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
We’ve been trending to the dry side lately, and we could really use a rain. There are some chances in the forecast, so we’ll see what happens. Even with the drier conditions, things are progressing pretty well around the farm.
We’re at the tail end of blackberry picking, and the raspberries are finished for the season. We’ve already removed the old raspberry canes, and now the new canes for next year are starting to grow. We’re also getting ready for tomato harvest, which is probably just a few weeks away. There’s been a lot of irrigating to keep those tomatoes going with the dry weather.
In the row crops, fungicide applications are finished on most of the corn except for a couple of our later-planted fields. The soybeans are about the same. Overall, everything has been moving along as expected.
We have had to touch up a couple of soybean fields where the residual herbicide didn’t hold.… Continue reading
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.
By Adam Sharp, executive vice president Ohio Farm Bureau
In agriculture, we spend a lot of time investing in the future. From the seeds we plant in early spring for a fall harvest to the long-term planning of who will take over the farm or business after us, there is always a focus on tomorrow.
The same future focus guides the work being done by Ohio Farm Bureau, our members and all our incredible partners across the industry. It’s also the inspiration behind the new imAGine Ag exhibit at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds.
Located inside the new Ohio Agriculture Center, the 75,000-square-foot imAGine Ag exhibit will feature hands-on exhibits, interactive experiences and opportunities for fairgoers of all ages to explore how food, fiber and renewable fuel are produced in Ohio. For Ohio Farm Bureau and our partners, this is more than a new attraction, it’s a long-term investment in several priorities that will help strengthen and shape the future of Ohio agriculture.… Continue reading
When Joe Nester first began working with farmers, agronomic recommendations were made using paper maps, field observations, and a much more limited toolbox of crop inputs. Yield monitors and GPS guidance did not exist. A farmer who planted 30 or 40 acres in a day considered it a productive day.
More than 50 years later, agriculture has become a world of digital maps, variable-rate applications, and equipment capable of recording dozens of data points in a single pass. Through every advancement, Nester has remained focused on one simple goal: helping farmers be profitable.
That dedication recently earned the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) one of the industry’s highest honors. Among approximately 14,000 CCAs across North America, Nester was selected as the 2026 International CCA of the Year, an honor that recognizes not only his technical expertise but also his decades of service to farmers and the industry.
“It’s very humbling to receive this award from my peers,” Nester said.… Continue reading
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has announced it will not finalize a proposed general permit for wastewater discharges from data centers, opting instead to continue using the existing individual permitting process.
The decision follows an extensive public comment period on the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit, during which Ohio agricultural organizations raised concerns about the proposal’s potential impact on water quality protections.
Ohio Farm Bureau applauded the EPA’s decision.
“This is the right decision for our state, and we appreciate Ohio EPA’s willingness to listen to our members’ concerns and maintain their current permitting approach,” said Jack Irvin, vice president of public policy for Ohio Farm Bureau. “The individualized NPDES permitting process, for facilities like data centers, gives regulators the ability to evaluate each project based on its unique circumstances while maintaining Ohio’s work toward water quality.”
According to Ohio EPA, the agency carefully reviewed the significant volume of public comments before determining that the individual NPDES permit issuance process is the most appropriate path forward.… Continue reading
The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) this week unveiled the 2026 Ohio State Fair featured deviled egg flavor, Birthday Cake, in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The 2026 featured flavor will make its public debut when the fair opens on Wednesday, July 29. In addition to Birthday Cake Deviled Eggs, OPA will offer more than a dozen deviled egg flavors, including a new Americana deviled egg flight to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, available exclusively at the Deviled Egg Headquarters (HQ), located next to the brand-new Ohio Agriculture Center.
“As America marks its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to celebrate the farmers and traditions that have made eggs a staple on tables for generations,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “From everyday meals to special family gatherings, eggs provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients at a great value. We’re excited for fairgoers to experience our unique new deviled egg flavors, inspired by America’s favorite cookout traditions, and discover a fresh twist on this timeless classic.”… Continue reading
The Ohio Soybean Association (OSA) is partnering with Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal for two stops during this year’s annual Hometown Tour, where attendees will get an inside look at the 2026 Ohio Crop Tour findings.
The fourth annual Hometown Tour brings farmers together to discuss operating with tight margins, improving yields and other timely production topics. During the Crawford and Fayette County events, Ohio Ag Net and Ohio’s Country Journal Crop Tour teams will present observations and yield insights gathered from fields across the state.
Meals will be provided, and there is no cost to attend. Advance registration is required. Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), CPAgs, CPSSs and CPSCs who attend are eligible to receive one CEU credit.
