years, Beth has been a dedicated presence at the Ohio State Fair, continuing her family’s draft horse tradition dating to the 1920s. Horses from her bloodlines have earned numerous championships across North America, and her accomplishments earned her a place in the Percheron Horse Association of America Hall of Fame.… Continue reading

By Ty Higgins, Ohio Ag Net

Wilmington College is building on its long-standing reputation for experiential agricultural education with plans for a new AgriScience Complex that will expand opportunities for students while creating a hub for livestock, greenhouse production, and animal science.

Corey Cockerill, president of Wilmington College, said the project builds on the institution’s long-standing commitment to experiential learning, an approach that has made agriculture the college’s largest academic program.

“About one-third of our students are agriculture majors. It is a thriving, exciting program with seven concentrations, and our students are fully engaged in a 287-acre living-learning laboratory,” Cockerill said.

That emphasis on learning by doing is what continues to attract students to Wilmington College, she said.

“We focus on getting students out of the classroom whenever we can,” Cockerill said. “My friend Chad says, ‘We don’t just read the chapter, we do the chapter.’ Students gain confidence when they’re out in the field learning by doing.… Continue reading