Top Headlines

Director Boggs visits with Dale on the Role of the Livestock Care Standards Board Now.

Dale Speaks With Director Boggs… Continue reading

 A working farm just west of The Ohio State University campus and nestled in the heart of metro Columbus is being transformed into a learning laboratory of best management practices for water quality protection and whole farm sustainability.

A $194,324 grant from Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and local matching dollars totaling $132,456 will enable the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to demonstrate several progressive projects on OSU’s Waterman Agriculture and Natural Resources Laboratory (2433 Carmack Rd.). The projects will serve as application tools for current and future farmers and showcase environmental stewardship for students, faculty and urban residents.

“The educational project will provide on-the-ground examples of how to improve operations and the sustainability of production, reduce maintenance costs and protect water resources both on the farm and downstream,” said Russ Gibson, Ohio EPA’s Division of Surface Water Nonpoint Source Section manager. The Franklin Soil and Water grant is one of eight federal Section 319 Clean Water Act grants awarded by Ohio EPA this year.… Continue reading

Released July 6, 2010, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA).

Cotton Squaring – Selected States
[These 15 States planted 99% of the 2009 cotton acreage] —————————————————————–
                 :            Week ending            :          
                 :———————————–:          
      State      :  July 4,  : June 27,  :  July 4,  : 2005-2009
                 :   2009    :   2010    :   2010    :  Average 
—————————————————————–
                 :                    percent                   
                 :                                              
Alabama ………:    62          46          56          57    
Arizona ………:    57          46          55          72    
Arkansas ……..:    67          93          97          89    
California ……:    56          37          60          61    
Georgia ………:    54          54          70          62    
Kansas ……….:    26          13          38          30    
Louisiana …….:    92          80          91          90    
Mississippi …..:    74          70          93          83    
Missouri ……..:    49          59          66          67    
North Carolina ..:    75          69          85          74    
Oklahoma ……..:    33          25          35          32    
South Carolina ..:    46          35          55          47    
Tennessee …….:    65          52          77          78    
Texas ………..:    52          39          56          44    
Virginia ……..:   … Continue reading

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a destructive pest of soybeans, can be found in nearly every county in Ohio. A farmer may have it and not know it, and for those who know their fields are infested, proper management is crucial. In either situation, producers can look to the Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Guide for assistance.

The 5th edition publication, produced by the North Central Soybean Research Program and the Plant Health Initiative, is a comprehensive guide to SCN and how to manage it. The 16-page color publication covers the importance of SCN, what the pest is, how it affects soybeans, how it interacts with other diseases, what damage looks like, how to send in soil samples, a description of SCN biotypes, and recommendations for managing SCN.

Deemed the “silent robber of yields,” SCN is the No. 2 soybean pest in Ohio, behind Phytophthora sojae, which causes Phytophthora root rot. Soybean cyst nematodes feed on the roots of young plants, which prevents the roots from taking up vital nutrients.… Continue reading

The temperatures are up and the crops are coming along in this week’s report from Between the Rows. Here is the report from the farmers after the holiday weekend.

– Matt Reese

Kevin Miller

Williams County

“What a difference two weeks made. We had a gorgeous week of weather last week with low humidity and temperatures. We had some really nice second cutting hay and the quality was excellent. I would say we’re around half way done with second cutting in this area.

“Most guys got started last Wednesday and Thursday last week with wheat. I have today yet and I should be finished. My yields have been 85 to 90 bushels yields and my test weight has been 56 to 58 test weight. In our area, I do not think the vomitoxin is going to be a huge issue. I’ve heard 1 to 3 parts per million vomitoxin from elevators.… Continue reading

By Jeff Caldwell

A blue moon — when there are 2 full moons in the same calendar month) has come around 15 times in the last 40 years. In that same time period, live hog prices have passed the $60-per-hundredweight mark 13 times.

So, $60-plus live hogs are rarer than a blue moon. But, that magic number was surpassed in May when live hogs hit $63/cwt. Though he expects the rarity of this occurrence to continue, Purdue University livestock economist Chris Hurt says it’s definitely not a sign that the hog market’s softening, at least for a while.

