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HIGH YIELDS? Rain, high temps could benefit corn, soybeans crops By MARK FAHEY mfahey@civitasmedia.com

rop-friendly rain patterns in southern Ohio so far this season have the potential to create a banner year for corn and soybeans, according to local farmers and agriculture experts. Although torrential rains plagued some parts of Ohio and the Midwest early this summer, flooding out fields and boosting corn and soybean futures in May, Fayette County has seen lighter but still frequent rainfall and early heat that may lead to high yields. “The weather we’ve had so far in the county has been great for corn and soybeans,” said Adam Shepard, OSU extension educator for Fayette County. “We’re kind of in the sweet spot. In northern Ohio they’ve had way too much rain, which delayed planning and caused some drowned-out spots, but in Fayette County we’ve been lucky we’ve only been getting three or four tenths [of an inch] at a time

instead of inches at a time.” But the rainfall has not proven a benefit in the most southern part of the state for tobacco crops. The same rainy weather that has the potential to give many farmers a yield boost this year could also cause trouble if that moisture gets below the crop canopy and doesn’t dry, making a more hospitable environment for leaf diseases. Shepard said that farmers should scout their crops and watch for the signs of disease before investing in measures like fungicide and insecticide dusting, which can be very expensive and eat into a farmer’s margin. It is still too early prepare yield estimates, and the county will have to wait and see whether excess moisture becomes a problem in the coming weeks. “If we get into a dry period with some heat, then that’s not a very good atmosphere for bacteria and fungus to thrive in,” said Shepard. “It’s the downpour and See CROPS/3A

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

TALKING CHEMICALS Beck’s Hybrids sponsors conference on herbicide issues By CATHERINE McCOLLOCH For MyOwn Rural Life

OSU hosts Manure Science Review ...... 3A Agronomy Field Day planned .......... 4A

OSU Extension agent retires .......... 5A Amish Cook .......... 6A Farmers to protect Ohio’s water .......... 7A Steam thresher reunion held .......... 8A Woman on the Farm: Cindi Adae .... 1B Threats from ticks, mosquitoes ............ 1B

Virus putting Ohio swine at risk .......... 3B Upcoming events .. 7B

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claims. The success of the program locally has promoted expansion to nine other states, mainly through partnerships with state departments of agriculture, who provide support and database management. With the expansion has come the transition to a non-profit company and name change to FieldWatch. Sponsoring members include Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences, BASF, and seven other consulting and fertilizer/chemical companies. Most user members are companies that provide spraying services, although Red Gold, Inc. (a tomato grower). is also a user member. The program’s goal is to expand to all

states in the continental U.S. For more information, visit http://fieldwatch.com/. Most of the June 25 seminar at Beck’s expansive conference facility was devoted to the results of a recent survey conducted by Stratus Agri-marketing, along with proposed product development solutions by representatives of BASF, Syngenta, and Bayer CropScience. 2012 was the third year for the Stratus annual survey of U.S. farmers. It concluded that glyphosate (Roundup) weed resistance is spreading to more species and more farms. The number of farmers See BECK’S/2A

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ATLANTA, IND. — Beck’s Hybrids, the largest family-owned and operated seed corn business in the U.S., hosted marketing and engineering staff from leading agrichemical companies to review the trend of increasing weed resistance and related product development at Beck’s headquarters and practical farm research (PFR) facility in Atlanta, Indiana. The opening presenter was CEO of FieldWatch, Reid Sprenkel, introducing participants to the latest incarnation of DriftWatch, a successful program that has mapped locations of specialty crops such as grapes, tomatoes, citrus, and other high value foods. DriftWatch was a web-based program launched in Indiana in 2008 by Purdue University’s department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering. The voluntary registry is designed to identify, map and communicate the location of herbicide-sensitive crops so as to educate pesticide applicators working in adjacent fields. The program’s objective is to prevent sprayed herbicides from drifting onto specialty crops and causing costly damage

My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

A ‘Goldilocks’ season … so far of Southwest Ohio August 2013 Publisher — Pamela Stricker Editor — Gary Brock Layout — Jayla Wallingford

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Adams County (937) 544-2391 Lee Huffman, Publisher lhuffman@civitasmedia.com Brown County (937) 378-6161 Steve Triplett, Publisher striplett@civitasmedia.com Clinton County (937) 382-2574 Sharon Kersey, Ad Director skersey@civitasmedia.com Fayette County (740) 335-3611 Sherri Sattler, Ad Director ssattler@civitasmedia.com Highland County (937) 393-3456 Pam Stricker pstricker@civitasmedia.com Subscriptions Brenda Earley, Circulation Director (937) 393-3456, bearley@civitasmedia.com Contact My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio: 761 S. Nelson Ave. | Wilmington, OH 45177 | (937) 382-2574

My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio is published monthly by Civitas Media, LLC and is available through the Georgetown News-Democrat, Hillsboro Times-Gazette, Ripley Bee, Washington CH Record-Herald, West Union People’s Defender and Wilmington News Journal. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is prohibited. My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio is available for purchase at each of the newspaper offices for $1/copy or contact us to subscribe. Subscriptions $19.95 per year.

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By GARY BROCK gbrock@civitasmedia.com

Drive any country road in southern Ohio today and look at the crops reaching for the sky. Then look at the farmer tending those fields. Odds are, he’ll have a smile on his face. That’s because this spring and summer have been pretty close to ideal for corn and soybean growing. Not perfect, but pretty close to it. Ask any agriculture specialist and they will tell you that - so far - this has been a great growing season. There is the potential for a bountiful crop this year and some record-setting yields. As you may know, during the “off” season this last winter, there was a lot of talk about the ways to boost corn and soybean yields here in Ohio. Some months ago in this publication, if fact, I wrote an article titled “It’s All About the Yield,” highlight-

Gary Brock Editor-In-Chief ing some of the ideas and theories about per acre and per bushel yields being given to Ohio farmers. There was plenty of talk about tillage (or the lack of it), fertilizer (or the lack of it) and the many new hybrids being introduced by the seed companies, especially the “droughttolerant” hybrids. All good and useful stuff. However, every speaker at every seminar and every educator and agricultural scientist working on ways to boost that all-important yield always started out with one important disclaimer:

None of this matters much if the weather is lousy. So true. You might want to call the spring and summer of 2013 a “Goldilocks” growing season, at least so far. It hasn’t been too hot or too cool. It hasn’t rained too much or too little. Everything has been just right. Home gardeners big and small are experiencing the same thing. The growth has been so good that if you don’t get out in the garden to weed almost daily, that garden will be overflowing with weeds in addition to all the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, peppers and a host of other veggies doing well this year. The only downside (apart from the weeds) has been this weather also seems to be ideal for bugs. But most farmers and gardeners agree that swatting the occasional mosquito is a cheap price to pay for a great growing season. So far.

BECK’S Continued from page 1A

reporting weed resistance for 2012 was 49 percent, compared to 34 percent in 2011. The increase in number of acres affected by weed resistance has doubled in the last three seasons: 32.6 million acres in 2010, 40.7 million acres in 2011, and 61.2 million acres in 2012. That is equivalent to 13.8 percent of all cropland in the U.S. Within 2012 alone, the number of acres affected by weed resistance to

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glyphosate doubled in Nebraska, Iowa, and Indiana. Luke Bozeman and Damon Palmer of BASF and Dow AgroSciences respectively, conducted discussion regarding development of a new class of 3 herbicides meant to replace glyphosate to a large degree, although probably not completely. These are known technically as mesotrione, isoxaflutol, and glufosinate, with pending regulatory approval anticipated in North America and import countries possibly by 2018. The associated genetic engineering for new soybean traits is incorporating resistance to these new herbicides. Presenters also introduced newer techniques to overcome weed resistance to glyphosate. Using the term ‘multi-stack’ refers to multiple herbicides applied sequentially. According to the USDA,

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without herbicides, grain farmers would lose an estimated 20 percent of yield. The phenomenon of resistance results from an evolutionary mechanism known as natural selection. All plants and animals carry an incomprehensible diversity of genetic traits, but not all of them are “expressed” (translated into physical form) unless the environmental conditions bring them into play. In the case of weeds, some in the population will already naturally carry resistance to glyphosate. By killing the weeds without the resistance trait, the proportion of weeds carrying the resistance trait are increased in the population because they survive to reproduce. This is known as “selective pressure”. The same principle applies to antibiotic resistance and chemotherapy targeting cancer cells. Anne Buchanan, inves-

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tigator in evolutionary genetics at Penn State University, recommends that research on herbicide alternatives is needed. Promising avenues critical to sustainability include allelochemicals and biofumigants, diverse crop rotations, higher crop seeding rates, intercropping, competitive cultivars and planting patterns, physical weed control, weed seed destruction, and reducing weed seed. Such innovative investigations could lead to methods and products that would extend the useful life of present herbicide tools. The Beck’s Hybrids company was started by Francis Beck, whose father Lawrence immigrated from Germany in 1883. Francis worked with the Purdue University botany department to develop higher yielding strains through selective breeding. He also developed equipment for grading and bagging seed corn. Scott Beck, current vice president of the company, is building on his father Sonny’s extensive work that expanded the company to its present size, and built a large network of seed dealers. They employ around three hundred people and operate distribution facilities and five practical research farms totaling approximately six hundred acres in Indiana, Illinois (2), Kentucky, and London Ohio, which is their newest. The Atlanta Indiana headquarters and practical research farm tests variables such as subterranean irrigation, spacing, density, planting dates and types/amounts of inputs. The extensive greenhouses allow them to test genetically engineered corn varieties year round. (Catherine McCollogh is a contributor to MyOwn Rural Life.)

