April 2012 by Acres of Southwest Ohio

Standard Wilmington News Journal Permit No. 10 Wilmington, Ohio Post Office

of Southwest Ohio Serving The Community Since 1960

Issue 2

April 2012

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 3 Farming:

Always Changing

4 Buggy Spring Ahead

6 Dugan’s Column

8 Doing it

Naturally

9 Brown County Snapshot

Local people want local food

10 Maple Grove Farm

13 Events

Around Ohio

Small Farm Conference focuses on marketing to consumers By GARY BROCK Editor WILMINGTON The “buy local” movement that has sparked an increased demand for locally grown and produced foods means that those farmers and producers who know how to market and sell their products directly to consumers can increase their farm income substantially by doing so, Ohio State University Extension educator Mark Mechling told those attending the Small Farm Conference and Trade Show in Wilmington March 9 and 10. “The biggest challenge that farmers have to overcome is to get their products

directly to the consumers,” he told those attending the opening night seminar. “The number one trend in 2011 for consumers is ‘local foods,’” he said. One of the top food trends recently has been the demand by consumers who want to know where their food comes from, who is producing it and want to buy products from as close to home as possible, said Mechling. But farmers and producers who want to take advantage of the “buy local” movement to market and sell their products directly to consumers have to follow a rigid and precise set of rules designed to ensure

consumers purchase wholesome and safe products, he said. His opening session was one of 30 held at Wilmington College from Ohio State, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry experts, along with a trade show, for small farmers that offered information that can benefit a variety of growers, said Tony Nye, an OSU Extension educator and Small Farm Program coordinator. Francis Fluharty, a ruminant nutritionist with joint appointments with OSU Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, also spoke to the opening night attendees, discussing livestock marketing. “Ninety-nine percent of the

Mark Mechling, OSU Extension Educator, opens the 2012 Small Farm Conference Friday night.

consumers of your products have no idea how your livestock are raised,” Fluharty said. To remain competitive as foreign food production markets grow, he said local farmers: “Need to market local, market organic and market high value.” In fact, he said surveys show that almost 80 percent of local consumers want to purchase locally-produced food. Fluharty also pointed out that peoples’ perception of the welfare of the animals has an impact on their purchasing decisions. “We have to be positive, and believe in what we do,” he said. The Mechling workshop gave participants information on issues including: obstacles to marketing meat; labeling; the meanings of grass-fed, antibiotic-free, free range, organic and grain-fed; how to find the right processor; and how to price a product. “Farmer can capture more of those retail food dollars by selling directly to the consumers that they’re leaving on the table when they sell that product as a

14 Bee-utiful Bees 1B Keeping an

eye on rising energy costs

2B Farming:

Business and Pleasure

6B Agriculture and the Arts

ink h t o t me “It is ti he box.” t out of

continued on page 3A

Money and Aid for Farmers By GARY BROCK Editor-Publisher Farmers have never needed help more than they need it today. The good news is that help is available here in southern Ohio to help smaller acreage farmers with all the problems they encounter in 2012 from crop decisions to financial assistance. It is time to think out of the box. That is the message given those attending the “Resources: How do I Find the Info I Need” seminar March 10 at Wilmington Collele, part of the “Small Farm Conference” held that weekend. And there is money and aid for those

farmers wishing to take greater risks with higher value “niche” crops, said Dale Berjliner, with the Clinton County office of the Farm Service Agency. He said farmers can receive assistance, including funding and insurance to help them limit their risk in growing smaller acreage but higher value crops such as strawberries, lima beans, asparagus and similar crops. “We want to provide assistance to those farmers who provide “niche” crops and products to consumers,” he said. FSA representative from Fayette County,

continued on page 3A

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APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Farming: Always Changing of Southwest Ohio

Like rest of society, technology is leaving its mark on agriculture

April 2012 Publisher — Pamela Stricker Editor — Gary Brock Layout — Tina Murdock

Sales Adams County (937) 544-2391 Lee Huffman, Publisher lhuffman@peoplesdefender.com

By GARY BROCK Editor

Brown County (937) 378-6161 Steve Triplett, Publisher striplett@newsdemocrat.com

Farming isn’t what it used to be. In fact, farming is never what it used to be. In 2012, southern Ohio farmers have more resources and greater technology at their disposal than at any point in the history of farming in America. At the same time, southern Ohio farmers face more challenges and greater risks than ever before. But isn’t that the way it has always been? Farming in 1960 was nothing like farming in 1900. And farming in 1900 was a huge advancement over farming in 1800. And so on. The lesson is simple: Anyone who believes that farming is the same “old school” occupation with low-tech or no-tech resources hasn’t been on a farm lately. Like every other invaluable

Clinton County (937) 382-2574 Sharon Kersey, Ad Director skersey@wnewsj.com Fayette County (740) 335-3611 Sherri Sattler, Ad Director ssattler@recordherald.com Highland County (937) 393-3456 Gary Abernathy, Publisher gabernathy@timesgazette.com Subscriptions Lori Holcomb, Circulation Director (937) 382-2574 lholcomb@wnewsj.com Contact ACRES of Southwest Ohio: 761 S. Nelson Ave. | Wilmington, OH 45177 (937) 382-2574

ACRES of Southwest Ohio is published monthly by Ohio Community Media, LLC and is available through the Georgetown News-Democrat, Hillsboro Times-Gazette, Ripley Bee, Washington CH RecordHerald, 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. ACRES 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. Please Buy Locally & Recycle.