“The outlook is for strong and profitable prices to continue for some time, although with prices generally below the rare $60 mark,” says Purdue University livestock economist Chris Hurt.”

It’s an optimistic projection for market conditions that have been good to hog farmers since spring. But, one thing that has changed in the outlook, Hurt says, is the expectation for expansion.… Continue reading

By M

att Reese

Head scab has been showing up around the state in what may be the worst year for the disease in Ohio in the last decade. The vomitoxin in the grain resulting from the disease is creating a number of problems in the marketing and handling of the wheat.

“It does not seem like a major problem right here in my neighborhood in northern Wood County, but we have heard a lot of horror stories from the southern part of the state,” said Jay Griffith, vice president of the Ohio Wheat Growers Association.

In parts of northwest Ohio, there are reports of vomitoxin ranging from 5 to 10 parts per million. Further south in Morrow County, there are reports of vomitoxin levels of 3.3 up to 8.1 parts per million in the same variety from same field planted the same day. Even higher levels have been reported further south.… Continue reading

1)    Recommendations will be made to The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB) to take action on issues related to downer cattle and humane euthanasia using language consistent with the proposed ballot initiative.

2)    The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will coordinate and take action on wild and dangerous animals including the prohibition of the sale and/or possession of big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes and alligators and crocodiles. Existing owners will be grandfathered in, but they could not breed or obtain new animals.

3)    Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass SB 95 largely in the current form, which regulates dog breeding kennels.

4)    Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass HB 108, which will increase penalties on individuals who engage in cockfighting.

5)    Recommendations will be made to the OLCSB to adopt the American Veal Association 2007 agreement to transition to group housing for veal calves by 2017.… Continue reading

1)    Recommendations will be made to The Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board (OLCSB) to take action on issues related to downer cattle and humane euthanasia using language consistent with the proposed ballot initiative.

2)    The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will coordinate and take action on wild and dangerous animals including the prohibition of the sale and/or possession of big cats, bears, primates, large constricting and venomous snakes and alligators and crocodiles. Existing owners will be grandfathered in, but they could not breed or obtain new animals.

3)    Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass SB 95 largely in the current form, which regulates dog breeding kennels.

4)    Recommendations will be made to the legislature to support and pass HB 108, which will increase penalties on individuals who engage in cockfighting.

5)    Recommendations will be made to the OLCSB to adopt the American Veal Association 2007 agreement to transition to group housing for veal calves by 2017.… Continue reading

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) has announced its support for the agreement announced between the Ohioans for Livestock Care coalition and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The agreement validates Ohio voters’ decision last fall to pass State Issue 2, which established the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board as the appropriate venue for defining acceptable farm animal care practices.

“One of animal agriculture’s most vocal critics has agreed that the Livestock Care Standards Board is the proper authority to handle difficult questions about farm animal care,” said Jack Fisher, OFBF executive vice president. “This is truly a milestone and confirms Ohio’s position as a national leader in farm animal care.”

Fisher also praised Gov. Ted Strickland for his efforts to create an agreement that will be good for Ohio farmers and consumers.

OFBF cited additional reasons for supporting the agreement. Farmers now have certainty for an extended period of time regarding housing regulations.… Continue reading

Landmark Ohio Animal Welfare Agreement Reached Among HSUS, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, and Ohio’s Leading Livestock Organizations

Phase Out of Extreme Confinement Systems for Breeding Pigs and Veal Calves; Immediate Moratorium on Battery Cage Construction, and Other Animal Welfare Reforms to Be Implemented

Gains in the Making on Puppy Mills, Cockfighting and Exotic Pet Trade

COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 30, 2010) – A deal struck among The Humane Society of the United States, Ohioans for Humane Farms, Ohio agriculture leaders and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will lead to major animal welfare improvements in Ohio on a raft of issues, reforming industry practices and improving prospects for adoption of critical legislation in other areas. The agreement puts a hold on a planned factory farming initiative on the fall ballot.