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Science review to focus on manure, water quality WOOSTER — Ohio State University’s 2013 Manure Science Review, an educational program for farmers, livestock managers, certified crop advisers, professional engineers and others, is Aug. 6 in north-central Ohio. The program features talks and field demonstrations on applying and managing manure, improving soil and crop yields, and protecting water quality. Ohio State’s Mary Wicks, who is helping organize the event, said the highlights will include the first ever demonstration in Ohio of the new “Subsurfer” applicator, which injects poultry litter and other solid manures into the soil without disturbing ground cover. The program also features details on the new Nitrogen Potential Assessment Test for corn, which enables more accurate nutrient application while being unaffected by

soil temperature and moisture. The speakers will be from industry, livestock groups, conservation agencies, and Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, including Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, which are the college’s outreach and research arms, respectively. The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hord Livestock farm south of Bucyrus. The nearest street address is 1961 State Route 294, Marion. The site is about a quarter mile west of the street address on the north side of the road and will be marked with signs. Registration, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch, is $35 per person after July 29. To register, participants should send their name,

affiliation, address, e-mail address, telephone number and payment (with checks made payable to OARDC/OSU) to Mary Wicks, OARDC/OSU, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. For more information, contact Wicks at 330-2023533 or wicks.14@osu.edu. An agenda and regis-

tration form may be downloaded at http://go.osu.edu/MSR201 3 (pdf). Participants will be eligible for the following credits: 5.0 Ohio Department of Agriculture Certified Livestock Manager continuing education hours, 3.0 Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Nutrient Management

continuing education units, 2.5 CCA Soil and Water Management continuing education units and 2.0 Professional Engineer continuing professional development hours. The event is sponsored by Ohio State, the Ohio Livestock Coalition, Ag Credit, and the Ohio Soybean Council.

Collaborators include Hord Livestock, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Resources, Ohio’s soil and water conservation districts, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

CROPS

number of acres since 1936. Although corn and soybean stocks are expected to increase at the end of the year and prices are expected to be pressured downward, Thiesse said that late planting in Minnesota may leave crops susceptible to an early frost and patches of heavy rain and drought in other parts of the Midwest may counteract that projection. “It will be interesting as we go down the road to see what impacts, if any, we’ll see on yields,” said Thiesse. “If I had to guess, I think the prices are going to stabilize out, I don’t see them totally dropping, and if there is an early frost in a big enough area, we could see them come back up.” Still, production levels will be higher than they were after last year’s drought, and Thiesse said that as the price for corn and soybeans has fallen, the break-even cost for farmers has been gradually ramping up, with many corn producers not making money if the cash price falls below $4.50 a bushel. “Of course, there’s crop insurance for that, but crop insurance kind of allows you to hold things together, but it doesn’t allow for any extra profit or anything like that,” said Thiesse. Dr. Chad Hart, a crop market specialist and agricultural economist

with the Iowa State University Extension, said that although corn prices could conceivably fall below $4.50 a bushel, weather conditions would have to go in growers’ favor in ways that they haven’t been, with yields in areas like Fayette County offsetting drowned-out crops in other parts of Ohio and good harvests coming in before a freeze in northern parts of the Midwest. “The issue the market is having is as it looks across the corn belt you do see some really good looking crops and some really weak looking crops, and the question the market is trying to figure out is whether there are enough good crops to offset the bad crops,” said Hart. “The market is saying now that it believes things will balance out.” Hart said that another major factor in this year’s crop market will be demand for the crops, which was reduced last year as a result of high prices from the drought season. In that regard, soybeans are in a better position because they were impacted less by the drought and are still sold in the $12 range, a high enough price for most producers to make a profit. Prices should slowly build back up through the marketing year, and in the future market prices

are looking much better next spring, when high demand is expected to resume from major buyers like those in the livestock, ethanol and export industries. In the end, farmers in places that have not had their crops weakened by the recent weather have reason to be optimistic, said Hart. “In order to get the price high, somebody had to lose a crop, you just hope it’s not you,” said Hart. “In this case, [Fayette County] farmers can look, and if they have a crop and other places are suffering production problems, that’s a good position to be in.” In the Highland County, Adams County

and Brown County areas, the story is the same - but also very different. It all depends on the crop. Dave Dugan, OSU Extension Educator for this region, says that the weather has been very good for corn crops in his region. “The corn is doing very well,” he said. Soybeans have also done well, however the excess moisture has cause some soybean problems, depending on the fields. In the Brown and Adams County areas, however, the weather has not been so kind to the tobacco crops. “There may be a 10 to 15 percent loss in the tobacco crops here so far,” he said. The cause is

the wet weather that may be good for other crops, but not tobacco, which relies on drier weather. Dugan said there may be some yield loss when the tobacco is harvested because the excess moisture. Dugan said the wheat crop overall has been good, but the rain delayed some of the harvesting. Regarding the season overall, “I don’t know of any place that dry this year. Everyone is doing pretty good,” Dugan said.

Continued from page 1A

steady rains and cloudy skies that can cause problems. There’s nothing wrong with rain as long as we get the sun out to dry that leaf tissue.” Fayette County farmer and County Commissioner Tony Anderson said that as we come into the most valuable time for his soybean crop, he is optimistic about his potential yields. He said that although he’s watching his crops, he isn’t very worried about the threat of insects and leaf diseases. “There’s reason to have interest in it, but we use good genetics and we use good crop protection products so I think, whatever concern I may have, I can handle through proper scouting and diagnosis,” said Anderson. “Unless it rains continually throughout the fall like it did last year, then we might have a harvest issue, but I’m not going to worry about that on a sunny day in July.” Anderson said that what matters most to him is that he expects to meet his budget this year. After last year’s prolonged drought, Anderson’s operation took a 30 percent hit and ended up right at his crop insurance cut-off, so he didn’t collect any payments but still paid the premium. He said he has also been keeping an eye on fluctuating crop prices and the costs of pesticides and other supplies for next season. The overall availability of corn and soybeans this year will be dependent on a number of factors, including the weather and the amount and location of acreage that will not be producing this year due to prevented planting provisions, said Kent Thiesse, a former University of Minnesota Extension educator and contributor to Corn and Soybean Digest. According to Thiesse, a June US Department of Agriculture report indicated that 97.4 million acres of corn were planted in 2013, the highest

Program details: The program will have the following sessions and speakers from 8:50 a.m. to noon: • “Nutrient Management: Hord Livestock Overview,” which includes information on managing odors and nutrients and brokering liquid manure, by Pat Hord and David Neef of the host farm. • “Benefits of the Four Rs” — the right nutrient at the right rate, time and place by Steve Prochaska of OSU Extension. • “Nutrient Variations in Stored Manure” and how to compensate for differences in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by Kendall Stucky of the Crawford, Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot soil and water conservation districts. • “Growing the Application Window,” featuring research on using manure to side-dress corn and

increase yields and manure storage capacity, by OSU Extension’s Glen Arnold. • The “Nitrogen Potential Assessment Test,” which determines residual nitrogen available to corn during the growing season, by Tom Menke of Menke Consulting. • “Livestock Stewardship: Telling Our Stories,” a look at ways to build public trust on nutrient management and water quality issues, by David White of the Ohio Livestock Coalition. The field demonstrations, which are from 1 to 3 p.m., will feature mortality composting, edge-offield bioreactors, cover crops for Ohio’s soils, optical nitrogen detection, solid manure spreader calibration, the new Subsurfer applicator, and applicators for liquid manure injection, rapid transfer of liquid manure and side-dressing with liquid manure.

(Mark Fahey is a contributor to MyOwn Rural Life. Gary Brock contributed to this article.)

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My OwnÂŽ Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Agronomy Field Day returns

Farm Bill: OSU expert will keep farmers in the loop COLUMBUS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; As the debate about the future of the 2013 Farm Bill continues, an Ohio State University farm policy expert has issued a summary that provides a detailed overview of the debate and examines the farm bill situation from a political, process and content perspective. The Republicanled U.S. House of Representatives passed a version of the farm bill July 11 that does not include the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program for the first time since the 1970s, according to Carl Zulauf, an agricultural economics professor in Ohio Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The Senateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s version of the farm bill, passed June 10, included the food assistance program. The Obama Administration had

By RYAN CARTER ryancarter@civitasmedia.com

The annual Southwest Ohio Corn Growers & Fayette Co. Agronomy Field Day, held on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the Fayette County Airport, will feature a wide variety of agricultural education topics and knowledgeable speakers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a great day planned with a lot of new things and new technologies,â&#x20AC;? said Adam Shepard, the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator at the Ohio State University Extension Officeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fayette County branch. Also this year, airplane rides are being offered so growers can get a look at crops from the sky. The 30-minute flights will be offered for $30 each. The Field Day, which draws farmers and vendors from all parts of the state, will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is rare to have a line-up of speakers at an event that is open to the public and free of charge,â&#x20AC;? said Shepard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will also be an opportunity to visit numerous exhibitors that will have equipment on display along with literature and representatives available to answer questions.â&#x20AC;? The lineup for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field Day includes: â&#x20AC;˘ Nutrient manage-

said it supported the Senate version of the bill but indicated that it would veto the House bill. To help growers, producers and other interested parties understand the current status of the farm bill debate, Zulauf has coauthored the 2013 Farm Bill Update with Gary Schnitkey, a professor of agriculture and consumer economics at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign. The analysis, at http://go.osu.edu/far mbill2013 offers: â&#x20AC;˘ A history of the debate since the 2008 farm bill expired Sept. 30, 2012. â&#x20AC;˘ An overview of some political considerations. â&#x20AC;˘ An overview of the process. â&#x20AC;˘ Differences in the bills. â&#x20AC;˘ Summary observations including a look at four potential farm bill outcomes.

