The Sustainable Agroecosystems Lab at The Ohio State University, Departments of Horticulture & Crop Science and Animals Sciences is seeking farmers to participate in an on-farm soil assessment to evaluate soil carbon sequestration under perennial pasture fields and annual crops fields.
Project description: This is a multi-state and multi-institution $15 million project led by researchers at the Carbon Management and Sequestration Center (CMASC) at The Ohio State University. Different soil management practices and uses are being assessed in 17 states for their impact on soil carbon stocks. This research will provide on-farm data to farmers, stakeholders and policymakers on the importance of soil carbon farming practices to mitigate climate change.
As part of the project, our lab is focusing on how perennial forages, for grazing or hay, and annual crops, such as corn and soybean, affect soil carbon stocks and sequestration.… Continue reading
Even though some parts of Ohio have had a slow, cold spring, it’s still time to start thinking about alfalfa weevil scouting. Overwintered adults begin laying eggs when temperatures exceed 48 degrees F. Peak larval activity and feeding damage occur between 325 and 575 heat units (based on accumulation of heat units from January 1 with a base of 48 degrees F). As of April 10, heating units range from a high of 326 in southern Ohio and a low of 105 in northeast Ohio. Compared to the same time last year the northern tier of Ohio is about the same or slightly behind, but the rest of the state is ahead, especially in the south.
In short, start preparing soon to begin scouting, especially in mid and southern Ohio. Alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly for weevils until at least the first harvest.… Continue reading
The Ohio Poultry Association (OPA) is accepting suggestions for nominations to serve on the 2024-2025 American Egg Board (AEB), which is U.S. egg farmer’s link to consumers in communicating the value of the incredible egg. AEB is seeking an ethnically diverse group of candidates. Appointed members will serve a two-year term.
“It is a prestigious honor to serve as a board member on the national level to help guide the egg farming community and further our commitment to provide a safe, wholesome egg supply,” said Jim Chakeres, OPA executive vice president. “These individuals will work directly with AEB and U.S. egg farmers to increase the demand for eggs and to provide eggs to not only Ohioans, but also those across the country.”
To be eligible for nomination, individuals must be producers or representatives of producers and they must own 75,000 or more laying hens. Producers who own less than 75,000 hens are eligible provided they have not applied for exemption and are paying assessments to AEB. … Continue reading
“You can always go back and replant later, but you can never replant early.”
The first Cab Cam of 2023 takes the Ohio Ag Net to Miami County where Joel caught up with Mike Elsner of Progress Farms. The discussion centers around the early start to planting and the growing trend and reasoning behind soybeans getting in the ground slightly ahead of corn.
By Dusty Sonnenberg CCA, Ohio Field Leader, a project of the Ohio Soybean Council and soybean check-off and Matt Reese
At least on some farms, there has been a shift in recent years prioritizing planting soybeans first. In a few conversations that were part of the 2022 Ohio Crop Tour, it was suggested that planting soybeans earlier may have paid off last year.
“The early planted beans look good and the later beans are just so-so. There has been more of a push lately to plant your soybeans first, or at least earlier. This year may be an example of that working out,” said Grant Davis, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with Ohio State University Extension in Champaign County after sampling fields for the 2022 Virtual Crop Tour. “A lot of this later planted corn looks pretty good where the later planted beans don’t necessarily. I think there may be greater upside potential for planting beans earlier if you get the opportunity and maybe, if it comes down to it, push the corn back if you have to.… Continue reading
As the spring planting season has started in some areas and is approaching in others, the Soybean Research and Information Network (SRIN) is providing soybean farmers valuable insights, timely information and infographics to help them optimize profit. While maximizing yields is always connected to additional revenue, SRIN is also focused on other research funded by the soy checkoff to drive additional value opportunities to U.S. soybean farms.
According to Cate Newberg, manager of the SRIN program, those research areas can range from offering a soybean planting date guide to research about soil management, pest control and seed selection.