Crop Tour Hometown Tour stops:
Tuesday, Aug. 11 – Crawford County 4:30-7:45 p.m. Reinhard Farms Bucyrus
Thursday, Aug. 13 – Fayette County 4:30-7:45 p.m. Bluegrass Farms Jeffersonville
My first memory of the Ohio State Fair dates back to third grade, when I qualified for the fair with a woodworking project during my first year in 4-H. I proudly entered a handmade napkin holder.
Woodworking at the state fair includes a skills test, so I spent hours in the shop with my dad, cutting wood with a handsaw and hammering pieces together. When competition day arrived, I was blown away by the Ohio State Fair. While I didn’t leave with a top award, I still remember the hard work, anticipation, and excitement that came with the experience.
Many young people across Ohio know those same feelings as fair season approaches, whether they are working with livestock in the barn or fine-tuning their skills for still-project judging.
In recent years, the Ohio Expo Center has undergone significant work and changes of its own. Much like the preparation that goes into a 4-H project, years of planning and hard work have gone into transforming the fairgrounds.… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off
Soybean Check-off dollars are used in multiple ways to return value to Ohio’s growers. Agronomic research in pest management is one endeavor that has returned valuable results. Dr. Kelley Tilmon is an entomologist and professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Entomology in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The Field Leader recently had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Tilmon about her ongoing research into Bean Leaf Beetles and their migration habits.
OFL – Dr. Tilmon, please tell us about the research you are conducting with Bean Leaf Beetles, and their feeding and migration.
Tilmon – Bean leaf beetles are a familiar pest in soybeans Early in the season they largely cause cosmetic damage by feeding on leaves. Early on, it is seldom economic damage. However, when they are more important economically is later in the season when they feed on pods.… Continue reading
Timpte is excited to invite customers, community members, local businesses, and industry partners to celebrate the Grand Opening of its new Ohio Customer Support Center on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 821 S. Vandemark Road, Sidney, Ohio.
The event marks an important milestone as Timpte continues expanding its commitment to serving customers throughout Ohio and the surrounding region. Guests are invited to tour the new facility, meet the Timpte team, enjoy complimentary lunch and dessert, and learn more about the company’s trailer sales, parts, and expert service capabilities.
“This new Customer Support Center allows us to better serve our customers throughout Ohio while strengthening our commitment to the agricultural and transportation industries,” said Kim Place, Customer Support Center Manager. “We’re excited to become part of the Sidney community and invite everyone to stop by, meet our team, and see what Timpte has to offer.”
The Grand Opening celebration will feature:
Complimentary lunch and dessert
Facility tours
Meet-and-greet with the Timpte Ohio team
Live music
Exclusive event-day parts and service promotions
Door prizes and giveaways throughout the day
A chance to win a FREE Tarp and Install, along with Yeti coolers, Blackstone griddles, Amazon Echo devices, BrüMate tumblers, Amazon gift cards, and more.
By Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Piece Paul, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA/CPAg, The Ohio State University
Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly referred to as vomitoxin, has become a significant problem for Ohio corn growers. What was once considered an every-ten-year problem has now become a yearly challenge in some sections of the state. DON contamination of grain is associated with Gibberella ear rot (GER), a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. The Ohio State University Cereal Pathology Lab led by Pierce Paul, PhD, has been researching and developing weather-based models to predict when weather conditions are favorable for DON contamination of corn grain. The current models predict when conditions are favorable for grain to be contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON.
DON model predictions are based on data from publicly available weather stations. The two weather variables used to make predictions are temperature and relative humidity. These conditions can vary significantly over a few miles or with changes in elevation.… Continue reading
The newly renovated Dairy Building will be ready in time for the Ohio State Fair, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled in conjunction with the unveiling of the annual butter cow display.
Long considered one of the fair’s most popular attractions, the Dairy Building serves Ohio dairy favorites including hand-dipped ice cream, milkshakes, and Swiss cheese sandwiches, while also housing the nationally recognized butter cow and calf display.
Recent renovations were designed to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the building’s historic character. Updates include the addition of air conditioning, new windows and flooring, expanded guest amenities, and a new Butter Cow cooler relocated to improve visibility and visitor flow. A new kitchen addition on the back of the building expands food preparation capabilities, and an educational video corner highlights Ohio dairy farming and its impact on the state’s agricultural industry.
The Dairy Building is sponsored by the American Dairy Association Mideast on behalf of Ohio’s dairy farmers, which also operates a second location in the Taste of Ohio Café.… Continue reading
Most days, I start my morning with a cup of dark roast coffee and check TikTok or YouTube. TikTok if I am in a hurry, and YouTube if I have time for a longer video. Sean the Sheepman (Sean Hannah), 34, is a contract shepherd and digital creator who cares for 700 sheep and 100 beef cows across a large farming estate in the southwest of Scotland, near Stranraer. He has four Border Collies who are the stars of the show: Kate, Storm, Echo, and Copper.