Photo by Ryan Carter

David Brandt of Brandt Farms talks to a group about Cover Crop Management on Tuesday at the SWOCG and Fayette County Agronomy Field Day.

ment, Steve Prochaska, the Ohio State University Extension; â&#x20AC;˘ Corn planting date studies, Peter Thomison, Ohio State University; â&#x20AC;˘ Entomology update, Andy Michael, Ohio State University; â&#x20AC;˘ Cover crops, Jim Hoorman, the Ohio State University Extension; â&#x20AC;˘ OCGA update, Tadd Nicholson, OCGA Executive Director; â&#x20AC;˘ Grain rescue demonstrations, Fayette and Highland County Fire Departments; â&#x20AC;˘ Crop sensing UAV demonstrations and Precision Hawk; â&#x20AC;˘ Corn and soybean show plots; â&#x20AC;˘ Bluegrass Farms of Ohio, Inc. and Mr. Hanaoka; â&#x20AC;˘ Non GMO soybeans

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and how they are handled in Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hana Ma Ruki Company; â&#x20AC;˘ One $500 seed gift certificate drawing for Ohio Corn Grower member; â&#x20AC;˘ One $500 equipment gift certificate drawing for Ohio Corn Grower member; â&#x20AC;˘ Trade show; â&#x20AC;˘ Plane rides from FCA Flight Training (must register at 740-

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Brown County OSU extension agent retires By CARLY TAMBORSKI ctamborski@civitasmedia.com

BROWN COUNTY — Kathy Jelley, who has been with the Ohio State University Extension Service for over three decades, has retired. Recent changes in the State Teacher’s Retirement System are what prompted Jelley’s decision to retire. “I’ve worked for OSU Extension for 32 ½ years and after considering the impact of the new changes, I decided it was the appropriate time to retire,” Jelley said. “It is to my advantage economically to retire prior to July 1.” Her last work day was June 28. With new free time, Jelley plans to take some time for a little rest and relaxation, catch up on

several home projects and enjoy her new role as a grandmother. “I don’t have big plans for retirement at this time, but I have a beautiful new granddaughter that I will be helping to provide childcare for and have lots of things to catch up on at home that I have neglected for the last few years,” Jelley said. “I’d also like to spend more time with my extended family in Kentucky and plan to do some type of volunteer work.” For 31 years of her career, Jelley worked as an Extension Educator for Family and Consumer Sciences. She spent 29 of those years working full time in Brown County and one year shared between Adams, Brown and

Highland Counties. “As an FCS Educator, I provided educational programming and information to families and individuals to assist them to improve their lives in the areas of healthy lifestyles, healthy relationships and healthy finances,” Jelley said. In January 2012, Jelley made a career change and was hired to become the 4H and Youth Development Educator after the retirement of longtime educator Becky Cropper. “It was an opportunity to take on a new challenge and to work closer with youth,” Jelley said. “This position also allowed me to work full time in Brown County again.” Jelley is originally from Somerset, Ky. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in

Kathy Jelley

Home Economics Education in 1980 from Berea College and a Master’s Degree in Education in 1981 from Eastern Kentucky University. She is also an Assistant Professor with Ohio State University. She made the move to Brown County in February 1981 when she was hired by Ohio State University Extension.

Kathy and her husband David are longtime residents of Brown County. They have three adult children; Blake, who resides in Washington, D.C., Amanda, a junior at Ohio State University, Sarah Barno, husband Michael, and granddaughter Audrey who reside in Cincinnati. Jelley is looking forward to retirement. “I am thankful and feel blessed to have had the opportunity to spend my entire work career as an educator for Ohio State University Extension in Brown County,” Jelley said. “It has been a great job and Brown County has been a great place to work. I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with so many wonderful people. My hope is that over the

past 32 years, that in some small way, I have helped many families, individuals and youth to positively improve their lives through education. I will miss working with my co-workers, the 4-H Volunteers, and the 4-H youth but I am excited to begin retirement.” The Brown County 4-H Educator position is currently being advertised and the plan is to hire a new educator as soon as possible. “I worked with Kathy for over 12 years,” said colleague Cindy Kratzer. “She’s been very good to work for and I’m going to miss her.” (Carly Tamborski is a staff writer for the News Democrat in Georgetown.)

New cattlemen’s group forms in Madison County LONDON – A group of local cattlemen have recently joined together to form the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association (MCCA). MCCA, an affiliate of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, the state’s beef industry association, will serve as leaders in Madison County’s agricultural community to promote beef to consumers and encourage youth participation in agriculture.

“In particular, our efforts are to develop a more personal connection between consumers and the farmers in our community,” said Elizabeth Mead, the organization’s president. “Despite the fact that we have only had a few official meetings, we have had great participation and we all seem to have the same goals: to promote the beef industry, tell the story of agriculture, and help the youth of Madison County to

develop the skills necessary to become the next generation of animal stewards.” The newly founded organization welcomes any Madison County resident interested in the beef industry to join. Annual membership is $20 per family. MCCA meetings are held in the community building at the Madison County Fairgrounds the third Tuesday of each month. Aside from serv-

ing the local community, the group, through their affiliation with the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, will provide members with the opportunity to get involved with promotions at the state level, such as: Ohio Beef Expo, the Ohio State fair and Ohio Beef Quality Assurance. Youth opportunities, such as leadership conferences and scholarship programs, also exist for members.

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grill. Tickets are $5 each or $20 for 5. Tickets can be purchased by contacting any member of the group, by calling 614857-5575, 740-8083381, or by emailing MadisonCountyCattle @gmail.com.

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

BUY LOCAL

Farm Bureau, farmer’s market team up The Fayette County Farmers’ Market is partnering with the Fayette County Farm Bureau to provide family-friendly events where participants can learn more about agriculture and experience buying local. The event began July 6 with a farm tour for children enrolled in the Carnegie Library’s Summer Reading Program. They were scheduled to visit Bill and Inez Walls’ sheep farm to observe the behavior of herding dogs and guardian dogs in sheep herd management, and although four families showed up for the tour in the rain, the visit was rescheduled for July 20. The Carnegie Public Library has also received 10 copies each of three different children’s books on aspects of farming and food production, from the Ohio Farm Bureau and the Farmers’ Market. The Summer Reading Program children previously visited the Market on June 15 to taste locally-grown snow peas and strawberries.

Amish Cook feeds family with fresh garden goodies

The Fayette County Farmers’ Market photographer, Harold Gass, sporting a Market t-shirt.

The children’s program continued July 27 when participants experienced Ohio’s seasonal produce bounty and tasted locally grown watermelon and blackberries. T-shirts bearing the Market’s logo and an agricultural message are available to the public for purchase. These shirts are priced at a special rate during the month of July for Farm Bureau members and also for those who visit one of the two Fayette County Nationwide agents (John Faris and John Wilber)

during July to obtain an insurance quote. Proceeds from the tshirt sales will provide funding for some of the children’s library books on agriculture. The Farmers’ Market believes in showcasing the diversity of our local seasonal agricultural products and encourages everyone to stop by and visit, and ask those questions that make us all better local produce consumers. For more information, contact the Fayette County Farmers’ Market at 740-606-3467.

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t sure feels good to finally sit down and prop up my feet in front of a fan after a shower. It has been hot and humid this week. We have been trying to shade the windows from the sun. We have a wrap-around porch towards the east and south which provides some shade. It’s when the sun shines from the west that we feel the heat. In the house we pull the shades to block out the sun until the sun goes down. We use battery-powered fans but it seems on hot days like this they just blow the warm air around. Growing up at home we didn’t have any fans. In Dad’s later years he finally bought a small battery-powered square fan to help him get through hay fever season. My husband Joe and sons Benjamin, 14, and Joseph, 10, with the help of the neighbors put 400 bales of hay in our barn this week that we bought from the neighbors. Plans are to get our hay cut this week yet. Joe doesn’t think we will have enough as we put one field into beans this year. Putting up hay is a very hot job in this weather. Susan, 17, Verena, 15, and Benjamin are detasseling corn which is also a very hot job. The factories that Joe and Elizabeth, 19, work in do not have air conditioning so they get pretty warm on days like these. The young children have been staying cool by filling tubs of water and then having a water battle. Those are always fun and sometimes everyone joins in. I canned Seranno peppers this week. Today I need to can pickles. Joe picked two five gallon size buckets of cucumbers. We are having tomatoes and lots of zucchini to add

to our menus. I also canned black raspberry freezer jam with berries Timothy has on his property. Benjamin had a nice 14th birthday on Sunday. I made a chocolate cake and decorated it for him. We didn’t do anything special for our 20th anniversary on the 15th. Where have these years gone? It is only 8 a.m. and the sun feels warm already. Joseph and I watered the gardens with the sprinkler. The hose wouldn’t reach the one corner so we watered that with buckets. It’s time consuming but it is dry and needs rain. The Good Lord will provide. We have so much to be thankful for. Do we appreciate the many blessings we have? Let us thank God daily for our blessings! Laundry is also on our list to do today so I’ll sign off wishing all of you readers God’s many blessings. Try this recipe with your fresh garden goodies. CHICKEN GARDEN BAKE 1 cup chopped zucchini 1 cup chopped tomato 1 /2 cup chopped onions 1 /3 cup grated cheese 1 cup cut up cooked chicken 1 cup milk 1 /2 cup Bisquick 2 eggs 1 /2 teaspoon salt 1 /2 teaspoon pepper Heat oven to 400. Lightly grease an 8 X 8 square baking dish or 9” pie plate. Sprinkle zucchini evenly in baking pan. Beat remaining ingredients for one minute or until smooth. Pour evenly in dish. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Let stand five minutes before cutting.

