Top Headlines

Ohio Nutrient Management Record Keeper (OnMRK) is a computerized recordkeeping system
that sync’s with your smartphone or tablet to create a simple, easy and quick way to record all
of your fertilizer and manure applications from the field. The free app which works on tablets,
iPads and smartphones can be downloaded from the Google Play store for Android devices and
iTunes for the Apple products.

To get started, simply go to the app’s website www.onmrk.com.  After setting up your account, enter your farm and field information. Download and open the app on you smartphone or
tablet and enter your applicator key. All of the data that has been entered on your computer
will now synchronize with your smartphone or tablet. The app features drop‐down menus and
quick entry fields which make it fast and easy to enter the required information.

Click here for Ohio Nutrient Management Record Keeper Instructions

The application information you enter from the field is combined with the GPS Location data
from your smartphone or tablet.… Continue reading

In partnership with Fennig Equipment in Coldwater, Hagie Manufacturing is pleased to introduce the Hagie Commodity Delivery System (CDS), an innovative solution to add value to self-propelled applicators with capability to perform full season dry fertilizer, nutrient and cover crop inter-seeding applications.

Designed to complement the Cover Crop Interseeder (CCI) product line for the STS series sprayers, the Hagie Commodity Delivery System extends application capability with utilization of a pressurized dry application system, stainless steel metering system and application specific distribution towers. With proficiency to apply denser seed mixtures at higher rates, as well as to perform fertilizer applications in up to a 90-foot swath, the Hagie Commodity Delivery System maximizes application versatility and productivity.

“We introduced our FE4R system to Hagie Mfg. to help streamline the highboy concept of applying cover crops and dry fertilizer on a 90-foot boom. This system is well designed and expands the capabilities of the Hagie unit by allowing the farmer to utilize it not only as a multifaceted liquid product delivery system, but also a dry delivery system.… Continue reading

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) Board of Trustees elected officers for 2015-2016 during the December board meeting. These executive committee positions include the offices of chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary.

Individuals in these positions are responsible for the implementation of board policies and procedures, as well as carrying out the roles for their respective offices.

Terry McClure of Paulding County was elected chairman. McClure previously served as OSC vice chairman and as a Soy Transportation Coalition board member. In addition to his volunteer leadership position with OSC, McClure is a member of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Previously McClure was president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, a board member of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program, and a board member of the Paulding County Soil and Water Conservation District. He farms soybeans, corn and wheat.

Elected vice chairman after holding the office of treasurer was Steve Reinhard.… Continue reading

The financial markets and economists are in agreement that the Federal Reserve Board is likely to begin raising interest rates at its December 15-16, 2015 meeting. It seems certain that rates will be raised several times in the next year. As farmers begin thinking about what crops to plant next spring, a part of their thinking may be: what effect will interest rates have on commodity prices?

The literature, confirmed by recent research I conducted with my graduate student Aitbek Amatov, has reached a strong consensus that both an increasing money supply and declining interest rates are good for commodity prices, including agricultural commodities. The Fed’s quantitative easing programs functioned similarly to more traditional methods of increasing the money supply. Now, after seven years of low interest rates and a quadrupling of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet (pumping about $3 trillion into the system although much of this ended up as excess reserves at the Fed), the Fed policies which favored higher commodity prices are about to shift into reverse.… Continue reading

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of $3.4 million for research projects in support of the new International Wheat Yield Partnership (IWYP) program.

“Wheat is one of the world’s most important staple crops, providing a significant amount of daily calories and protein throughout the world,” said Secretary Vilsack. “By 2050, the demand for wheat as part of a reliable, affordable, and nutritious diet will grow alongside the world population, and continued wheat research will play an important role in ensuring its continued availability.”

Awards for this program will be made through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

The new International Wheat Yield Partnership program seeks to enhance agriculture research that can benefit the global community and support the G20 nations’ Wheat Initiative with the key aims of enhancing the genetic component of wheat yield and developing new wheat varieties that are adaptable to different geographical regions and environmental conditions.… Continue reading

Bryan Bush, a farmer from Edison, was elected chairman of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff for 2016 during their December meeting at the Ohio Corn & Wheat office in Delaware.

Bush has served on the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff board for 8 years, most recently as vice president. As District 7 Director he represents corn farmers in Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Delaware, Franklin, Guernsey, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Muskingum, Tuscarawas and Union counties.

Putnam County farmer Mark Hoorman, was elected as vice-chairman. He is in his fourth year of service and previously served as secretary. He represents corn farmers in District 1, which is Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas and Williams counties.

