Artificial intelligence is moving from the realm of emerging technology into the cab, field and farm shop, with agricultural equipment manufacturers increasingly integrating AI into machines and systems designed to help farmers improve productivity, efficiency and decision-making.
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently released a new whitepaper examining the growing role of artificial intelligence in agricultural equipment. “AI in Agriculture Equipment: Supporting Productivity, Efficiency, and Decision-Making Through Technology” outlines how the technology is being incorporated into equipment and evolving into a tool for addressing increasingly complex challenges facing farmers.
“AI technology is proving to help farmers in their efforts to be productive and competitive, especially as operational challenges continue to intensify for the ag industry,” said Austin Gellings, AEM senior director of agricultural services, who oversees the AEM Ag Technology Leadership Group that developed the whitepaper.
The report breaks AI integration in agricultural equipment into three primary levels, ranging from technologies that assist farmers to systems capable of operating with greater autonomy.… Continue reading
The Ohio Ag Net’s Ty Higgins visits with Farm Credit Mid-America regional vice president of ag lending Rudi Pitzer Perry about where growth is being realized in the agriculture sector, even within a challenging economy.
Ohio farmers contended with wetter conditions during this past week; even so, both corn and soybeans continued to progress, with the majority of the state’s crop rated in good-to-excellent condition. USDA reports there were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 13.
Corn reaching the dent stage is at 81%, ahead of last week’s 73% average, and above the 75% average. Mature corn for the state is sitting at 22%, below the 27% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 68% good to excellent, with 53% good and 15% excellent.
Soybeans dropping leaves has reached 24%, ahead of last week’s 15% but behind the 32% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 64% good to excellent, with 50% good and 14% excellent.
Soil moisture has increased as heavy rainfall has covered most of the state, making topsoil moisture rated at 74% adequate and 22% surplus, while subsoil moisture was also 78% adequate and 12% surplus.… Continue reading
Each year, thousands of farmers from across Ohio make their way to Farm Science Review, and for many, a stop at the Ohio Soybean Building is part of the trip. Inside, visitors can learn about the latest soybean research, educational efforts and innovative soy-based bioproducts. Several of those products will be on display at this year’s Farm Science Review. Mackenzie Joseph, communications director with the Ohio Soybean Council, shares what visitors can expect to see.
From agronomic insights to water quality research, Field Leader, sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council, delivers timely information to help Ohio growers make informed decisions on the farm. Visit ocj.com/ohio-field-leader to learn more.
By Mary Wilhelm, Holstein Foundation Young Dairy Leaders Institute participant
As backpacks are packed and school buses roll again, parents everywhere focus on setting their children up for a successful year. While school supplies and schedules are important, one key factor often overlooked is nutrition—making sure kids start their day fueled, focused, and ready to learn. One of the simplest and most effective ways to support growing children is with a nutrient-rich glass of milk.
Milk has long been recognized as a nutritional powerhouse, especially for growing children. Packed with 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, and vitamin B12, milk plays an important role in supporting overall health, development, and academic performance.
One of milk’s biggest benefits is its contribution to strong bones and teeth. During childhood and adolescence, the body is rapidly building bone mass, making calcium intake more important than ever. Milk provides a highly absorbable source of calcium, paired with vitamin D to help the body use it effectively.… Continue reading
There’s been considerable discussion surrounding a proposed connector between U.S. 23 and Interstate 71 in the Marion and Morrow County area, and Ohio Farm Bureau has made it clear that it remains opposed to the project. Find out more about OFBF’s position on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.
Plus, we check in with Dusty Sonnenberg for a new Field Leader Podcast segment as he visits with merchandizing specialist Dwayne Wilson to learn more about White Commercial Corp and why we are seeing such dramatic swings in the commodity markets these days.