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Farmers working together to protect Ohio’s water

s the peak season approaches for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) on Ohio’s lakes, the Ohio farm community is pledging its best efforts to protect Ohio’s valuable water resources. An alliance of farm organizations, environmental advocates, academia, businesses and other interested parties have begun a multi-step initiative to positively affect water quality both shortterm and over an extended time frame. The primary focus is on preventing the nutrient phosphorus from escaping from farm fields. While this nutrient is essential to producing food, fuel and fiber, it can drain from fields and feed the growth of HABs. University and other agricultural experts have made recommendations to protect water without reducing agricultural productivity. Many

farmers are already taking steps as a down payment to address the part of the water quality problem caused by field runoff. • Farmers are using soil tests to avoid applying excessive amounts of fertilizer. One survey showed 82 percent compliance with Ohio State University-approved testing practices. • A pollution reduction project in the Lake Erie Basin reduced phosphorus applications by more than 180,000 pounds across 8,653 acres. • Farmer-to-farmer outreach in the Grand Lake watershed helped achieve 100 percent compliance with state water quality mandates. • 4,421 farmers attended 163 nutrient and water quality training sessions put on by Ohio State University Extension. • 290 farmers are part of a test project that has

expanded use of cover crops, variable rate applications, nutrient incorporation, controlled drainage structures and best management practices. Another study shows these types of efforts can reduce phosphorus escapes by nearly one-third. • The state’s agribusiness community is working with non-government organizations, universities and government agencies to develop a third-party certification program for commercial nutrient applicators that will encourage adoption of nutrient stewardship practices. • Farm organizations and agribusinesses contributed $1 million to match a federal grant that is funding a three-year study to measure nutrient runoff and identify preventative practices. • Agricultural representatives are engaged with the Lake Erie Phosphorus

Task Force, Directors’ Agricultural Nutrients and Water Quality Working Group, The Ohio Nutrient Forum Visioning Workshop and many other private and government entities that are working to understand the problem and arrive at solutions. • Farmers are reviewing and providing feedback on state legislation that would improve water quality. • The farm community was a vocal advocate for funding of water quality initiatives within the new state budget. • A diverse group of 20 agricultural organizations corresponded with their members to elevate awareness of Ohio’s nutrient and water challenges and encouraged them to adopt the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program that promotes the right fertilizer source, at the right rate, at the right time with the right placement. Since

Ghormley farm honored for 200 years in operation During the opening ceremonies of this year’s Fayette County Fair, Patricia Ghormley Smith (right) was presented with an award as part of the Ohio Bicentennial Farm Family Recognition program. Ohio’s Century and Bicentennial Farm honors families who have maintained their farms for at least 200 years. Thomas Ghormley started the Ghormley farm in Wayne Township in 1813. Patricia Ghormley Smith is the sixth generation of the Ghormley family to own this farm. Janelle Mead (left) with the Ohio Department of Agriculture made the presentation.

then, a survey shows that 71 percent of Ohio farmers now recognize the significance of the issue, and they’re attending field days, seminars and training sessions to learn about the 4Rs and other environmentally-friendly practices. • This same group, along with additional organizations, is planning a comprehensive, longrange project to address a variety of Ohio water issues. Farmers are committed to improving water quality while preserving agriculture’s economic contributions to Ohio. The following organizations are part of the coalition: • Farm Credit MidAmerica Ohio AgriBusiness Association • Ohio Cattlemen’s Association Ohio Corn Marketing Program • Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Ohio Dairy Producers

Crop Cover Field Day coming Local farmers are invited to attend a Cover Crop Field Day on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The field day will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at a local farm near Mt. Orab. This field day will focus on management and selection of cover crops in southern Ohio, as well as, soil quality. Dave Brandt, a farmer from Fairfield County, and a national speaker on cover crops will be one of the featured presenters. Larry Antosch, Ph.D., Ohio Farm Bureau Federation will be speaking on the statewide 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program. OSU Soil and Water Quality Specialists will be on hand demonstrating a Soil Quality

Photo by Ryan Carter

Association • Ohio Farm Bureau Federation Ohio Farmers Union • Ohio Livestock Coalition Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association • Ohio Pork Producers Council Ohio Poultry Association • Ohio Sheep Improvement Association Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program • Ohio Soybean Association Ohio Soybean Council • The Nature Conservancy United Producers, Inc. • Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation Districts • The Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences including OSU Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center

Field Test Kit. Participants will have experts available to answer questions regarding soil health and selecting the right cover crops for your farm’s needs. Those interested in attending the field day must register by Aug. 26 and prepay a $5 fee for dinner and education materials. We are asking all participants to please bring their own lawn chair. To register, mail or drop off a check to the Brown Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office, 706 S. Main Street, Georgetown, Ohio 45121. For more information, call (937) 378-4424.

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Garden tractors highlight steam show By FRAN ODYNIEC

here is no doubt that one would see field tractors of all sizes and descriptions that span more than 100 years of history at the annual Miami Valley Steam Threshers Reunion held July 18-21 at Pastime Park in Plain City. But the main feature of this year’s reunion shed some important light on a tractor genre that doesn’t get as much attention as do the Farmalls, Olivers, Minneapolis Molines, and John Deeres. Somewhat smaller by size but not by purpose, the vast array of garden variety tractors and related equipment of the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America (VGTCOA) numbering about 550 vied with the big boys for attention this year. “It’s not that we’re forgotten,” said Jim Cunzenheim, president of the VGTCOA, holding down the fort under the club’s huge tent, “we’re ignored by most people. At one time, there were a thousand manufacturers of garden tractors, mostly local machine shops. Small tractors were as much in importance as the big ones.” While the big boys got

Scores of garden tractors from the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America litter Pastime Park during the 64th annual Miami Valley Steam Threshers Reunion held July 18-21 in Plain City.

into the garden market, names such as Shelby Truck and Tractors, Panzer, Centaur, and GroMor have been in business for years. According to Cunzenheim, Cincinnati and Columbus were considered major distribution hubs for garden tractor manufacturers. “A true garden tractor was meant for those veg-

etable truck farms found around the bigger cities,” Cuzenheim continued. “They were built to replace those 30-man crews (tending those crops) in the field.” It may come as a surprise to some folks that garden tractors have been around for more than 90 years. But Cuzenheim puts that fact in perspective.

“After World War II,” he said, “that was the end of true garden tractors. They worked on smaller farms of 75 acres or less. Those big tractors worked the big farms but they were too big to get to fruits and vegetables.” But why can folks today walk into an equipment supply store and purchase garden tractors? “Today they’re listed as

garden tractors,” Cuzenheim agreed in theory.” But they’re never meant to grow anything but to tend to a homeowner’s acres.” In many cases a homeowner’s acres require regular mowing during the spring and summer and into the fall. A quick survey of television commercials and homesteads around Madison County

underscores the primary function of today’s garden tractor. Founded in 1994, the VGTCOA’s initial goal was collecting information about garden tractors. During the last 19 years, the club has grown to include nearly 900 members in 46 states, three Canadian provinces, and three foreign countries. Members’ collections comprise riding and walking tractors, crawlers, and rototillers among other equipment used in growing fruits and vegetables. Most of those were on display in the field around the VGTCOA tent in Pastime Park. The stated purpose of the VGTCOA is to preserve vintage garden tractors for future generations by raising awareness of the contributions these tractors made to farming during the first part of the 20th century. “We’re preserving history,” Cuzenheim said, “and we have a good time doing it.” For information on the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America, contact Cuzenheim at (608) 4294520; www.VGTCOA.com. (Fran Odyniec is a contributor to MyOwn Rural Life.)

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WOMEN ON THE FARM

Cindi Adae, below, of A & M Farm Orchard planted the farm’s first Honey Crisp apple trees, above, three years ago. Crates of apples, shown at bottom, are stacked in large cooled storerooms. By PAT LAWRENCE patlawrence@cincirr.com

indi Adae and her family moved often while she was growing up, but she put down roots, acres of them, when she became a bride. She didn’t just marry her husband, Howard; she joined his family’s business, A & M Farm Orchard. Cindi says, “I was living in Dayton, working as an assistant manager at the mall, when we met. I was a city girl and when I first came out here, I told him this was really the sticks!” That was 35 years ago. Cindi started helping out at the farm right away, and was soon deeply involved in the orchard operations. “I think this was in my blood even before I got here. I just fell into it, but I caught on fast.” The biggest challenge for her, she says, “working on such a tight timetable! It was so different, having to worry about getting specific things done at certain times and how it could mean the success or failure of the whole crop.” Though they have five acres for ‘pick your own’ strawberries, plus the opportunity to pick your own pears, plums and grapes, the heart of the 180-acre farm is the forty acres dedicated to growing apples. Cindi says she spends most of her time “buying, selling, arranging and thinking about ‘all things ‘apple’! We sell some apples wholesale, but mostly, our customers come here themselves. The trend toward more natural products and the revived interest in home canning has been good for us. We sell bushels, pecks and half pecks. Customers visit the store and choose apples we’ve picked or they can pick their own. All of our apples are hand picked then they’re washed, sized and graded. We fill 8-9 thousand bushels each year; each bushel is 42 pounds. And we make lots of cider in the cider house.” There are over 7,500 varieties of apples, including more than 2,500 varieties grown in the US. Cindi says, “Each apple variety has its own unique flavor, growing characteristics and best uses. We grow sixteen different kinds of apples here, including red and gold delicious. Fuji’s, are one of the sweetest varieties. Early Blaze is the first good eating apple that comes into season. Jonathans are a classic American variety with a good sweet/sharp balance. Winesaps date back to the 18th century. They’re tart, tangy, and firm, primarily used for baking and cooking.” Three years ago Cindi planted the farms’ first Honey Crisp apples, carefully spacing and staking them out in the orchard. She says, “They’re my babies!” See ADAE/2B

