Featured Audio

Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 460 – The Hits Keep Coming for the Cattle Industry

Leaders from United Producers Inc. talk about what they are seeing firsthand in the cattle market, and maybe more importantly, what producers should be thinking about as conditions continue to change amid recent packing plant closures, changing cattle prices, and new uncertainty in the beef market.

Plus, the grain markets are being pulled in several different directions right now, from the latest USDA supply and demand numbers and the results of the Pro Farmer crop tour to growing uncertainty in the Black Sea region. On this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat, Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics breaks down what these developments could mean for corn, soybeans and wheat prices in the weeks ahead.

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A Commitment to Better Soil

By Allison Kinney, Ohio Ag Net

When Matt Burkholder talks about soil health, he doesn’t start with test results or research data. He talks about his own fields that have firsthand reaped the benefits of using no-till farming practices. Burkholder has been farming in Allen County since about 2006 and currently grows corn, soybeans, and wheat. This summer, he also added a small sunflower planting as part of an effort to further diversify the operation.

“We grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. And after the wheat harvest, I planted six acres of sunflowers. That’s a new market we’re going to try this summer and see how it goes. We are trying to diversify our farm as much as we can,” Burkholder said.

His journey into conservation-minded farming began shortly after he started farming.

“In 2007, a friend of mine asked me, ‘Do you utilize no-till and cover crops on your farm?’ And I asked him, ‘Why would I plant a cover crop?’… Continue reading

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 459 – An FSR Preview and Pushback on Foreign Beef

The annual three-day Farm Science Review, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, brings farmers, researchers, educators, students and industry together to share what works and explore what’s next at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio from Sept. 22-24. Get a preview from FSR manager, Nick Zachrich, on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

Plus, numerous livestock groups, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, are raising concerns about the Trump administration’s reported plan to allow an additional 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free beef imports over the next 90 days. OCA President Lindsay Hall talks about how this move to more foreign beef would impact Ohio cattle producers in the short and long terms.

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Turning dirt into healthy soil

For Allen County farmer Matt Burkholder, no-till and cover crops are about more than changing how he farms. They are about leaving the soil better for the next generation.

Burkholder, president of the Ohio No-Till Council, shares his journey with Ohio Ag Net’s Allison Kinney, from planting his first cover crop in 2009 to seeing improvements in water infiltration, nutrient cycling, weed suppression, soil erosion, and input costs. He also discusses the challenges farmers face when adopting conservation practices and the importance of mentors along the way.

“I want to turn dirt into healthy soil for the next generation,” Burkholder said.

Listen to the full conversation to hear what Burkholder has learned through nearly two decades of working to improve soil health on his farm.… Continue reading

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 458 – Investigating transparency in the fertilizer market

Fertilizer prices have become one of the biggest concerns facing farmers, particularly at a time when commodity prices are putting tremendous pressure on farm margins. Ohio Corn & Wheat is calling for more competition and transparency in the fertilizer market, and the Federal Trade Commission is now involved. Hear from leaders of Ohio Corn & Wheat about what they hope this investigation will change about the fertilizer industry.

Plus, Diversification remains a popular strategy for strengthening farm operations, but as margins remain tight and uncertainty continues across agriculture, the conversation has shifted from whether to diversify to how farmers can identify the right opportunities, evaluate risk, and build lasting value. Farm Credit Mid-America dives deeper into the conversation on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn & Wheat.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 457 – A 2026 Current Agricultural Use Value Update

There were several positive developments in the 2026 Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) update, including a slight decline in values for counties undergoing reappraisals and a change to the valuation of permanent pastureland. Ohio Farm Bureau’s associate general counsel, Leah Curtis, has the details on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

Plus, get a statewide agronomic update from Beck’s Hybrids and find out what is new at the upcoming Becknology Days, including some test plots that may have some farmers rethinking how they plant soybeans.

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The view from both sides of agriculture

By Allison Kinney

Few people have experienced agriculture from as many perspectives as Jim Mosley. A farmer by trade, Mosley’s career also took him to some of the highest levels of public service, giving him a unique view of how agriculture has changed over the last several decades. Still, for Mosley, the answer starts and ends with farming.

“First and foremost, I’m a farmer,” Mosley said. “I’ve had experience at the ground level, and then I’ve had three positions in D.C.”