Farmers who operate through an LLC, S corporation, or certain other business entities are affected by significant changes in USDA payment eligibility rules. Beginning with the 2026 crop year, qualifying business entities will receive more favorable treatment for purposes of USDA payment limitations. The changes give farmers greater flexibility to use business entities for liability protection and other business purposes without unnecessarily limiting access to USDA farm programs.
LLCs and S corporations now receive pass-through treatment
Historically, the way a farm was structured could significantly affect its eligibility for USDA program payments. An operation conducted as an LLC or S corporation were subject to a single payment limitation at the entity level, even if multiple owners were actively involved in the farming operation.
Under the new rules, beginning with the 2026 crop year, qualifying LLCs and S corporations may receive multiple payment limitations. Each member of a qualifying pass-through entity who meets the applicable requirements for being actively engaged in farming can help qualify the entity for expanded payments.… 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
The following is a press release from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has suspended grain handling operations at United Equity, Inc., located at 104 S. Main St., Delphos, Ohio, with branch locations in Spencerville and Celina, after a department audit confirmed a financial shortfall. The company’s grain handler’s license has been suspended to prevent more outstanding obligations from being incurred and to facilitate a possible remedy via the Grain Indemnity Fund.
If you believe you have outstanding grain obligations with United Equity, Inc. and have questions, please call ODA at 614-728-6410. Ohio’s Grain Indemnity Fund was created in 1983 to reimburse farmers when a licensed handler becomes insolvent. Claims to the indemnity fund are handled through ODA’s Grain Feed & Seed Section in conjunction with the recommendation of the Ohio Commodity Advisory Commission.
Ohio Revised Code gives priority to the automatic lien established and held by the department for the benefit of farmers in the event of a grain handler’s failure or insolvency.… Continue reading
The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) is excited to announce the return of the Buckeye Cattlemen’s Summit on Saturday, Jan. 23, at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus, Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio.
Following the success of its inaugural event, the Buckeye Cattlemen’s Summit will once again bring Ohio cattlemen together for breed association meetings, industry updates, producer education and OCA traditions. OCA partners with the Buckeye Hereford Association, Ohio Shorthorn Association and Ohio Simmental Association to provide a full day of educational opportunities and industry engagement.
The Summit will feature morning and afternoon sessions focused on timely beef industry topics, providing producers with practical information and tools to take back to their operations. Breed association meetings will also be held throughout the day.
Youth education remains an important part of the Summit, with opportunities for Ohio Beef Youth Council participants to compete and learn. The event will include educational activities and contests designed to help Ohio youth expand their knowledge of the beef industry.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff.
The Ohio Soybean Council has a building at Farm Science Review that greets thousands of visitors each year. It is filled with displays that tell the stories of Ohio’s soybean farmers and how their check-off dollars fund research, education, and projects designed to return value to the farm. Mackenzie Joseph is the Communications Manager for the Ohio Soybean Council and recently visited with Field Leader to preview some of the highlights at this year’s Farm Science Review.
Field Leader: Farm Science Review is a destination for thousands of Ohio’s soybean farmers as well as the general public. What are some of the things visitors will learn about in the soybean building at the review this year?
Joseph: We are very excited this year to have the Ohio Soybean Building back in action. It is building number 441 if you are looking at a map of the review site.… Continue reading
For months now we have heard terms in the popular media of the impending “Super El Niño” or even “Godzilla El Niño” to depict the climate cycle we have entered. But what does it really mean and perhaps more importantly, what does it mean for farmers? Back in June, OCJ’s Brianna Smith and I discussed these issues on the Ohio Ag Net Tv podcast. This is a review and an update on El Niño conditions and potential impacts across the region heading throughout the rest of 2026 and into 2027.
What is El Niño?