Rain amps number of ticks, mosquitoes By CARLETA WEYRICH cweyrich@civitasmedia.com

ast year, with its drought conditions, did have one bright side - not so many pesky bugs. This year is quite the opposite. Ticks seem to be multiplying at an amazing rate, and the mosquitoes are quite healthy and swarming in droves with all the rain this year leaving puddle after puddle for them to reproduce in. Not only do bites from ticks and mosquitoes irritate and itch, several diseases can be transmitted through their bites. Ticks may infect their victims with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis. Mosquitoes, infamous for malaria and yellow fever, are responsible in Ohio for cases of West Nile virus and other forms of encephalitis, especially in horses. The incidence of notifiable vector-borne diseases among Southwest Ohio residents is on the

increase, according to statistics collected by the Hamilton County Public Health office from eight counties in the region. The number of confirmed, probable and suspected cases almost doubled from 23 in 2010 to 45 in 2011, and then more than doubled with 112 cases in 2012. Last year, Lyme disease led the pack, with 52 cases in seven of the counties, followed by West Nile virus with 31 cases in six counties. Also last year there were 18 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in six counties, and actually nine cases of malaria reported in Butler, Clinton and Hamilton counties, though the latter illness is believed to have been acquired through travel in other countries. Ticks and mosquitoes are vectors, which transmit diseases from an infected animal host to another animal or human. The infected host does not pass the disease on, although there have been instances where it was believed that the dis-

ease was passed in utero to the unborn child of an infected mother. Ticks, related to spiders, are arachnids. They attach to a victim and have an anticoagulant in their saliva to keep the victim’s blood flowing for them to feed. Of all the states in the U.S., Alaska is the only one that has no ticks. The following are the primary ticks to watch out for in Ohio: • The American dog tick inhabits areas from just east of the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast. They are also found in California and Hawaii. It is the tick that most commonly transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, a potentially fatal bacterial infection if not treated early, with typical symptoms of fever, headache, abdominal and muscle pain, and vomiting, plus the possible development of rash after a couple of days.

The blacklegged tick on top is a male, and the bottom tick is a female. They are shown next to a man’s fingertip for size comparison. Photo by Glen Needham/courtesy ODNR

See TICKS/4B

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

ADAE Continued from page 1B

Although this year looks very promising, last year was a bad year, Cindi says. “We lost almost all of our apples from the early warm season, and then, with the frost, we lost most of our crop so we closed up before November. This year the crop looks good. We’ll sell almost all our apples off the farm, and all the cider. Everyone loves our ciderit’s all apples and juice, no water added at all. The apples are washed twice before we press them. The unexpected issue with cider is how the price of the plastic jugs has gone up due to the rise in petroleum costs!” Each change of season brings a shift in focus according to Cindi. “We start pruning in winter- it has to get really cold before pruning-and prune until strawberry season. We plant strawberries in April and start weeding.

Last year the weeds were so bad, we put up a sign that offered ‘Free Weeds’! For the apple trees, we maintain a regular schedule for spraying, but we’ve also implemented Integrated Pest Management principles, relying on organic resources as much as we can. But, we try to keep things as open possible and as ‘wild’ as we can, to encourage bees. We need bees, as many as we can get, to pollinate the trees. The early transparent apples come in July, the others start in early August. Mid-September is the best time to ‘pickyour-own’ and it’s our very busiest time of the year. I’m usually in the Apple House, where we sell everything- not just fruit but apple-themed products, cookbooks, jellies and jams, everything. We get so busy, we can’t leave! It’s been that way always except for the one year, 9/11.” The huge, cooled store

rooms adjoining the Apple House are stacked with big wooden crates, floor to ceiling. Heavy canvas picking aprons, a kind of back-pack with a funnel, worn on the front, hang on the wall. Cindi doesn’t pick apples, mostly because, “My husband says I’m too rough! I bruise them!” but also because she works in a wheelchair. Seven years ago, Cindi developed a spine infection that resulted in paralysis of her lower limbs. After treatment and continuing daily physical therapy with Howard’s assistance, she has improved, working as hard as ever, and still gardens for relaxation. She uses a golf cart to do her gardening. “I really enjoy it; we grow all our own vegetables. I can’t walk right now, but I try to keep my upper body strong, and I feel better all the time.” Still, she says, ‘It complicates things. You just don’t expect something like that

This cider mill at the A & M Farm Orchard is used to make cider sold at the farm.

at my age- I’d just turned 50. I miss working in the Cider House, showing people how pressing should be done, and baling straw. I really enjoyed that. But, you just gotta keep moving along.” Fortunately, Cindi has good support from her husband and family. “My mother in law, Alice, works here and runs the cash register. She always worked alongside her husband, and now she works with her son and me. Our children, Tonia and Howard, both have degrees in agriculture and they still work on the farm when they can, especially weekends during the fall.” The strawberry pavilion, where strawberry-picking customers check out, is getting a new floor. Cindi says, “You just can’t maneuver a wheelchair on

gravel!” Cindi is gearing up for fall. The Apple House will be filled with products and produce, canning supplies, apple butter and strawberry jam and, of course, bushels of various apples displayed in tiers of shelving. There’s a constant stream of questions in phone calls and on Facebook from folks who want to bring their kids to experience the satisfaction of gathering food directly from the land. Cindi says, “They all look forward to going out on the wagon. I think they enjoy the ride as much as the picking. All the rows are labeled so they know which apple they’re picking. They can pick grapes, pears or plums, too and pumpkins later in the fall.” Cindi says she’s never once missed the bustle of

the city. “I think it was a relief to leave. It was refreshing to get out to the country. I still feel that way.” She has clearly embraced the rhythm of country life and the family heritage. “A & M farm, for Adae and Morris, has been here for 71 years. My husband’s grandmother and her son started the orchard with trees planted in 1932, so it’s not just a business but a tradition we hope will continue. We have seven grandchildren. I’ve know you can never predict what’s going to happen, but someday maybe one of our granddaughters will be the one to carry on the tradition!” (Pat Lawrence is a contributor to MyOwn Rural Life.)

Cindi’s Apple Advice… Handle apples with care. Even the firmest apples can easily be bruised. Wash individually sold apples in cool water before serving. Store apples in the fridge to slow ripening and maintain flavor. To keep them cool and moist, cover with a damp cloth. Store apples away from strong-smelling foods to prevent them from absorbing unpleasant odors. Whenever possible, don’t peel the apple. Twothirds of the fiber and many of the antioxidants are found in apple’s peel. Coat sliced or diced apples in a mix of one part lemon juice to three parts water to keep them from browning. It takes 2 ½ pounds of apples, 4-5 large or 6-7 medium or 8-9 small apples, to make a 9” or 10” pie. Apples are fat-free, sodium free, cholesterol free, saturated- fat free and an excellent source of fiber, so eat more apples!

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We’re happy to announce that registration is now open for the 4th annual World’s Largest Combine Clinic! At the World’s Largest Combine Clinic, you’ll attend a half day session in which you choose three classes to attend which go in-depth on a range of combine related topics. We’re again offering our sessions back to back – so you can choose if you would rather attend the morning or afternoon session. $55 registration fee includes a half day of classes, lunch, a free knife

and a $50 gift certificate to any JD Equipment store. $5 will be donated to the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Virus putting swine population at risk OSU researchers seek ways to test, track deadly disease By MAURICIO ESPINOZA OSU Extension

WOOSTER — Food animal health researchers with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences are looking for a unique way to test and trace the spread of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a disease of swine that was found for the first time in the U.S. in April and which has impacted hundreds of hog operations in 15 states, including Ohio. Funded by the National Pork Board, virologists Linda Saif and Qiuhong Wang are working on a six-month project that involves growing the virus in the lab and using this material to develop a serological test, which will allow scientists to determine how widespread PEDV is in the U.S. swine population. “Serology allows you to trace the history of the outbreak through antibodies,” said Saif, an international expert on viral diseases of swine and cattle and a distinguished university professor in the college’s Food Animal Health Research Program, part of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

“This is very important in this case because we don’t know how and where PEDV got into the U.S., and how it is spreading across state lines.” Growing the virus in cell culture and developing a serological test are also important steps for the future development of a vaccine against PEDV, Saif said. Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the disease. Biosecurity measures are the only way to protect herds. PEDV belongs to the coronavirus family, which is known to cause respiratory and intestinal diseases in mammals and birds. It has been present in Europe since the 1970s and in Asia since the 1980s. PEDV causes intestinal disease in swine, especially young pigs. It is transmitted via feces or insects contaminated with feces. PEDV does not sicken humans and does not impact the safety of pork products. “The entire U.S. swine population is at risk of this disease because it doesn’t have any immunity to the virus,” Saif said. “We have seen 50-100 percent mortality in baby pigs. Adults pigs only show mild illness, but the problem is that the pigs can become carriers of the virus and spread it to other pigs.”