Rachael Vonderhaar, beginning her second year on the board, will serve as secretary. Vonderhaar farms with her family in Preble County. As District 8 Director, she represents corn farmers in Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Clermont, Darke, Greene, Hamilton, Preble, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren counties.… Continue reading

Ohioans can start planning visits to all of their favorite fairs across the state. The Ohio Department of Agriculture today released the official dates for the 2016 fair season, which includes Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair.

The Paulding County Fair will kick off the 2016 fair season on June 13, and the season will wrap up on Oct. 15 with the Fairfield County Fair. Alphabetical and chronologicallistings are available.

In addition to setting and approving the dates for the independent and county fairs, the department is responsible for helping to assure the safety of fair amusement rides, monitoring livestock shows to help assure honest competition and coordinating animal health efforts with local veterinarians.… Continue reading

Keith Truckor, a farmer from Metamora, was elected chairman of the Ohio Corn Checkoff for 2016, during their December meeting at the Ohio Corn & Wheat office in Delaware.

Truckor has served on the Ohio Corn Checkoff board for two years, most recently as chair of the domestic demand committee. As District 1 Director he represents corn farmers in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas and Williams counties.

Putnam County farmer, Dennis Vennekotter, was elected as vice-chairman. He is in his fourth year of service and previously served on the National Corn Growers Association Ethanol Action Team. He represents corn farmers in District 4: Allen, Paulding, Putnam and Van Wert counties.

Doug Longfellow, beginning his fifth year on the board, will serve as secretary. Longfellow farms with his father in Darke County in addition to selling seed. As District 11 Director, he represents corn farmers in Darke, Preble and Montgomery counties.

Gail Lierer of Butler County was elected as Ohio Corn Checkoff treasurer.… Continue reading

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) recently announced the results of four Board of Trustees district elections during the November board meeting. Elected trustees will serve one three-year term ending in 2018.

The results were as follows:

• District 2 – Nathan Eckel, Wood County
• District 5 – Bill Bateson, Hancock County
• District 9 – Bret Davis, Delaware County
• District 13 – Amy Sigg Davis, Warren County

No petitions were received from District 1 and that seat remains open.

To download a PDF of this news release, please click here.… Continue reading

Seed Consultants would like to congratulate the winners of our 2015 Yield Contest.

Soil fertility is crucial to maximize yield potential when growing crops. Economic and environmental considerations are also a key aspect to fertility management. With the knowledge to do so, farmers can set up fields to maximize profits while minimizing environmental impact.

It all starts with taking a good soil sample and understanding how to use that information in making nutrient application decisions. To better prepare farmers to make these decisions, OSU Extension is offering an Improving Yields through Fertility Agronomy Day. Topics discussed will be: Managing Fertilizer and Lime Input Costs and Water Quality, Soil Sampling, Using Field Buffers in Marginal Areas, Develop a Nutrient Management Plan, and On‐farm research results.

Guest speakers include Dr. Steve Culman, OSU Extension State Fertility Specialist; Greg Labarge and Harold Watters, OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Field Specialists, and Ron Nieman, NRCS District Conservationist.

Participants are asked to bring a soil analysis report so we can help you develop nutrient recommendations for a field.… Continue reading

Producers who raise pastured poultry and want to maintain egg production this winter should keep their birds as warm and dry as possible, according to experts from the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

A good first step is to provide indoor accommodations for the flock.

“Producers should insulate housing, provide heat, make sure water is kept unfrozen and keep hens inside on extremely cold days to avoid frostbitten combs and wattles,” said Patricia Hester, professor of animal sciences.

Providing shelter has a number of benefits, said Delaware County Extension educator Michael O’Donnell, a pastured poultry producer.

“The most important thing for laying birds when it’s cold out is to have an area where the birds can get out of the elements so they can get to dry bedding, be able to roost up and not have a draft running through their area,” he said.

A small coop, shed or barn are housing options that allow birds to get out of the elements and provide space for them to move around, Hester said.… Continue reading

A crush of supporters filed friend-of-the-court briefs, joining the American Farm Bureau Federation in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to micromanage state land-use and development decisions under the guise of the Chesapeake Bay water quality “blueprint.”

Filers included 92 members of Congress, 22 states, forestry groups represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, and a broad cross-section of the U.S. economy represented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Federation of Independent Business.

“The fact that so many voices are being raised in support of Supreme Court review shows the broad and severe threat that EPA’s action here poses nationwide,” said Bob Stallman, AFBF president. “EPA has asserted powers that do not appear in any law written by Congress, and it has done so in the context of an iconic national treasure, hoping that will inoculate its power grab in the courts.… Continue reading

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation kicked off a five-year fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $15 million for a variety of initiatives that make up the organization’s three pillars — the environment, education and economic development.

The campaign launch took place during Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) annual meeting as delegates, state trustees and board members met in Columbus Dec. 2-4.