“I’m grateful to Governor Strickland and his administration for their outstanding leadership on these issues,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO.… Continue reading

Governor, Agricultural Leaders and Humane Society Announce Agreement to Remove HSUS Ballot Initiative, Enhance Animal Welfare and Care Standards

Columbus, OH – What almost sounded on its surface like a victory speech for the Humane Society of the United States at the press conference announcing an agreement with the group and Ohio agriculture is not what it appears. The concessions from Ohio agriculture are little more than some recommendations, a few maybes and a solid “I’ll-definitely-give-the-idea-some-serious-consideration.” In return, HSUS is giving up on their ballot measure this fall.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, the major organizations representing livestock producers and other agricultural interests and the Humane Society of the United States announced a joint agreement which will result in the Humane Society not pursuing a ballot initiative this fall and enhance animal welfare and animal care standards.

“This agreement represents a joint effort to find common ground.  As a result, Ohio agriculture will remain strong and animals will be treated better,” Strickland said. … Continue reading

U.S. farmers planted 78.9 million acres of soybeans, exceeding last year’s planted area by 1.4 million acres, or 2%, and setting a new record high, according to the Acreage report released June 30 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Aided by favorable weather conditions early in the season, farmers in the Northern and Western Corn Belt and the Northeast increased their soybean acreage. Record-high planted acreage was reported in Kansas, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania, while Minnesota and Oklahoma tied their all-time record highs. Iowa continues to lead all states in total soybean acres with 10.2 million acres.

Farmers also planted a near record-breaking 87.9 million acres to corn, up 1.4 million acres from last year but down 1 percent from March. This marks the second consecutive increase in planted acreage to corn and the second highest acreage on record since 1946, only behind 2007.

Illinois and Kansas reported the largest increases in corn acres with both states planting 600,000 acres above last year.… Continue reading

As Congress prepares for an Independence Day Recess to be followed by vigorous discussion of a new energy bill, the Ohio Corn Growers Association (OCGA) and National Corn Growers (NCGA) have stepped up a campaign to ensure that corn-based ethanol is part of the formula that brings our country to energy security and independence.

“A surplus of corn exists for all markets,” said Dwayne Siekman, OCGA Executive Director. “With nearly two-thirds of our oil imported, we need to focus on a broad range of domestic fuel solutions. We have a domestic supply that can be used.”

Legislation is before Congress to continue a much-needed incentive, called VEETC (a 45-cents-per-gallon tax credit) for fueling stations to blend ethanol with gasoline. In addition, there is a new energy bill on the horizon, making it an important and critical time to talk about ethanol’s many environmental and economic benefits to our country and the state of Ohio.… Continue reading

By Matt Reese

It is inevitable. Anyone who is involved in any type of agricultural production will be asked questions about farming and the food system at some point.

“Hi I am Jim,” the man says sitting next to you on the airplane. “I am an attorney in Chicago. What is it that you do?”

“Oh you’re a farmer, huh? Do you raise livestock with all of those steroids and antibiotics?”

Whether the farmer in question here raises corn and soybeans, chickens, cattle or backyard tomatoes, this critical conversation on a plane will help shape lawyer Jim’s perception of agriculture. This may be the only farmer Jim has ever met.

If the conversation goes well, Jim gains insight into modern agriculture and appreciation for the tremendous amount of work that goes into the food he enjoys every day. This positive impression will encourage Jim to be more willing to be supportive of farmers when he talks to his friends about his conversation on the plane, makes his food purchasing decisions or votes on an ag-related issue down the road.… Continue reading