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a disease of swine that was found for the first time in the U.S. in April, has impacted hundreds of hog operations in 15 states, including Ohio.

Saif said PEDV is difficult to identify because its symptoms, which include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, dehydration and depression, are almost identical to those of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TEGV), another coronavirus that Saif has researched extensively and which has been present in the U.S. since the mid20th century. “The only way to tell these two viruses apart is through laboratory testing,” Saif said. “Producers and veterinarians who observe these symptoms are being encouraged to submit samples for testing so that we can better determine the extent of the outbreak.”

Saif said having enough PEDV samples available is also important for researchers such as she and Wang who are working on ways to learn more about and combat this new disease. “This virus is difficult to grow in the lab,” she said. “We need all the samples we can possibly get.” Ohio producers and veterinarians can submit samples to the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, which has PEDV tests available and has been instrumental in providing Saif and Wang with virus material to conduct their research.

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians advises producers to follow these recommendations to decrease the chances of their herds becoming infected: • Pay particular attention to anything sourced internationally, including feed ingredients of foreign origin. • Be diligent about personnel who have traveled abroad and visitors from overseas who may be carrying the disease. • Limit traffic (people and equipment) onto the farm. • Thoroughly clean and disinfect anything coming onto the farm, especially animal transport vehicles. • Take care when dis-

posing of dead stock, particularly if using a communal disposal method. • Isolate newly arriving animals and continue vetto-vet discussions about animal health at the herd of origin. Saif added that swine producers are not the only ones that should be vigilant about PEDV. “With fair season upon us, fair boards and 4-H clubs need to take precautions and monitor for the disease,” Saif said. “You will have a conglomeration of animals from many different farms coming together at one place, and people going back and forth. This could help spread the disease among pigs even further.”

Crop insurance claim reporting: Tips on how to file By Susie Hubbell

Any time you have crop damage that will adversely affect your yield or the value of your crop, you may be eligible to file a claim. The loss adjuster will determine whether your yield falls below the yield guarantee listed in your crop insurance policy, whether it is a revenue guarantee policy like Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC) or a traditional yield pro-

tection policy. What to Do When Reporting a Claim Notify your agent immediately when you discover crop damage. If you discover a loss while you are harvesting, stop and contact your agent right away. File notice immediately after each unit is harvested (within 15 days) and before the end of the insurance period. For sweet corn and

corn cut for silage, file a notice at least 15 days before harvest begins. Wait for an adjuster to contact you to schedule an inspection. If you have the opportunity to replant your crop, the adjuster’s visit will be more urgent. Have your Farm Service Agency (FSA) documents ready to show the number of acres and locations of your insured crops. Cooperate and talk to

the adjuster. He or she will be interested in what you have to say. What Not to Do When Reporting a Claim • Do not destroy any of your crop. • Do not disk. • Do not plow.

• Do not replant. Calculating your crop yield is a complicated and disciplined process. Your adjuster has extensive classroom and field training and is constantly studying to maintain his or her certification. Your

adjuster may take pictures of your fields, check the condition of neighbors’ crops or consult local weather data. (Susie Hubbell is with Diversified Insurance Service.)

It only takes 1/100th of a second to see why we build a better planter. That’s all it takes for an inch to pass under your planter (for comparison, it takes about 33/100 of a sec for you to blink your eyes). So what’s an inch worth? Research tells us about 2 bushels per acre and that’s a conservative estimate. Our planters are built with specific technologies at the crucial points in the planter’s operation to allow seed to move efficiently and uninterrupted from hopper to trench- right where you want it.

Forward travel Centrifugal force

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Seed drops from low point on meter

White Planters

Forward travel

Centrifugal force

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Get the bottom line on planter accuracy and see how it affects your bottom line. Visit us online at white-planters.com to find your nearest White Planters dealer.

Seed drops from high point on meter

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194 192 190 188 186 184 182 180 178 176

The edge drop system drops seed slightly forward from vertical. This allows seed to travel a relatively short distance, mostly in free fall, down through seed tube. Other planters drop the seed higher and straight down. This allo more opportunity to cause ricochet and misplacement. 0

Actual Plant Spacing Variability (Stdev)

There is a significant relationship between deviations in plant spacing and lower yield. Per inch of deviation, more than 2 bushels per acre (bpa) can be lost. In an eight-year study, researchers found spacing inaccuracy of an inch could cause between a 2.2 bpa loss and a 2.5 bpa loss. Source: Purdue University

Dealer Imprint

As the distance between seeds becomes more variable (expressed in this chart as standard deviation) the yield per acres decreases dramatically. The White Planters design has specific features to increase and maintain spacing accuracy.

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

TICKS Continued from page 1B

• The blacklegged tick is found in southern Ohio, the south-eastern, south-central and northeastern states, and around Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. It is the tick that has been known to carry Lyme disease, with typical symptoms of fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and in some people, a skin rash that develops into a bull’s eye appearance. The blacklegged tick may also transmit anaplasmosis, a bacterial disease that also has symptoms of fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. • The Lone Star tick is found in eastern, southeastern and central to lower Midwestern states. It may transmit ehrlichiosis, another bacterial infection causing fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. The Lone Star tick may also transmit STARI (southern tick associated rash illness), the cause of which is unknown, but the symptoms are similar to those of Lyme disease. As most tick-borne diseases are caused by bacteria, they are treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mosquitoes seem to be anywhere there is moisture and heat, including Alaska in the right season. The Asian tiger mosquito, named for its black and white color pattern, is a newer addition to the mosquito population in the United States. It was transported to Texas in the 80s in tire casings and has spread into more than 20 states, including Ohio. It is difficult to eradicate because it breeds in small containers of water such as rain gutters, holes in trees, tires and tarps instead of swamps and other natural wetlands that native mosquitoes prefer. The tiger mosquito also is out feeding on its victims during the day, while native mosquitoes tend to feed at dusk and dawn.

There is no known treatment for mosquito borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Most people will have minor, if any, symptoms when infected with these diseases. However, less than one percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurological illness due to West Nile virus. In rare, severe cases of of EEE virous, involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, symptoms begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma. Though cases are rare in humans, EEE is one of the most severe mosquitotransmitted diseases in the United States, according to the CDC, with approximately 33 percent mortality, and significant brain damage in most survivors. The mosquito-borne diseases can be devastating to horses. The West Nile virus can infect the central nervous system and cause symptoms of encephalitis, according to The Ohio State University. Clinical signs of encephalitis in horses include loss of appetite and depression, in addition to any combination of the following signs: fever, weakness or paralysis of hind limbs, muscle fasciculations or muzzle twitching, impaired vision, ataxia (incoordination), head pressing, aimless wandering, convulsions, inability to swallow, circling, hyperexcitability, or coma. A laboratory test is needed to determine whether the symptoms are from West Nile virus, EEE virus or another cause. Fortunately vaccines are available for horses to reduce the threat of West Nile virus and various types of encephalitis. The Ohio Department of Health advises the following measures to prevent mosquito bites:

JR’s

Photo courtesy Ohio Department of Health

A mosquito probes into a human.

• Avoid being outdoors when native mosquitoes are most active – at dawn and dusk. • Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and long pants. • Use repellents such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and follow label instructions carefully. • Keep weeds cut short to help deter mosquitoes, which rest in tall weeds. • Keep window and door screens in good repair to keep mosquitoes out of your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs and grow in water. Natural containers such as tree holes and artificial containers such as buckets, bottles, outdoor plastic toys and discarded tires can all provide a habitat for mosquitoes. Eliminating containers that hold water will reduce the number of mosquitoes around the home. This can be accomplished by: • Emptying containers that fill with water at least once a week. • Keeping rain gutters clean. • Cleaning ditches so water can flow. • Filling tree holes that hold water with gravel or dirt. • Rinsing birdbaths every week. • In addition, a small amount of bleach in water that cannot be drained will kill mosquito larva, according to the Adams County

Photo by Glen Needham/courtesy ODNR

For size comparison, an American dog tick (left) is pictured on a ruler next to a blacklegged tick male, female, and nymph.

Health Department. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention give the following recommendations for reducing the chances of a tick bite: • Know when and where to expect ticks. Blacklegged ticks are found in the woods; dog ticks are in grassy areas and road edges; Lone Star ticks are found mostly in woodlands and areas where animals rest. If possible, avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails. • Use repellents according to labels. - To use tick repellent properly on clothing, follow these steps: first, purchase an insect repellent containing permethrin. Apply the permethrin to your pants and boots and allow them to dry. Once the permethrin is dry, it has no odor and leaves no stain. The repellent should

remain effective throughout the hunting season, even with exposure to moisture or hot-water washing. Pretreated clothing is available and remains protective for up to 70 washings. - Use repellents that contain 20 percent or more of DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) on the exposed skin for protection that lasts up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. • Tuck your pants into your socks and boots and tuck your shirt into your pants. • Use anti-tick products on pets. Ask your veterinarian about Lyme vaccines for pets where blacklegged ticks are found. • Create a tick-safe zone in your yard. You can make your yard less attractive to ticks depending on how you landscape. Here are some simple landscaping tech-

niques that can help reduce tick populations: clear tall grasses and brush around homes and at the edge of lawns. Place a three-foot wide barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas and around patios and play equipment. This will restrict tick migration into recreational areas. Mow the lawn frequently and keep leaves raked. Stack wood neatly and in a dry area (discourages rodents that ticks feed on). Keep playground equipment, decks, and patios away from yard edges and trees and place them in a sunny location, if possible. Remove any old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yard that may give ticks a place to hide. Upon going back inside, the prevention continues: • Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs. Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for an hour to kill remaining ticks. • Check yourself, family, and pets regularly and remove ticks immediately. - Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you. - Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Ohio State University, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Adams County Health Department, Hamilton County Public Health. (Carleta Weyrich is a staff writer for The People’s Defender in West Union.)