“Soybean farmers know that successful soybean planting is about far more than dropping seeds in the ground and hoping for rain,” Newberg said. “Thanks to farmer-funded research, a number of other factors are coming into focus, including soil health, the use of cover crops, reducing tillage, using biologicals and adding organic matter.… Continue reading
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
In an effort to accelerate the ongoing transition to a clean vehicles, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new proposed federal vehicle emissions standards in April. The proposed standards seek to improve air quality for communities across the nation, especially communities that have borne the burden of polluted air.
“By proposing the most ambitious pollution standards ever for cars and trucks, we are delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s promise to protect people and the planet, securing critical reductions in dangerous air and climate pollution and ensuring significant economic benefits like lower fuel and maintenance costs for families,” said Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator. “These ambitious standards are readily achievable thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is already driving historic progress to build more American-made electric cars and secure America’s global competitiveness.”
The first set of proposed standards announced, the “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium Duty Vehicles,” builds on EPA’s existing emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for MYs 2023 through 2026.… Continue reading
Congress is preoccupied with perceived safety concerns regarding a Chinese-owned ap, TikTok. The general public was transfixed with the alleged Chinese spy balloons that floated across the country. On the other hand, I think we should spend more time considering what is happening in Minneapolis at the U.S. District Court in the District of Minnesota. In re Pork Antitrust Litigation, No. 18-01776, is the case to review. The class action complaint was filed on Jan. 15, 2020, under antitrust laws of the United States, and includes the following Defendants: Clemens, Hormel, Indiana Packers, JBS (settled all claims but denied any liability), Seaboard, Smithfield, Triumph, Tyson, and Agri Stats (data service that monitors pricing and production).
The pork integrator defendants represent $20 billion in annual commerce. The complaint asserts that in the U.S. pork industry, a small number of large companies control supply. The defendants in the lawsuit collectively control over 80% of the pork integrated market.… Continue reading
The Ohio Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Program is honored to announce Dr. Alex J. Lindsey as the 2023 CCA of the Year. Lindsey is assistant professor of agronomy in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University.
“Alex Lindsey’s commitment to the CCA program, not only as a member and researcher, but as a mentor makes him deserving of this prestigious award,” said Greg McGlinch, farmer and educator, who nominated Lindsey for the award. “Alex’s method of teaching agronomic research and practices allows students and farmers to apply the methods on a field scale.”
Alex Lindsey (left) was named Ohio CCA of the Year at the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference.
Lindsey was recognized at the 2023 Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in Ada, Ohio on March 14. He was presented a plaque and a $1,500 cash award, courtesy of the Ohio Association of Independent Crop Consultants, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Nutrien. … Continue reading
Continuing its commitment to improving water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin, Legacy Farmers Cooperative has achieved multi-year certified status at five of its Ohio locations through the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.
• Custar Agronomy – Year Eight Certified
• Arcadia Agronomy – Year Seven Certified
• Arlington Agronomy – Year Seven Certified
• McComb Agronomy – Year Seven Certified
• Pandora Agronomy – Year Seven Certified
In its ninth year, the voluntary certification program is a concentrated effort by the agriculture industry to significantly reduce and prevent applied nutrients from running off fields, which has contributed to water quality issues in Lake Erie. Facilities are required to meet certain program goals each year to retain certified status.
“Having all five of our agronomy locations 4R certified in my opinion speaks volumes about Legacy Farmers Cooperative as a company and where our values lie,” said Paige Fitzwater, Legacy Farmers Cooperative precision services manager.… Continue reading
Whether due to damage or simply aging, most farm buildings eventually require repairs. Spring is a popular time of year when farmers want to fix up or enhance their structures.
Jeremiah Fairbanks, general manager of repairs for Morton Buildings, said their projects typically fall into three categories:
An updated look — The most common need, he says, is updating a building, giving it a fresh, modern look. Examples include replacing faded or rusted steel on the roof and sidewalls, installing skylights or renovating structures that otherwise might be torn down.
Functionality — Many farmers want to add new features that enhance the performance of their buildings or make them more versatile. “Examples include a porch addition, new windows, large sliding doors, interior installation and building extensions,” Fairbanks said.
Damage repair — He notes that well-used farm shops and garages can take a beating, whether due to storms, equipment mishaps or simple wear, which in most cases can be addressed with a variety of minor or major repairs.