By Ryan McAllister, CCA Team Sales Agronomist for Beck’s Hybrids

Upon traveling a good portion of the state of Ohio and most of eastern Indiana, I am beginning to see leaf diseases earlier than what I would normally expect to see them.  The most common disease present has been common rust followed by (GLS) Gray Leaf Spot, and I am just beginning to be able to find some northern corn leaf blight lesions.  All of which are earlier than normal due to the excessive and prolonged saturated rain events and warm weather.  Be scouting your fields to see if a fungicide application is warranted.  Progression up the plant is what we are looking for. It is important to protect the leaves that are ABOVE the ear leaf. Upon traveling a good portion of the state of Ohio and most of eastern Indiana, I am beginning to see leaf diseases earlier than what I would normally expect to see them. … Continue reading

By Alan Sundermeier, Ohio State University Extension

Those fields that never dried out to allow crop planting and now qualify as “Prevented Planting” should determine agronomic options to make the best out of this situation.

Producers are advised to check with their crop insurance company and Farm Service Agency on harvest restrictions for cover crops.  Harvest of cover crops may not be allowed until after November 1.

If a burndown or residual pre-emergence herbicide was applied earlier this spring, then check the label for restrictions on planting subsequent crops.

A cover crop will help restore the soil tilth and protect the soil from further wind or water erosion.

Germination of summer seeded cover crops will be improved if drilled versus broadcast.  If hot, dry weather occurs after seeding, a drilled seed has a better chance of establishment.

To prevent cover crops from forming viable seed, mowing or herbicide applications may be needed. … Continue reading

Released June 28, 2010, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service
(NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.  For
information on “Crop Progress” call Julie Schmidt at (202) 720-7621, office
hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.

Corn:  Percent Silking,
Selected States 1/
————————————–
:      Week Ending      :
:———————–: 2005-
State:Jun 27,:Jun 20,:Jun 27,: 2009
: 2010  : 2010  : 2009  : Avg.
————————————–
:            Percent
:
CO    :   0      NA       0       1
IL    :  15      NA       2       6
IN    :   8      NA       0       2
IA    :   0      NA       0       0
KS    :  11      NA       5      14
KY    :  17      NA       3      14
MI    :   0      NA       0       0
MN    :   0      NA       0       0
MO    :  20      NA       7      19
NE    :   0      NA       0       0
NC    :  80      NA      62      50
ND    :   0      NA       0       1
OH    :   1      NA       0       0
PA    :   0      NA       0       1
SD    :   0      NA       0       0
TN    :  68      NA      24      39
TX    :  51      NA      61      61
WI    :   0      NA       0       0
:
18 Sts:   7      NA       4       5
————————————–
1/  These 18 States planted 92% of
last year’s corn acreage.… Continue reading

The Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen serves as a spokesperson for the industry throughout her year of reign at numerous promotional events and activities around the state. The queen is selected by judges at the Ohio State Fair on August 1, 2010. Contestants will attend an interview and answer an impromptu question from a panel of judges live at the conclusion of the Guys and Gals lead competition. The selection of the queen is based on personality, presentation, poise, knowledge of the Ohio Lamb and Wool industry and participation in the Guys and Gals Lead competition. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the 2010-2011 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen please download the application by visiting http://www.ohiosheep.org/OSIA/Queen.html.

We encourage all ladies between the ages of 17-21 who are involved in the industry to consider applying for this position. This is a terrific opportunity to build a wealth of knowledge of the Ohio Lamb and Wool Industry and expand communication skills and network within Ohio agriculture. … Continue reading

The Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen serves as a spokesperson for the industry throughout her year of reign at numerous promotional events and activities around the state. The queen is selected by judges at the Ohio State Fair on August 1, 2010. Contestants will attend an interview and answer an impromptu question from a panel of judges live at the conclusion of the Guys and Gals lead competition. The selection of the queen is based on personality, presentation, poise, knowledge of the Ohio Lamb and Wool industry and participation in the Guys and Gals Lead competition. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the 2010-2011 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen please download the application by visiting http://www.ohiosheep.org/OSIA/Queen.html.

We encourage all ladies between the ages of 17-21 who are involved in the industry to consider applying for this position. This is a terrific opportunity to build a wealth of knowledge of the Ohio Lamb and Wool Industry and expand communication skills and network within Ohio agriculture. … Continue reading