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Forage Day looks at alfalfa, biofuel, other issues SOUTH CHARLESTON — Alfalfa management and native grasses for forage and biofuel are just some of the topics farmers and producers can get updates on during a Western Ohio Forage Day Aug. 21, offered by experts with Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The field day will offer information on issues that producers and growers

can benefit now from, such as forage preservation, as well as offer field demonstrations on new techniques, such as manure slurry seeding, said Amanda Douridas, an Ohio State University Extension agriculture and natural resources educator. Developed at Michigan State University, slurry seeding is a relatively new, no-till compatible manure application and cover crop establishment

method that uses aeration tillage and liquid manure to apply seeds, said Douridas, who will perform the demonstration. “We recently acquired an AerWay toolbar that we can put on the manure tank to mix the seed with liquid manure to research how a variety of seeds work with the systems,” she said. “We will demonstrate our research trials using a variety of seed trials to see which works best.”

The event is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) Western Agricultural Research Station, 7721 South Charleston Pike, in South Charleston. OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college. The event begins with a wagon tour of the Agronomic Crops Trials

at the site from 9 a.m. to noon, during which OSU Extension and OARDC researchers will talk about the latest innovations in forages. The field demonstrations will be held in the afternoon. Topics for discussion during the morning session include: • Grass interseeded into alfalfa • Leafhopper resistant alfalfa trials • Warm season annuals after wheat, conventional,

no till and slurry seeded • Nutritional aspects of warm season annuals and corn silage • Alfalfa management inputs for high yield • Red and white clover variety trials • Native grasses for forage and biofuel Registration for the program is $20. Payments can be sent to Douridas at 18000 State Route 4, Suite E, Marysville, Ohio 43040. The deadline to register is Aug. 14.

Field Days are scheduled in August, September By DAVE DUGAN dugan.46@osu.edu

Mark your calendars for some upcoming Field Days. There will be several things to see as we tour some of the local plots that are out this year. We will look at several things and discuss issues as we tour local farms. The Tobacco Field Day will be on Aug. 20 beginning at 5 p.m. in West Union. The Beef and Forage Field Day will be in Jackson on Aug. 29, and the Soybean Field Day will be in Northern Brown and Highland Counties on Sept. 12. Details will be in the coming weeks. Good News for Soybean Producers Phytophthora root and stem rot cost soybean producers over $250 million per year in lost soybean yields. Researchers at Purdue have recently announced that they have identified two genes that are resistant to Phytophthora root and stem rot. This discovery could lead to new cultivars that are able to perform better in soils with this problem. It is a soil borne disease. For more information about this go to the Ag

Answers site at the following address: https://ag.purdue.edu/agan swers. Then go to the archives and this information is on the July 18 edition. I send this Ag Answers newsletter, by e-mail to all who are on my mailing list for crops. If you would like to be added to this list or any other e-mail list simply send me a request to dugan.46@osu.edu. Blue Mold in Pennsylvania Blue Mold has been found on some tobacco in the eastern part of Pennsylvania and Virginia. From what I can gather from talking to UK State Tobacco Specialists, the Ohio Valley and Kentucky are not believed to be threatened by the Pennsylvania find, but the eastern part of Kentucky and Ohio could be threatened. There is no longer a forecasting center for blue mold. As I have stated before, the use of Quadrisas a preventative for target spot is recommended once the tobacco gets too big to cultivate. This can be applied over the top with a hi-boy. It is not recommended to mix the fungicide with other pesticides and the

application timing should avoid real hot part of the day. The rate of 8 ounces per acre is recommended when no disease is present. If target spot is already found you may want to increase the rate to 10 or even 12 ounces. This will also give protection for other diseases including blue mold, should the disease move into our area, for 2 weeks. You are not to use Quadris back to back, so if Quadris was applied you will need to use another fungicide before you make the second application of Quadris. Actigard, Revus, and Forum are options to consider for blue mold protection. Once the tobacco has been topped, the risk of blue mold is less. Pesticide Testing Date As the summer moves along it will not be too long until schools open back up. Some school employees may be among a group of people who apply pesticides. It is my understanding that anyone applying pesticides on public property including around city and county buildings, parks, schools and so forth need a commercial pesticide license to apply any pesticide. This includes things that can be

bought without a license like common weed killer or bug sprays. For more information about the requirements you can read online at http://pested.osu.edu or call the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 800-2821955. Registration and study materials can be found at the web site, by phone or some are available at the local OSU Extension Office. The test will be offered on Aug. 12 beginning at noon at the Old Y Restaurant located on US 62 about halfway between S.R. 32 and Hillsboro in Southern Highland County. Remember you must register, but the test is free. If successful with the exam, there is a charge for the license. The test is also available for private applicators that make applications on their own property with restricted pesticides or any custom applicator that needs a commercial license. Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Show The 43rd Reunion of the Ohio Valley Antique Machinery Show will take place Aug. 8-11 at the OVAM Showground on the west side of

Georgetown in Brown County. The showground is located about one mile west of Georgetown on SR 125. There is a daily parade of all equipment, a Garden Tractor Pull on Friday and an Antique Tractor Pull on Saturday, with an Antique Car Show on Sunday. There will be Horseshow and Cornhole Tournaments, bingo and lots more. There will also be live music all four days, plus lots of good food and many things from the past. They also have camping available. For more information check it out on the web at www.ovams.com or call (937) 378-4480. Farm Science Review Tickets The Farm Science Review will be on Sept. 17-19 this year. We have tickets at the OSU Extension Offices in Adams, Brown and Highland Counties. The cost has increased this year, and I believe this is the first time in my tenure with OSU Extension. The new ticket price is now $10 at the gate, but if you buy your tickets in advance at the OSU Extension Office they are only $7.

Dates to Remember Pesticide License Testing: Private and commercial testing for applicator license will be offered on Aug. 12 at the Old Y Restaurant. You are required to pre-register by calling the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 800-282-1955 or online at http://pested.osu.edu. Space is limited so register soon. Study materials are also available at the same address or phone number. Tobacco Farm Tour: This tour will start in West Union at the Adams County Extension Office. We will tour a few tobacco patches looking at examples of insecticide and fungicide use among other things. Dr. Kenny Seebold, UK Tobacco Specialist will be part of the program starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Highland County Fair: Aug. 31-Sept. 7 Soybean Farm Tour: Save the date for Sept. 12 with details soon. Farm Science Review: Sept. 17-19 and we have tickets at the OSU Extension Office Brown County Fair: Sept. 23 -28 (David Dugan is an OSU Extension Educator, ANR, Ohio Valley EERA.)

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My Own® Rural Life of Southwest Ohio

August 2013

Percheron Horse Association holds plowing contest By PENNY SMITH psmith@civitasmedia.com

The National Percheron Horse Association office property in Fredericktown in May hosted its annual plowing contest at the national headquarters of the Percheron Horse Association in Knox County. The plowing contest is a test of man and horse to plow a furrow with a team of horses, and test the skill of the driver. Horses were once the backbone of our nation prior to tractors. Even today, the horse can work ground when modern tractors cannot enter the field because of poor conditions. This event provides the opportunity for generations to share how farming has changed over the years. Children are given a chance to ride a horse

led by the owner. An 88 year “young” visitor directed a team of horses, something he hadn’t done since 1948, according to a volunteer. Others are surprised as to how physically demanding it is to plow with the horses and cannot imagine how long it would take to complete a field. The plowing contest has attracted participants in the past from as many as six states with spectators from the general public. Middlebury Grange serves refreshments at the event. Fredericktown is also headquarters to the State of Ohio Grange. The Percheron Horse Association was formed in 1876 when a group of Percheron breeders met in Chicago and formed the Norman-Percheron Association. The Norman named was dropped the following year. The

The plowing contest is a test of man and horse to plow a furrow with a team of horses, and test the skill of the driver.

Percheron breeders met in 1905 and formed the Percheron Society of America which continued until 1934, when the cur-

rent association, the Percheron Horse Association of America, was formed. The present association

has nearly 3,400 members in all 50 states. The association sets registration standards, most of which are in widespread use in

today’s many livestock breed registries. All registrations and transfers of ownership are processed at the office in Fredericktown. There are currently about 2,500 new horses registered each year and over 4,000 changes of ownership each year. There were 12 participants from around Ohio and one from out-of-state. Participants included: Steve Wickersham, Caledonia; Erin C. Lundy, Carthage, New York; Frank Stahl, Frazeysburg; Joe Reed, Fredericktown; Michael McKay, Powell; Stanley Rine, St. Louisville; Amanda Manges, Sullivan; Richard Rook, Butler; Jenna Burk, Fredericktown; Jim Reed, Oberlin; Alan Stanley, Newark; Emily Roberts, Fredericktown; and Howard Goodyear, Brunswick Hills.