Throughout his career, Mosley served as agricultural adviser to the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment at USDA from 1989 to 1992 and later returned to Washington as USDA deputy secretary in 2001. In between his federal service, he returned home and remained closely connected to production agriculture.

Those experiences allowed him to see agriculture through multiple lenses, from the concerns facing farmers in the field to the policy discussions shaping the industry’s future.… Continue reading

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 455 – Discovering new uses for Ohio soybeans

With the expansion of Airable Labs to Shawnee State University, the Ohio Soybean Council will have even greater opportunities to find new used for soybeans grown right here in Ohio. On this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, learn more about the research being done by Barry McGraw and his team to add value to soybean farmers’ bottom line.

Plus, what is the current state of the farmland auction market in Ohio and how is that changing who is showing up at land auctions these days? Kevin Miller with Oak Ridge Realty and Auction Company shares his insights on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

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Featured Audio: A preview of the 2026 Ohio State Fair with Governor Mike DeWine

As the Ohio State Fair prepares to welcome visitors July 29 through Aug. 9, fairgoers will notice some of the most significant changes in the event’s history.

Governor Mike DeWine joined Brianna Smith and the Ohio Ag Net to discuss the transformation taking place across the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds as part of the Expo 2050 master plan. In this exclusive interview, DeWine shares what visitors can expect from the new Ohio Agriculture Center, the Ohio Showcase building, the renovated Dairy Building and other additions designed to celebrate Ohio agriculture while enhancing the fair experience for generations to come.

The conversation also explores how agriculture influenced the redevelopment of the fairgrounds, why the investment was important for the future of Ohio and, of course, the Governor’s favorite Ohio State Fair food.… Continue reading

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 454 – Expanding Support for Ohio State Fair youth

Farm Credit Mid-America is the exclusive sponsor of all Ohio State Fair Junior Livestock Grand Drives, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. On this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat, learn why this type of investment is important for Farm Credit Mid-America, livestock exhibitors and Ohio agriculture as a whole from Bob Siegel, FCMA Regional Vice President of Agricultural Lending

Plus, high-oleic soybeans are becoming more popular for use in dairy rations. Dairy nutritionist Corwin Holtz talks about the science behind the use of HO beans to feed dairy cows.

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Don’t let a quiet July fool you

By Allison Kinney, Ohio Ag Net

While July has been relatively quiet for insect activity across Ohio fields, growers shouldn’t let their guard down just yet.

As crops move through key reproductive stages, the next several weeks will determine whether insect pressure remains light or becomes more problematic heading into August. Kelley Tilmon, Ohio State University Extension state specialist and professor of entomology, said pest populations can shift quickly depending on weather conditions and other environmental factors.

“It’s been pretty quiet on the insect front in field crops. We don’t have any panic situations at the moment, but there are a few things I tell people to be on the lookout for,” Tilmon said.

Soybean defoliators become more important from mid-July through late August. A number of caterpillar species, along with Japanese beetles, can feed on soybean leaves during that time. Tilmon noted that soybeans can generally tolerate 10% to 15% defoliation during pod development and fill before treatment is warranted.… Continue reading

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 453 – Bringing Certainty and Sustainability Back to the Farm

Soil health continues to be an important conversation in agriculture as farmers look for ways to improve their operations, protect their resources, and build long-term sustainability. On this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat, learn about the Farmers for Soil Health program and the opportunities it is providing for growers who want to take the next step in conservation.

Plus, bringing some certainty back into agriculture is something that could happen if some policies are passed in Washington. With items like the Farm Bill, year-round E15 and fertilizer availability and prices on the cusp of becoming law, farm groups are pushing hard to get Congress to move. Get an update from Ohio Farm Bureau.

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OSU Study Examines Bean Leaf Beetle Damage and Movement in Soybean Fields

Dr. Kelley Tilmon, is a professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. She is leading a multi-year, soybean check-off funded study on bean leaf beetle pod feeding and migration based on soybean field maturation to help develop management recommendations for Ohio soybean growers.

