Featured News

By Vinayak Shedekar, The Ohio State University

Advanced technologies for drainage design, installation, and management will be the focus of this year’s Overholt Drainage School, which will be held from March 16 – 20 on the Ohio State University’s Wooster campus. Additionally, the Conservation Drainage Network’s Annual Meeting will be held from June 2 – 4 in East Lansing, Michigan.

2026 Overholt Drainage School (March 16 – 20, Wooster, Ohio)

The 5-day Overholt Drainage School provides agricultural drainage-focused education. The program will cover a wide range of topics, including planning, design, and installation; drainage economics; topographic mapping; drainage law; GPS surveying; drainage design software; and the use of agricultural conservation practices to manage water quality.

Who should attend? The drainage school is open to anyone interested in subsurface drainage design and installation, including drainage contractors, professional engineers, district technicians, consultants, NRCS, and agency professionals. Landowners and producers who intend to install or repair drainage systems on their own can greatly benefit by learning the key principles of drainage design and installation.… Continue reading

By Shelly Detwiler

A picture-perfect California vacation without the experience of the beautiful surf crashing into the majestic coastal cliffs to many would be like a sundae without the cherry on top. In the winter of 2017, we planned our first visit to California. In my mind, this trip’s highlight would be driving down Rt. 1 in a convertible Mustang with the top down, the sun warming our faces and our hair blowing in the wind (Well, really just my hair). California, in the months before our trip, had been experiencing a severe drought. Surprise! Massive amounts of rainfall had fallen on California in the days before our visit, causing flash flooding and mudslides, and we were not sure what to expect. I had arrived early in Los Angeles to visit a friend before Paul, and I picked up this beautiful convertible Mustang. The plan had been to head up through the Central Valley before we drove the iconic coastline from San Francisco back to LA.… Continue reading

By Mike Zuzolo, Global Commodity Analytics & Consulting LLC

Since last month’s part one update, the research about how President Trump’s policies run parallel to those of the President Reagan’s of the mid-1980’s has been validated even more. The move by Trump to blockade Venezuela and then capture its leader rings eerily similar to Reagan’s Latin American policy from 1986-1989, when he ousted Panama’s leader on similar grounds of narco-terrorism (World Book Year in Review 1986). As I also suggested last month, in 2026, there are two major commodities that I believe the market sees as burdened by global oversupply: crude oil and wheat. As we ended 2025, these two, along with cotton, seemed to be the commodity “leaders to the downside”, with WTI ending -20% & SRW ending -8% vs. 2024 (Losses in SRW were even worse compared with the 5-year average, as you can see in the asset performance chart below).… Continue reading

By Brian Ravencraft, CPA, CGMA, Principal-Holbrook & Manter

Farming can be unpredictable. I am not telling you anything you don’t already know. Between weather, market fluctuations, and operational challenges, not every year is a profitable one. When your expenses exceed your income, you incur a net farm loss. Understanding how to properly account for it can offer a silver lining, potentially reducing your tax burden.

Meticulous record-keeping

The first and most critical step in accounting for farm losses is tracking every dollar that comes in and goes out. Without accurate records, you cannot substantiate your losses to the IRS.

Consider using dedicated accounting software to assist you here. Your expense categories should be specific, covering everything from feed, seeds, and fertilizer to fuel, repairs, and veterinary bills. Remember also to track larger capital expenditures, such as new equipment or improvements, as they are managed differently through depreciation. Consistent, detailed records not only prepare you for tax time but also help you make better business decisions year-round.… Continue reading

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA), in partnership with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), is launching a new Custom Applicator Training Program designed specifically for individuals with up to three years of experience in crop protection and nutrient application.

The four-day, hands-on program will take place March 16-19, 2026, on the CFAES Wooster campus and will provide participants with the technical skills, regulatory knowledge and professional practices necessary to excel as custom applicators.

Registration is now open to OABA members, with each company able to register up to three participants. Additional registrations will be placed on a waitlist, and if space remains, registration will open to non-members on Feb.16. The course is limited to 30 participants and costs $1,400 per person. In addition to hands-on instruction in liquid and dry application techniques, participants will have the opportunity to take the Ohio Pesticide Certification Test on the last afternoon of the course.… Continue reading

By Raphael Galo, Head of Agribusiness and Structured Operations at A7 Capital

For anyone in Ohio watching South America at the end of January, the spreadsheets still look reassuring. USDA’s January WASDE and the latest official Brazilian and Argentine surveys describe a 2025-26 season with abundant soybeans and corn flowing out of the Southern Hemisphere. On paper, global stocks are rebuilding, export programs look strong, and the world balance sheet appears “comfortable.”