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
Join the Ohio Ag Council, as we get to know Brian Baldridge, the new director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Matt Reese, editor of Ohio’s Country Journal, will lead us in this visit.
Baldridge was appointed as the 40th Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture in February 2023. He provides leadership for the agriculture industry and oversees numerous regulatory, food safety, and consumer protection programs for the great State of Ohio. Director Baldridge has strong Ohio and agricultural roots, as the 7th generation raised on the family farm in Adams County.
The event will take place Wednesday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center at OSU 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, OH 43210.
Drones have been long-promised to make an impact as a piece of routine equipment on farms. The new American-made Hylio ag drones, now offered to Ohio farmers by Apple Farm Service, are hoping to make that promise a reality with availability in 2023 that looks to impact aerial application and data security. Ohio Ag Net’s Joel Penhorwood caught up with a variety of sources at the one-of-a-kind kickoff event for the new technology by Apple Farm Service in early April.… Continue reading
The market will be focused on the weather in the Dakotas as we move forward. While the rest of the country will have good weather for planting, it will come down to how many prevent plant acres there are in the northern part of the Corn Belt at the end of May.
Market action
On Jan. 18 when May corn was trading at $6.80, I suspected corn prices would likely be range bound or slightly higher at the end of March. Therefore, I placed a trade to maximize some profit potential if that happened. On 10% of my 2022 production, I sold a $6.80 April straddle (i.e., sold both the $6.80 April put and the $6.80 April call which are based upon May futures) which allowed me to collect a net positive value of over 41 cents.
What does this mean?
If the value of May corn on March 24 was:
Above $7.21 I sell futures at $6.80, but I keep all of the 41 cents collected on the trade, so it would be like selling $7.21 futures.
The following revised article came from information provided by Jon Stika. Jon Stika is a retired Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil health instructor. He is also the author of A Soil Owner’s Manual: How to Restore and Maintain Soil Health.
Farmers are looking at carbon markets, just as they look at crop markets, to improve their bottom line. The goal is to transfer carbon from the atmosphere back into the soil. The real question is what conservation practices increase soil carbon? If a farmer is looking to sign a carbon sequestration contract, it makes sense they understand carbon cycling and soil carbon storage.
Carbon market contracts use the term “sequestered carbon”. Sequestered carbon includes oil, natural gas, and coal; carbon that is tied up. Do farmers want to sequester carbon or recycle soil carbon more efficiently? Soil carbon is one of the most limiting nutrients for improved crop production.… Continue reading
A new online farm management course offered by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will help Ohio’s beginning farmers qualify for the requirements of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer Tax Credit program.
Called Farm On, the self-paced, on-demand farm financial management course was created by Ohio State University Extension professionals and is offered through OSU Extension’s new Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute (FFMPI), said Eric Richer, assistant professor and OSU Extension field specialist in farm management.
“The Farm On financial management course was created to address the needs of Ohio’s new and beginning farmers who want to better prepare themselves to operate a commercial farm in Ohio and do that with a high level of economic stability while remaining profitable and responsible at every step along the way,” said Richer, who is the lead instructor for the Farm On course. “We believe Farm On will be a great deliverable to Ohio’s agriculture industry because it is on-demand, self-paced, and taught by Ohio State’s expert farm management instructors.”… Continue reading
Stephen Johnson of Nutrien join’s Ohio’s Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net for this audio interview. Environmentally Smart Nitrogen, a 44% N product, keeps Nitrogen from leaching through the soil profile and more readily available for uptake by crops.… Continue reading
On this week’s podcast Matt, Dusty, and Joel talk about spring planting. They discuss weather, field conditions, and anything and everything in-between that may affect when farmers can get into the field for this upcoming growing season.
Matt talks with two 2023 Between the Row Farmers, Lawrence Onweller of Fulton County and Kyle Nietfeld of Mercer County. They talk about their farming operations and when they expect to be in the fields this spring. Next, Joel talks with with Dale Everman of Homan Inc. about what building projects farmers may have. Lastly, Joel stops in for an interview at Apple Farm Service with Alex Ryan, Precision Farming Manager. They discuss the introduction of new drones and what they mean for Ohio agriculture.
