High school science teachers advanced their knowledge about biotech, its uses in agriculture, and classroom connections at the recently held GrowNextGen Ag Biotech Graduate Academy in Westerville. In this featured audio interview, Ohio Ag Net’s Dale Minyo speaks with Olivia Pflaumer.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 305 | Golden Agriculture: Ohio Wheat and California’s Proposition 12
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
Read More »Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 304 | Soybean Diplomacy: Fields to Foreign Lands
The newest Ohio Ag Net Podcast welcomes world travelers, auction updates, and policy experts. Hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg, this episode starts with the Ohio Soybean Council to speak about some international market development missions that support Ohio soybean farmers. Madison Layman and Bill Bayliss discuss their recent trip and the value of beans abroad.
Dale Minyo speaks with Dale Everman of Homan Inc. about egg packing automation. From packaging technology, sourcing labor, and automating production, he speaks to the many solutions for Ohio — the second leading state in egg production. Equipment is a year round business and Dave Cornish of RES Auctions updates with Matt about current market trends and the most popular purchases of the season.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Brandon Kern, Senior Director of State & National Policy, updates listeners on action in the state capitol. The upcoming state budget could be leaving out some important funding to H2Ohio programs.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 303 | Ohio’s Favorite Flavors and Breeds
National Dairy Month kicks off this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg. Scott Higgins joins the conversation to talk about the visions of the American Dairy Association Mideast, and favorite dairy products of the season. They will discuss challenges with slim dairy margins, along with product processing opportunities in the state.
Middle school students are practicing utilizing their wallets at Graham Middle School. Joel Penhorwood interviews Principal Nick Guidera, discussing the GrowNextGen program in his school. Real Money Real World for youth financial literacy was giving hands-on experiences with the dollar.
Matt checks in with WJ Fannin, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Commercial Cattleman of the Year, in Fayette County. From stockyard sales to individual cuts of meat, his business meets the needs of consumers. They will talk about cattle barn technology and operating a data-driven herd.
0:00 – Intro and opening discussion
6:15 – Nick Guidera on Real Money Real World
13:53 – Cattleman of the Year: WJ Fannin
18:28 – Dairy Outlook with Scott Higgins … Continue reading
GrowNextGen showcases Real Money/Real World at Graham Middle School
In this featured audio, Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood sits down with Nick Guidera of Graham Middle School to discuss a unique program students took on as their school year came to a close – a partnership between GrowNextGen, a program funded in part by Ohio Soybean farmers and their checkoff, and Ohio State Extension’s Real Money. Real World. initiative.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 302 | AgriBusiness for the Future
In this week’s episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg, a diverse group of business owners are meeting the need of sustainable demand. Chris Henney of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association discusses how they meeting the needs of their members through legislative action, creating an atmosphere for business growth, and promoting agribusiness role in the community. Listen in to hear how agriculture technology and sustainability is changing Ohio’s economy.
Dale visits the classroom talking with Leah LaCrosse, 8th grade science teacher from Huron City Schools. Chickenology is the newest GrowNextGen resource she is using in her classroom to teach biology in agriculture. Leah explains the success in connecting science educators with farmers and industry.
Matt hears from Devin Dye, the “Land Guy”, from Dye Real Estate and Land Company for a market update. With record high prices on farm acreage in Northwest Ohio, Devin has advise for farmers and land investors as we approach summer auctions.… Continue reading
Read More »Teaching life science standards through GrowNextGen at Huron City Schools
Dale talks Chickenology with Leah LaCrosse, Science Educator for Huron City Schools. This is part of the GrowNextGen program funded by Ohio Soybean Farmers and their checkoff.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 301 | Getting it in the Ground!
A great listen for those planting, get ready for an information-packed episode of the Ohio Ag Net Podcast, hosted by Matt Reese and Dusty Sonnenberg. This week, they dive into the critical topic of navigating financial challenges in agriculture in 2023, as they engage in a compelling conversation with Larry Davis from Ag Resource Management. Join them as they uncover valuable advice and insights to help farmers navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape and make informed decisions for a prosperous future.
But that’s not all—Dale Minyo visits with Dale Everman from Homan Inc. to discuss the efficient use of nutrients and the vital topic of manure management, equipment advantages, and the latest farm building trends.
Joel Penhorwood then shifts gears and connects with Cindy Layman to explore the exciting world of GrowNextGen Virtual Field Trips. Delve into the immersive experiences offered by these virtual trips, designed to ignite curiosity and promote agricultural understanding among students and educators alike.… Continue reading
Read More »GrowNextGen showcases spring planting via Virtual Field Trip near Kenton
Cindy Layman of Layman Farms takes us behind the scenes on a Virtual Field Trip at their farm in Hardin County. Students learned more about modern farming and Ohio agriculture as part of GrowNextGen, a program of Ohio’s soybean farmers and their checkoff.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 300 | 95th Ohio FFA Convention Recap
On this week’s podcast Dusty and Joel sit down to talk about the 95th Ohio FFA Convention with student reporters, Aubree Topp and Allison Kinney. Aubree is from the Botkins FFA Chapter and Allison is from the Indian Lake OHP FFA Chapter. During this year’s convention, they conducted interviews and captured photos and videos.
Wyatt Morrow, a student reporter and from the Fairfield FFA Chapter, interviewed Katie Oestreich, Ben Bitner, Kennedy Short, Luke Jennings, and Landon Shelpman about their year of service together as State FFA Officers. Allison also interviewed Luke Jennings, who was named the New State FFA President. Lastly, Dusty talks with Dr. Laura Lindsey, OSU Extension State Specialist for small grains and soybeans, about soybean planting progress and stand evaluation. All this and more on this week’s podcast!
00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update
05:41 Wyatt Morrow – State Officer Recap
18:42 Allision Kinney – Luke Jennings, New State President
22:05 Dr.… Continue reading
Read More »CDE winners reflect on newly acquired skills
The fourth session of the 95th Ohio FFA Convention highlighted winners of various Career Development Events (CDE).


Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Allison Kinney had a conversation with the top team and individual in the Farm and AgriBusiness Management CDE.
Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Aubree Topp caught up with Josie Jennings, a sophomore who won the Advanced Prepared Public Speaking CDE.
Winner, Crone, Pinger, Michaels named Stars Over Ohio
The coveted Stars Over Ohio award winners were named at the third session of the 95th Ohio FFA State Convention.

Star in Ag Placement – Luke Winner, Versailles FFA
Star in Agribusiness – Alexis Crone, Cardington FFA
Star in Agriscience – Audrey Pinger, Felicity-Franklin FFA
Star Farmer – Allison Michaels, Bellevue FFA
In the audio interview above, Ohio Ag Net Student Reporter Cortney Copeland talks with Star Farmer Allison Michaels about her Supervised Agricultural Experience and the work that went into the award.… Continue reading
Read More »Schwartz reflects on FFA presidency

Ohio FFA State President Aubrey Schwartz talks with Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal FFA Reporter Morgan Anderson as she wraps up her presidency, set to conclude at the Ohio FFA Convention, May 4-5.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 299 | How Ohio FFA Prepares Students for Life
On this week’s podcast Dusty and Matt sit down with Morgan Anderson, current Ohio Country Journal FFA Reporter. Morgan is a past Ohio FFA State Vice President and a current broadcast journalism student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She talks about her experiences during FFA, and how this organization set her up to exceed in life after high school.
Also, Dale talks with Wade Thorson, President of Benchmark Biodiesel in Columbus, Ohio, talking about the current market environment of transportation energy. Virgil Strickler, General Manager at Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, talks with Dale about the upcoming Ohio State Fair and some changes for 2023. All this and more on this week’s podcast!
00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update
05:29 Wade Thorson – Benchmark Biodiesel
11:42 Virgil Strickler – Ohio State Fair
15:41 Back with Morgan… Continue reading
Read More »Soy Biodiesel improvements and availability
Wade Thorson, president, Benchmark Biodiesel Inc, talks about the improvements in performance and availability of Soy Biodiesel thanks to the Ohio Soybean Council and the soybean check-off.… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 298 | BEEF – It’s What’s for Dinner
Dusty and Matt sit down with Elizabeth Harsh, Executive Director of Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Ohio Beef Council. She talks about celebrating National Beef Month this May and the upcoming grilling season. Elizabeth also mentions how the cattle industry is constantly changing, but Ohio cattlemen are devoted to continuing growing a safe and wholesome food source.
Also, Matt talks with Don Bailey, a farmer in Union County, about a recent court case regarding eminent domain and the farmland preservation easement on his farm. Rachel Sanders from the Global Impact STEM Academy talks with Dale on the GrowNextGen tour about making biodiesel and then using it to power toy boats. Lastly, Dale speaks with Cory Cockerill, Interim President of Wilmington College. All this and more on this week’s Podcast!
00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update
06:38 Don Bailey – Eminent Domain
12:21 Rachel Sanders – GrowNextGen
21:01 Cory Cockerill – Wilmington College
27:27 Back with Elizabeth… Continue reading
Read More »Ohio’s Country Journal & Ohio Ag Net Podcast | Ep. 297 | Get the Dirt on Ethanol, Planting, and Hunger
On this week’s podcast Matt and Dusty sit down to talk with the folks at Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation. They visit with Janelle Mead and Kris Swartz to discuss the conservation practices farmers are implanting within Ohio. H2Ohio is also a project OFSWC works closely with, and Janelle and Kris talk about the future of this program and possible expansion.
Also, Dale visits with Farm Credit Mid America in Cambridge discussing the Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer campaign. Tom Verry with Clean Fuels Alliance America talks with Dusty about renewables and the growing demand. Lastly, Joel stops in to do a Cab Cam with Mike Elsner as he plants early soybeans. All this and more on this week’s podcast!
00:00 Intro and OCJ/OAN Staff Update
05:48 Farm Credit Mid-America – Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer campaign
13:13 Tom Verry – Clean Fuels Alliance America
16:54 Mike Elsner – Cab Cam
24:37 Back with OFSWC… Continue reading
Read More »Students learn about making Soy Biodiesel through GrowNextGen
Rachel Sanders, Science Instructor, Senior Capstone Advisor and FFA Advisor at Global Impact STEM Academy, taught her 11th grade students about making Soy Biodiesel through the GrowNextGen program. Pictured are two of her 11th grade students – Riley Champ and Bridget Capper. This is part of the GrowNextGen program is funded by Ohio Soybean Farmers and their checkoff. Learn more at www.soyohio.org.… Continue reading
Read More »“Amazing to see” soy biofuel opportunities growing rapidly
Tom Verry, director of outreach and development for Clean Fuels Alliance America, talks with Ohio Ag Net’s Dusty Sonnenberg about the rapidly expanding markets and opportunities for soy biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuels.
“I’ve been around the industry for 30 years, and the last 12 months have been the most exciting I’ve seen,” Verry said. “It’s always exciting, but this last 12 months have been amazing to see.”… Continue reading
Read More »Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer aiming for record-breaking year
In this featured audio, Ohio Ag Net’s Dale Minyo sits down with Farm Credit Mid-America Loan Officer Jennie Schultice and Rural 1st Loan Officer Jennifer Kroft to discuss the wildly successful Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer program. The food drive is expanding its reach in Ohio for 2023 and has big goals for its impact this year.… Continue reading
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