Yet behind that word lies a South American summer marked by volatile weather, rising local costs, heated domestic demand, and farm margins that feel much tighter than the global numbers suggest.

Brazil remains the center of this story. In its fourth 2025-26 crop survey, CONAB projects another record soybean harvest, with planted area close to 49 million hectares, and production around 176.124 million metric tons (down from the third survey, which expected 177.601 million tons), a few percentage points above last season and broadly aligned with USDA’s slightly more optimistic 178-million-ton projection.… Continue reading

By Dusty Sonnenberg, CCA, Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and Soybean Check-off

Taylor Dill was recently named Director of Research for the Ohio Soybean Council. Dusty visits with Taylor to discuss what led her to this role with the OSC and more about her background in agriculture. They also discuss some of the current research being funded by the soybean check-off and future plans to help drive value back to farmers from the investments of the soybean check-off.

… Continue reading

The Ohio State Small Farm Team will host its annual New and Small Farm Conference on March 14, 2026, at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio. The event aims to help new and small-scale farmers across the state develop profitable, sustainable farms through education, networking, and access to university and industry resources.

 “The Small Farm Conference is an incredible opportunity for Ohio’s new and small farm community to connect, learn, and grow together,” said Sabrina Schirtzinger, Small Farm Team member.

Attendees of the 2026 New and Small Farm Conference can look forward to a comprehensive lineup of educational sessions, hands-on demonstrations and networking opportunities designed for new and small-scale farmers. Workshops will address topics such as sustainable production methods, marketing strategies, land and resource management, diversification options, and funding opportunities for farm development. Keynote speaker Michael Kilpatrick will discuss proven approaches to sustainable farm strategies for thriving in modern agriculture.… Continue reading

The following is a statement from the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association:

Today, Sen. Jon Husted earned the endorsement of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the first agriculture organization to weigh in on Ohio’s U.S. Senate race. The endorsement reinforces Husted’s position as the clear early choice to continue representing Ohio’s agricultural interests in Washington.

The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association cited his understanding of the challenges facing cattle producers and their families and his commitment to protecting Ohio’s beef industry.

“Ohio’s cattle producers need leaders who understand agriculture, respect rural communities and will stand up for farm families in Washington,” said Lindsey Hall, president of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association. “Jon Husted has consistently shown that he listens to producers and supports policies that strengthen Ohio’s beef industry, protect our ability to operate and keep agriculture competitive. He understands that a strong ag economy is critical to Ohio’s future, and we are proud to endorse Jon Husted for the United States Senate.”… Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites anyone interested in a meaningful, mission-driven career to attend one of 11 upcoming Natural Resources Officer (NRO) Open Houses being held across the state.

“Increasing the number of Natural Resources Officers across that state has been an important mission for myself and Governor Mike DeWine,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “NROs are crucial to ensuring people who explore our great outdoors are safe while protecting and conserving Ohio’s natural spaces.”

ODNR is hosting 11 open house events to provide insight into what it takes to become a Natural Resources Officer.

These informal sessions offer a unique opportunity to learn what it truly means to serve as an ODNR Natural Resources Officer, a role that blends law enforcement with the protection of Ohio’s natural resources, waterways, and outdoor spaces. Whether participants are just beginning their careers or considering a new professional path, the open houses are designed to provide clear, practical insight into the profession.… Continue reading

By Doug Tenney, Leist Mercantile

I rode my bicycle both days the weekend after Christmas 2025. Saturday was overcast and in the low 40s, but still a pleasant ride. Sunday warmed to around 65 degrees, allowing for lighter layers, though steady southerly winds gusted above 15 mph.

Enjoying the tailwind a little too long proved to be a boneheaded move, as we rode north one crossroads farther than planned. Turning back into strong headwinds made for a slow, difficult ride — a fitting reminder of the economic headwinds Ohio and U.S. grain producers continue to face.