“As an organization we must challenge ourselves to chart an ambitious course forward,” said John C. “Jack” Fisher, OFBF executive vice president. “In the future, we can play an even larger role in solving the challenges facing Ohio by preparing the next generation of leaders, funding innovation in our communities and ensuring a healthy environment.”

The foundation’s new slogan, “Strong Foundation: Building for Tomorrow,” was on prominent display at the meeting, and the group’s silent and live auction was held throughout the event. The Rural-Urban Community Silent and Live Auction featured locally produced items, sports memorabilia and tickets, handmade items and agritourism experience opportunities put up for bid by county Farm Bureaus and partners throughout the state.… Continue reading

Matt and Liz Funderburgh of North Lewisburg were recently elected chair couple of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) Young Agricultural Professional Advisory Team. Kyle and Ashton Walls of Mount Vernon were elected co-chair couple. Terri Specht of Johnstown was elected secretary.

The team develops and directs programming, activities and contests for Ohio Farm Bureau’s program for young adults who are interested in improving the business of agriculture, learning new ideas and developing leadership skills.

Other team members are Greg and Theresa Corcoran of Chillicothe, Eric and Shelly Prysi of New Philadelphia, Doug Toops of South Vienna, Karl Wedemeyer of La Rue and Jennifer Wilson of Jenera.… Continue reading

Steve Hirsch of Chillicothe was re-elected president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) during the organization’s 97th annual meeting Dec. 2-4. Hirsch holds the highest elected office in the state’s largest and most inclusive farm organization. He is the 23rd president of OFBF, which was founded in 1919.

Hirsch also is District 15 trustee, representing members in Fairfield, Hocking, Pickaway and Ross counties. He began his Farm Bureau career 22 years ago and has served on OFBF’s state board since 2001.

The Hirsch family farm dates back to 1890 and today is run by Steve, his father and his brother. They produce apples, peaches, grapes, strawberries, raspberries and other crops and operate an on-farm and an off-farm retail market and a cider making facility. He and his wife, Kimberly, have three children.

Frank Burkett III of Massillon has been re-elected first vice president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) as well as District 9 trustee.… Continue reading

Four finalists have been named in Ohio Farm Bureau Federation’s (OFBF) 2016 Discussion Meet. They are Stephen Caraway of West Union, Mike Derringer of Eaton, Andy Korb of Oxford and Joy Sizemore of Monroeville.

The annual contest tests participants’ subject knowledge, problem solving abilities and personal and small group communications skills. These young agricultural professionals will compete in the finals at the Young Agricultural Professionals’ Leadership Experience at the Hyatt Regency in Columbus Jan. 29.

The finalists were named after a preliminary competition at the Ohio Farm Bureau’s Ohio Farm and Food Leadership Forum in Columbus where they discussed topics impacting the agriculture industry.

“The Discussion Meet contest is a great opportunity for young ag professionals to strengthen their skills in working together to solve issues facing agriculture today. I look forward to watching these finalists compete at the finals in January,” said OFBF Young Agricultural Professionals Coordinator Melinda Witten.

The finalists will compete for a $1,000 cash award from Nationwide Insurance, a Polaris Most Versatile Generator and an expense-paid trip to American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in 2017.… Continue reading

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus was first detected in the U.S. in 1987. Pigs that contract the disease have extreme difficulty reproducing, don’t gain weight and have a high mortality rate. To date, no vaccine has been effective, and the disease costs North American farmers more than $660 million annually. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Missouri, Kansas State University, and Genus plc have bred pigs that are not harmed by the disease.

“Once inside the pigs, PRRS needs some help to spread; it gets that help from a protein called CD163,” said Randall Prather, distinguished professor of animal sciences in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. “We were able to breed a litter of pigs that do not produce this protein, and as a result, the virus doesn’t spread. When we exposed the pigs to PRRS, they did not get sick and continued to gain weight normally.”… Continue reading

Including plants’ acclimation to changes in temperature could significantly improve the accuracy of climate models, a Purdue University study shows.

Plants are the largest drivers of carbon fluxes between land and the atmosphere, taking up and releasing carbon dioxide through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. The rates at which these processes occur are sensitive to temperature and gradually adjust over time in response to long-term temperature shifts, a phenomenon known as acclimation.

Jeffrey Dukes, professor of forestry and natural resourcesand biological sciences, and a team of researchers found that adding formulas for acclimation into climate change models more closely aligns their simulations of carbon exchange with those observed in nature. The accuracy of model projections of carbon flux in tropical forests improved by 36% when acclimation was included.

“We want climate models to be as accurate as possible and represent the world in the way we know it to work,” Dukes said.… Continue reading