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.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 452 – Data Center Impact Analysis Underway

Before the Ohio legislature closed up shop for the summer, work was put in place to gauge the impact of data centers on rural communities. Evan Callicoat, director of state policy with Ohio Farm Bureau gives the details on that as well as other items lawmakers recently addressed around property taxes and E15 on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

Plus, Dusty Sonnenberg takes the Field Leader Roadshow to Van Wert County and Heffelfinger Farms to visit with Mike and Kendra about their family operation dating back to 1852. They share about their farm, some of the changes in agriculture in Van Wert County over the years and also take a look to the future and things that are important for their operation.

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What Ohio Cattle Producers Need to Know About New World Screwworm

Although New World screwworm is not currently established in Ohio, agricultural experts are closely monitoring the threat it poses to livestock and the potential impact its spread could have on the U.S. animal agriculture industry. In this interview, Ohio State medical and veterinary entomologist, Risa Pesapane, explains what producers need to know about the pest, why concerns about its spread are growing, and the serious risks it could pose to cattle and other livestock. She discusses the warning signs of infestation, the importance of early detection and steps Ohio farmers can take to help protect their herds.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 451 – When Fungicide Pays and Combatting Fuel Costs

With corn and soybean crops advancing across Ohio, many growers are evaluating whether a fungicide application will help protect yield potential. It’s a decision that depends on several factors and agronomist Luke Schulte with Beck’s Hybrids weighs in with recent Practical Farm Research results.

Plus, for Ohio farmers who grow soybeans and other feedstocks for biodiesel, what does the expiration of the 40A blenders’ tax credit actually mean day-to-day, and what is being done to reinstate it? Find out on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 450 – Long-Term Weather Outlook and Looking Out for Other Farmers

Farmers are no stranger to stress, but there have been major investments and improvements for resources to help them get through challenges they may be facing when it comes to their mental health. Find out about all of the options available and how the conversation around farm stress and mental health is changing on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

Plus, get an idea of what Mother Nature may have in store for farmers in Ohio as the growing season continues with an outlook from State Climatologist Dr. Aaron Wilson.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 449 – Calling All Leaders and Protecting Risk in the Livestock Sector

Ohio Corn and Wheat’s Emerging Leaders Program was created to identify, educate, and empower the next generation of agricultural leaders in Ohio’s corn and small grain industry. Nominations are being accepted now. Hear from past participants about what they learned about themselves and the industry by taking part in the program.

Then, one tool that’s getting more attention these days is Livestock Risk Protection insurance. A Livestock Product Specialist with Farm Credit Mid-America discusses how producers are thinking about managing risk in an environment of strong prices and ongoing volatility on this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat.

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Ohio Ag Net Podcast – Ep. 448 – Taking Consumer Outreach to New Levels and Keys to Selling Land

Ohio agriculture will take center stage at this year’s Ohio State Fair with the new Imagine AG exhibit, designed to help fairgoers better understand where their food comes from and the many industries connected to farming. On this Ohio Ag Net Podcast, powered by Ohio Corn and Wheat, Ohio Farm Bureau’s Marlene Eick talks about the vision behind the new building, the interactive experiences inside, and the message organizers hope visitors take home from this year’s fair.

Plus, selling land is much different than selling a traditional home, requiring the right marketing strategy, the right buyers, and an approach tailored to that specific property. Kevin Miller with Oak Ridge Realty and Auction Company shares what landowners should know before putting their property on the market.

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Ohio Farmer shares comments about fertilizer prices with the Federal Trade Commission

John Settlemyre Fert Mtg

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched a highly anticipated investigation into the fertilizer industry’s pricing practices and market concentration. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson recently announced the investigation at a gathering of farmers from across 18 states at a farm just outside of McKinney, Texas. John Settlemyre, an Ohio farmer from Clinton County was in attendance, and also shared his concerns at the event.

“Chairman Ferguson made clear what Ohio farmers have been saying for years — the fertilizer market is broken, and it is costing farm families real money,” Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association President Eric Tipton said. “When a handful of companies can drive up one of our most important input costs while farm income falls, farmers and consumers both pay the price. The FTC’s investigation is a necessary step toward restoring fairness, transparency and competition to the fertilizer market.”

The event titled “Fed Up: Fertilizer Cartel Profits off Farmers’ Backs and Your Grocery Bill”, took aim at the crushing input costs set by Mosaic, Nutrien, CF Industries and Koch.… Continue reading

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