Did the groundhog see his shadow signaling six more weeks of winter? Or is this winter destined for an early end? With this winter’s consistent pattern of several days of above-normal daily highs followed by days of below-normal daily lows, it only needs to rinse and repeat. I’m going out on a limb here. Regardless of the shadow seen or not seen, on Groundhog Day a few days ago, I’m thinking winter stays with us for a while, well into the first half of March.… Continue reading

By Brianna Smith

A quarter century ago, Boer goats were a rarity at many county fairs. Today, they are a staple in youth livestock programs across Ohio and the country, filling show rings that continue to grow each summer. As interest in Boer goats has expanded, so has the need for quality animals and hands-on education, a need The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) has worked to meet through its show goat herd in Wooster.

Recognizing that shift, CFAES began developing its show goat program in 2015, initially with 10 to 15 does housed on Ohio State’s Columbus campus before relocating the herd to the CFAES Wooster campus in 2019. Today, the herd includes about 50 does and is managed through the college’s Small Ruminant Research Center at CFAES Wooster.

The herd is overseen by a team including Gregg Fogle, manager of the Small Ruminant Research Center, who said the goats were never intended to serve just one purpose.… Continue reading

By Stephanie Karhoff, OSU Extension

The Agronomic Crop Management session will offer the latest research on a wide range of agronomic topics at the 2026 Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference (CTTC) on March 10-11, at Ohio Northern University (ONU) in Ada, Ohio.

This year’s speaker line-up includes Dr. Dan Quinn, Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University, who will share multi-year, multi-location research comparing short-stature and full-stature corn hybrids across nitrogen rates, seeding rates, and row spacings as part of his ongoing work exploring the potential benefits and challenges of this emerging production system.

Also sharing their expertise this year during the Agronomic Crop Management Session are Ohio State University Extension State Specialists Dr. Laura Lindsey and Dr. Osler Ortez. As planting season approaches, Laura and Osler will recap findings from the multi-year, multi-location “Battle for the Belt” planting priority study, and ongoing work to revise corn and soybean replant recommendations in Ohio.… Continue reading

By Emma Matcham, Kyle Verhoff, Jordan Penrose, Ohio State Extension

Frost seeding is a relatively inexpensive practice that can introduce more legumes, and thus more nitrogen fixation, into many pastures.  Below are some answers to frequent questions related to frost seeding.

When should I frost seed?

February is the optimal time for frost seeding in most of Ohio. The goal is to distribute seed while there are a series of freeze-thaw cycles, since that is what increases seed-soil contact for emergence.

Which species and varieties are good for frost seeding?

Clovers are the most common species for frost seeding, and most frost seeding research to establish seeding rate and timing recommendations was performed using clover species. Birdsfoot trefoil is another legume option, and annual ryegrass, orchardgrass, and some other grasses can also be established this way. But, plant establishment from frost seeding is usually higher for clovers than other species.

Can I frost seed multiple species at the same time?… Continue reading

By Brianna Smith

Winter is usually the time for annual meetings, bylaw updates, and board elections. It’s when many organizations take stock of where they’ve been and set the course for the year ahead. It’s also when new people step forward to serve. Sitting on a board or committee is a meaningful responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader and make a real impact. If you’ve ever considered board service, this may be the season to take that step.

While some boards require an election or an appointment, many others are happy to welcome volunteer members. Look around your community. Churches often have councils or ministry boards. Schools need volunteers for PTA and booster programs. Food pantries, animal shelters, and small nonprofits rely heavily on community members to keep operations moving. If agriculture is where your heart is, I am sure your community has 4-H boards or committees, FFA alumni organizations, a Farm Bureau board, or a local ag-related nonprofit organization.… Continue reading

By Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director, Ohio Corn & Wheat

Every Ohio family has watched the total climb at the grocery store and wondered why it keeps happening. Most folks look at the items on the shelf for answers, but the problem starts long before food ever gets there.

Ohio farmers were the first to feel the impact of rising costs, driven in large part by the dramatic spike in fertilizer prices. In tough economic times, many consumers can cut back on certain items, but farmers don’t have that option; fertilizer is the essential tool that grows the crops that feed this country and the world. When that input got more expensive, farmers absorbed the hit. And eventually, that shock moved through the entire supply chain.

If we really want to bring prices down for farmers and for families buying food, we have to talk about why costs keep climbing. One big reason is this: a flaw in federal trade rules lets a few companies push out their competition and then turn around and raise their prices.… Continue reading