Kate is Storm’s mother and Echo’s grandmother. Storm is Echo’s mother. Echo is the only male. And Copper is a puppy who is quickly learning to work the livestock. Each has their own personality and working style.
Sean didn’t come from a farming family. He was raised in a small fishing village near the coast. When he was 17 and still in school, he put an ad in the local paper seeking work on a farm.… Continue reading
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program welcomed a U.S. Wheat Associates trade team from Brazil for a two-day educational tour in Ohio focused on wheat production, quality, logistics, and export opportunities.
The visit underscored Ohio’s important role in the wheat supply chain and gave team members a firsthand look at the farmers, research, and infrastructure that support the production of high-quality soft red winter wheat grown statewide.
“Personal connections help build trust in trade,” commented Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development for Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Bringing international customers to Ohio gives them the opportunity to see each step of our wheat supply chain and meet the people responsible for producing, handling and improving the crop.”
The two-day tour started with a friendly reception at the Ohio Department of Agriculture in Reynoldsburg. Afterward, the group visited Sunrise Cooperative’s Crestline Grain facility in Galion for talks on wheat origination, grain storage, logistics, and merchandising.… Continue reading
The 2026 Ohio State Fair will feature a number of changes, including new buildings, new exhibits, and a revamped livestock show schedule.
This year, all livestock species will exhibit during the 12-day run of the Ohio State Fair, July 29 through Aug. 9, giving fairgoers the chance to see a wide variety of shows, competitions and educational activities throughout the fair. According to the Ohio State Fair, the livestock schedule was condensed into a 15-day timeline to enhance the exhibiting experience while allowing as much county fair participation as possible.
“Our goal was to maximize the fair for all those involved — whether that is giving an exhibitor the ability to experience more of the fair or allowing Ohioans to see more of Ohio agriculture showcased during the 12 days of the fair,” explained Executive Director Adam Heffron. “Fairgoers will be able to see a wider variety of species and in many cases more species will be on the grounds each day. As… Continue reading
By Dusty Sonnenberg, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Checkoff
The disease triangle is a tool pathologists use to explain the three factors that must coincide in a field for a disease to negatively impact a crop. They include a virulent pathogen, a susceptible host, and a favorable environment. From the time a soybean seed is planted until the crop is harvested, these three factors are on the minds of growers and pathologists alike as they monitor the crop.
In Episode 76, Dusty visits with Dr. Horacio-Lopez Nicora, OSU Extension Plant Pathologist and Nematologist, along with Dr. Taylor Dill, Director of Research for the Ohio Soybean Council, to discuss the current growing season, how the soybean crop has been impacted by weather and disease so far, and what growers should be on the lookout for moving forward. They also discuss the discovery of Red Crown Rot in Ohio last year, and scouting protocols growers are encouraged to follow in 2026.… Continue reading
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
At the 98th Ohio FFA Convention, Sunrise Cooperative announced its 2026 class of new hires for the RISE FFA Career Program. Following an application and interview process, Sunrise hired 12 graduating seniors for full-time positions. The program was designed to encourage immediate employment with Sunrise Cooperative following high school graduation. Sunrise is an agricultural and energy cooperative with locations across Ohio.
Here are this year’s new hires joining Sunrise University:
Troy Ayers (South Central FFA)
Elam Faust (Lynchburg-Clay FFA)
Wyatt Hall (South Central FFA)
Alex Hamons (South Central FFA)
Nolan Heilman (Old Fort FFA)
Aidan Markley (Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA)
Kenzi Ramsden (Fairfield FFA)
Isaac Richard (Lima FFA)
Ella Sanders (South Central FFA)
Allison Stickler (Firelands FFA)
Aiden Tener (Greenon FFA)
Ella Vondenhuevel (West Liberty-Salem FFA)
Of these 12, Isaac Richard was the top recipient, receiving $1,000 for his FFA chapter and a 2025 Chevy Colorado truck as a signing bonus, in addition to his full-time employment benefits.… Continue reading
The state’s corn and soybean crops continued to benefit from generally favorable growing conditions during the past week. Progress in several key development stages remained ahead of normal, and winter wheat harvest was nearly finished. USDA reports there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 19.
Corn silking has reached 42%, ahead of last week’s 17%, and is ahead of the 38% five-year average. Corn reaching the dough stage is at 4%, trending right along with the 4% average. Ohio corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent, with 49% good and 13% excellent.
Soybean blooming reached 55%, ahead of 25% last week, and also ahead of the 51% average. Soybean pod setting has reached 18%, ahead of last week’s 6% and the 16% five-year average. Ohio soybean condition was rated 63% good to excellent, with 51% good and 12% excellent.
Winter wheat is 94% harvested, which is ahead of the 92% five-year average.… Continue reading
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