Farm Science Review will ‘break new ground’ this year By TRACY TURNER OSU Extension

LONDON – From teaching techniques to help growers improve water and soil quality to helping farmers and producers learn how to combat invasive species, experts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) will seek to “break new ground” during this year’s Farm Science Review Sept. 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London. Following the theme “Breaking New Ground,” the event will emphasize the best agricultural research, resources, information and access for farmers, said Chuck Gamble, who manages the Review. “How do we protect the soil, how do we improve

water quality are just some of the issues farmers are facing now because so much of what is going on today in agriculture is oriented around water quality,” he said. “Invasive species are also a huge issue for Ohio. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that people don’t understand or know what it is when we talk about invasive species.” Invasive species, which can include trees, beetles, shrubs, mussels, fish, fungi, weeds or pigs, are those that aren’t native to a place but arrive through people’s actions, either by accident or on purpose. They usually spread fast and can reduce or eliminate native species. These issues are just a sampling of some of the topics participants can expect to learn about during the three-day farm trade show that annually draws

more than 130,000 farmers, growers, producers and agricultural enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada. The Review, now in its 51st year, is nationally known as Ohio’s premier agricultural event, Gamble said. And with growers experiencing more of a typical growing season in 2013, he said he anticipates Review attendance to be strong this year. “We’ve got our best crop start ever here at the Review,” Gamble said. “Our corn and soybean prospects are the best crops we’ve ever planted and we’re harvesting the best wheat crop we’ve ever grown.” Sponsored by CFAES, the Review features educational workshops, presentations, demonstrations and educational opportunities delivered by experts from Ohio State University

Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, which are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college. Participants can peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and capitalize on educational opportunities from Ohio State and Purdue University specialists. Gamble said the Review sold out of exhibitor space sooner this year than in any previous year, which is a clear indication of the level of the interest participants have in attending the show and learning about what the Review has to offer. “Companies know they’ll have a nice crowd of receptive farmers and producers interested in their products or services, which is a positive reflection on the show because of the large attendance we typically draw,” he said.

“Between all the different educational displays, workshops and demonstrations our college experts provide, farmers know there are numerous opportunities to learn more about the newest research and innovations in agriculture out there.” Some other Review highlights include: An appearance by the Peterson Farm Brothers, a musical trio from Kansas that creates agriculture-inspired music video parodies to popular music that are posted on YouTube. They will be on hand to discuss their experiences with visual agriculture communications Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Morton Building. Daily field demonstrations by members of the OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Team on corn, soybean and wheat crops in plots established outside

the eastern edge of the Review exhibit area. The plots are just outside Gate C near the main entrance gate. A demonstration of an unmanned aerial system for real-time crop maintenance and precision agriculture. The drones can be used to provide useful local sitespecific data including crop scouting and geo-referencing to allow growers to monitor pesticides dispersion and fertilizer usage and to monitor crop health parameters including soil moisture. Farm Science Review pre-show tickets are $7 at all OSU Extension county offices, many local agribusinesses, and also online at http://fsr.osu.edu/visitors/tic kets. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17–18 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 19.

16th annual Ohio Livestock Coalition to meet Sept. 6 COLUMBUS — The role Ohio’s agriculture community plays in meeting customer expectations for social responsibility, building consumer trust and planning for the future will lead the discussion at the 16th Annual Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) Annual Meeting and Industry Symposium. The meeting will be held on Sept. 6 at the Conference Center at Northpointe in Lewis Center. “State and national agricultural leaders recognize that, more than ever, consumers depend on the lead-

ership of Ohio’s farm community, and our partners, to ensure we are producing food that meets their demands for responsibility, safety and quality,” said David White, OLC executive director. “The annual meeting provides farm leaders, the agricultural community and our stakeholders with the opportunity to exchange information, gain knowledge and discuss the issues and innovations most important to the future of Ohio’s farmers and our nation’s food supply.” This year’s speakers include the following Ohio

leaders and nationally recognized experts dedicated to building consumer support for today’s farm and food practices and seeking new opportunities for tomorrow’s agricultural leaders: David Fikes, vice president of consumer/ community affairs and communications for the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), will discuss the role of the farm community in helping food industry stakeholders achieve their social responsibility goals to meet consumer expectations. FMI represents

supermarkets, grocery stores and all venues of food retail and works directly with consumer leaders as well as health, nutrition and science professionals to better understand and align consumer needs with FMI member programs and practices to ensure food security and food safety. Bruce McPheron, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University, will discuss the goals and

vision for the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Dr. McPheron’s vision focuses squarely on the future of agriculture and is aimed toward strengthening the college experience to produce career-ready graduates. Originally from Kenton, Ohio, McPheron began his career as a 4-H county extension agent in Ohio in the early 1980s. For more than a decade, he served on Penn State’s leadership team, first as associate dean and director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment

Station and as dean since 2009. Registration for the event is $45/person if paid before Aug. 27, or $55/person if paid after this date or at the door. Registration for high school and full-time college students is $35/person if paid by Aug. 27. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. To register for the meeting or for more information, contact Amy Hurst at (614) 246-8262 or at ahurst@ofbf.org. Registration information is also available at www.ohiolivestock.org.

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Oats: The time to plant is NOW, say experts LANCASTER — Producers and growers looking to add an alternative forage may want to consider planting oats as a double-crop after wheat as a good way to add extra forages during a time when hay inventories are down and grain values are high, a forage expert from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences said. With hay inventories on May 1 in Ohio down 55 percent compared to the same time last year and at their lowest point since 1950, producers looking to add a crop after wheat harvest can consider adding oats, which can produce high yields with one cutting, said Stan Smith, an OSU Extension program assistant in agriculture and natural resources.

OSU Extension is the outreach arm of the college. Since wheat in Ohio traditionally comes off around July 4 and sometimes as late as July 20, growers would have plenty of time to meet the recommended planting date of Aug. 1 for oats, Smith said. “Not only does an Aug. 1 planting date seem to offer more yield and higher quality oats (than planting them earlier), but it also allows growers and producers ample time to harvest straw which is in short supply, haul manure and control any perennial weeds and volunteer wheat that might be present,” he said. “And unlike double-cropping soybeans, growers don’t have to rush to get oats planted as soon as they harvest wheat. “In fact, planting oats in early August results in

greater yield and quality and oats are more likely to remain vegetative until extremely cold temperatures shut them down in December.” What’s even more appealing, Smith said, is that Ohio oats commonly yield 3 tons of dry matter per acre, which is as productive as many traditional forages but only require one cutting. In fact, regardless the planting date or variety, no-tilled seeding rates from 80 to 100 pounds of oats have consistently resulted in optimum forage yields, he said. “We can grow oats as a second harvest after wheat and grow what’s equivalent to yields that we’re getting from traditional mixed hay fields,” Smith said. “We can achieve that in a short time, 75 days plus or minus, doing it in one cutting so you can

save time and money by not using multiple harvesting operations.” Smith said some considerations growers should be aware of include: • The optimum nitrogen application rate is 40 to 50 pounds per acre, which produces the highest yields and is the most cost effective rate. • The optimum combination of productivity and quality of August planted oats arrives 60 to 75 days after planting. Oats planted in July mature more quickly thanks to the heat, with declines in quality typically beginning 50 to 60 days after planting. • Oats harvested 50 to 60 days after planting and while still in the boot stage of maturity may offer some regrowth that could be grazed. • Growers should apply glyphosate before planting as a cost-effective way to

control weeds. • Growers can capture the total tonnage produced in a single harvest cut in late fall if grazing is not an option. • With harvest typically being in November, grazing typically is the most effective and affordable alternative. While strip grazing is the preferred method of harvest, Smith said, growers have other options including: • Baling oats. This is a challenge considering that oats dry only about half as fast as grass hay. In some cases, oats are taking nearly a week after being cut before they are dry enough to properly wet-wrap and ensile. Dropping them on wet soils doesn’t enhance the drying or curing process. • Wet-wrapping. Using an in-line bale wrapper/tuber is less expensive

per ton than individually wrapped bales if the equipment is available locally, but unless done properly might result in more storage loss than wet-wrapping individual bales. • Let the oats stand until they freeze. When a few days after dry frozen weather arrives, mow them, rake them and bale them quickly after they’ve essentially dried and cured while standing. Chopping and ensiling. If grazing standing oats is not an option, chopping and ensiling may be the best alternative that remains for harvest. This offers advantages over baling or wet-wrapping, with the issue of curing the plants for dry harvest becoming a moot point. Chopping and ensiling into either a permanent structure or bags is also likely less expensive than wetwrapping individual bales.

Vegetable Field Night, 6-8 p.m., Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s North Central Agricultural Research Station, 1165 County Road 43, Fremont. Information: 419-3346340 or 419-332-5142. Aug. 10: Guided Bird Walk, 9-11 a.m., Seaman Orientation Plaza, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Members of the Greater Mohican Audubon Society will guide birders of all skill levels. Free. Information: cochran.7@osu.edu or 330-464-2148. Aug. 15: Hops Production Tour, 6-8 p.m., Ohio State University South Centers, 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon.

Features new hops research planting project and discussion of malting barley research. Information: 740-2892071, ext. 132, or mcglothin.4@osu.edu. Aug 17: Urban Community Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2353 York St., Toledo. Tour of

Magyar Garden, an urban community garden on east side of Toledo where up to 30 families grow food. Information: 419-5786783 or richter.71@osu.edu. Included in Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

are the college’s academic programs, Ohio State University Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Stone Lab, Ohio Sea Grant Extension, and Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute.

Upcoming Events number and payment (checks made payable to OARDC/OSU) to Mary Wicks, OARDC/OSU, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Information: 330-2023533, wicks.14@osu.edu or http://go.osu.edu/MSR201 3. Aug. 6: Northwest Ohio Precision Ag Technology Day, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Fulton County Fair Junior Fair Building, 8514 State Route 108, Wauseon. Features seed selection, technology and other topics related to making precision planting decisions. Free. Pre-register by Aug. 2 to guarantee lunch. Information or to register: richer.5@osu.edu or 419337-9210. Aug. 6: Northern Ohio

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