El Niño refers to an ocean-atmosphere climate phenomenon linked to a periodic warming in sea-surface temperatures across the central and east-central equatorial Pacific Ocean. Its origins extend back centuries to Peruvian and Ecuadorian fishermen who noticed periods of abnormally warm water around Christmastime that greatly reduced fish catches. Later, scientists discovered its links to atmospheric circulation via the position of the jet stream, which has downwind effects on weather patterns in many areas of the globe.… 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
As farmers finish this year’s crop and begin looking toward the 2027 growing season, input costs will once again be a major consideration. Fertilizer prices, in particular, can have a significant impact on the bottom line, making nutrient management an important part of the planning process.
For farmers considering manure as an alternative or supplement to commercial fertilizer, Mark Eilerman, an independent agronomist with New Ag Horizons, said one of the most important steps is knowing exactly what is in the manure being applied.
“Manure is a big one here anymore,” Eilerman said. “I’ve got a lot of clients using any and all kinds of manure for their fields. Usually, it’s a discounted price compared to commercial fertilizer.”
Eilerman said manure can offer an economical source of nutrients, but there are also considerations such as compaction and weed seeds. Before determining whether a manure source is a good value, farmers need to know its nutrient content.… Continue reading
The Ohio Pork Council (OPC) has welcomed three newly elected members to its Board of Directors and announced its new officer team. Stacey Voight, Anthony Stateler, and Tyler Logan bring broad experience in pork production, technical services, livestock marketing, workforce development and community leadership to the OPC Board which also elected Jarred Black as president, Brad Heimerl as president-elect, and Nathan Isler as treasurer.
“OPC’s strength comes from leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing Ohio pig farmers,” said Cheryl Day, executive vice president of OPC. “Stacey, Anthony, and Tyler each bring valuable perspectives that will help guide the council’s work on behalf of producers, consumers and the future of our industry.”
Voight was elected to represent OPC associate members. She brings 29 years of experience across production and technical-service roles within the pork industry.
Her career began with hands-on work at boar studs across Ohio, and she previously managed an 80-sow show-pig herd.… Continue reading
The answer could have significant implications for Ohio soybean production. Red crown rot, caused by the soilborne fungus Calonectria ilicicola, can persist in fields for years, making early detection and accurate diagnosis especially important.
“This is an important time to scout because red crown rot symptoms become most visible during the reproductive stages of soybean, particularly during pod fill,” said Horacio Lopez-Nicora, associate professor of soybean pathology and nematology and a Provost’s Early Career Scholar at CFAES. “August and September are an excellent window for growers to walk fields and look for patches of plants showing premature yellowing, interveinal chlorosis and necrosis, wilting, or plant death.”
Recent record rainfall and resulting wet conditions make scouting especially timely because red crown rot is favored by warm, wet soils.… 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
Corn and soybean development continued to move ahead of normal across Ohio, with both crops making significant progress toward maturity. Corn condition remained largely stable, while soybeans showed continued advancement as leaf drop reached the five-year average pace. USDA reports there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Sept. 6.
Corn reaching the dough stage is at 100%, ahead of last week’s 95%, and well ahead of the 94% five-year average. Corn reaching the dent stage is at 73%, ahead of last week’s 59% average, and above the 62% average. Mature corn for the state is sitting at 16%, right on with the 13% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 61% good to excellent, with 48% good and 13% excellent.
Soybeans dropping leaves has reached 15%, ahead of last week’s 1% and above the 15% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 58% good to excellent, with 45% good and 13% excellent.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
For Ohio soybean farmers, transporting soybeans and soy products such as soybean meal and soy oil is vitally important, since we do not have a large number of end users within the state. Annually, 1.5 million bushels of soybeans are exported out of Ohio to poultry and hog operations in East Coast states. Railroads provide a cost-effective method for shipping these bulk commodities. A recent study by the USDA on Rail Competition and its importance to agriculture found that “an affordable and reliable transportation network is necessary to maintain the strength and competitiveness of American agriculture and our rural communities. Rail service is a particularly important part of that network for U.S. agriculture, because it is virtually the only cost-effective shipping alternative available for low-value, bulky commodities in rural areas that are distant from water transportation and markets.”… Continue reading
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