resource in this country, agriculture in America is always changing. Never was that point more driven home than at the Small farm Conference held March 9 and 10 at Wilmington College. During the two days, I

changed over the years, But the rate of change in American agriculture can only be called staggering. It isn’t just GPS systems and computers tracking soil temperatures from space satellites; it is a whole

“Anyone who believes that farming is the same “old school” occupation with low-tech or no-tech resources hasn’t been on a farm lately.” had a chance to listen to a number of presentations from farm and agriculture experts many of whom were farmers themselves, whether in livestock or grain production. What was most striking about the presentations was how much farming has evolved in recent years to embrace new technologies and innovations. Yes, like everything else, farming has

shift in how farmers market their products, what they sell and how they are perceived by consumers. At the Small Farm Conference, for instance, there were discussions about ensuring the humane treatment of their livestock during processing and the

importance of eliminating stress on the animals (the beef is better). There were discussions of “niche” crops and soil conservation efforts. And plenty of discussion on ways to market directly to consumers. That is because people in our local communities want to buy food from local producers. People want to feel good about the food they are buying that it is local, nutritious and above all - high quality. That was the real theme of the conference - what we produce here in Ohio isn’t just beneficial to the economy, it is beneficial to local consumers who purchase it because it is a much higher quality. And that message needs to be heard.

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio Local Food con’t from Page 1A

commodity,” he said. Traditional farmers get about 18 to 20 cents of each retail dollar that a consumer spends in a restaurant or grocery store, Mechling explained. “They’re leaving 80 Reading her copy of "Acres" percent of that retail Miriam Speaight, owner of Linndale Equipment in dollar to others, Wilmington, was one of the exhibitors at the Small Farm including grocery stores, Conference at Wilmington College March 9 and 10. She is distributors, wholesalers pictured here looking through the first edition of “Acres.” and other components of the food chain, which capture more of that retail dollar than the farmer,” he said. “By marketing directly to consumers they can capture more of those dollars, but it requires Seed display more management and marketing skills.” One of the many vendors at the Small Farm Conference at On Saturday, there Wilmington College March 9 and 10 was Larry Clifton Seeds were nearly 30 hour-long in Hillsboro. Clifton is pictured here with Chelsie O’Neil with workshops on farming the OSU Extension Service looking over his displays. issues throughout the day. The sessions were held at several buildings on the Wilmington College campus. Workshops included: Vegetable Disease and Insect Management; Beef Production; Website Design; Invasive Ash Bore display Species; Aquaculture: The “Nuts and Bolts” to At the Small Farm Conference held March 9 and 10, one of the many displays at the Trade Show and Exhibition was one Fish Farming; Food from Ohio State University on the threat of the Emerald Ash Safety; Green House and Tunnel Production; and Bore. Manning the display are Gigi Neal and Cindy Meyer. Livestock and the Law: Managing Legal Risk;

Finding Resources; Sizing Equipment for the Small Farm; and Growing the Perfect Tomato. The conference is an outgrowth of the Ohio New and Small Farm College, an eight-week program created by OSU Extension that offers an introduction to the business of small farming or those who are new to the farming industry. The program offers information on budgeting, business planning and how to develop a farm structure, among other issues. “We’ve put some really powerful information together so that people who attended can build a relationship with the presenters who can help them as they go through their farming journey,” Nye said.

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Darren Metzger, also told those attending the conference that they are there to provide loans, if needed. “We are not here to compete with the local banks or other institutions,” he said. “Our desire is for you to get credit from them if you can,” he pointed out. However, he also acknowledged that “it is difficult if you are a young farmer, just starting out, or doing something unique” to get a loan. He pointed out that FHA has a number of loan programs available to farmers, including farm operating loans and term operating loans for crops and equipment. And then there is the land itself. “We are here to help people help the land,” said Steve Hall, of the Greene and Warren Counties Resources Conservation Service. The agency, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides something that may be as valuable as money knowledge and information. “When people come to us with questions, especially people who are just starting out in farming, the first question I ask them is,

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Buggy Spring Ahead? By ROSE COOPER (rcooper@wnewsj.com) One of the mildest winters on record may have given people a break from shoveling snow, but it may not have been as welcome to area farmers. It could lead to a tough spring for farmers since many pests that would normally freeze may have survived the relatively mild temperatures and little snow. Tony Nye, Clinton County agriculture/natural resources educator for the Ohio State University Extension, said area farmers can expect to see a larger number of insects this year. “Some of our aphid population may be higher and there’s the potential for a higher number of flea beetles this year.”

Nye said flea beetles can carry a disease that damages some varieties of corn. Another Clinton County farmer, Dale Stokes, believes that other insects could be a problem for corn and soybean crops, including ear worm, corn borer and stink bugs. Dale Stokes operates Stokes Farm on Center Road with his son Mark. In addition to raising corn and soybeans, the farm’s biggest crop is 40 acres of black, red, purple and yellow raspberries. They also have six acres of strawberries. Stokes said he does think the mild temperatures could impact winter wheat. “I think it (warmer weather) will result in earlier development of wheat,” Stokes said.

That could be a problem, but Nye said he does not believe it will be a major problem. Winter wheat is planted late in the fall and after sprouting it goes dormant. But with a milder winter, the wheat comes out of dormancy earlier, Nye said. “When we have up and down temperatures, it doesn’t know whether to remain dormant or not. Some farmers have had issues,” Nye said. Nye said he does have concerns about the fruit crop. “If we get a hard freeze in March, the crop would be greatly impacted. Should the temperatures be extremely cold for two or three days, that would damage the flower and then there would be no fruit,” he said. Many fruit trees are

budding now, Nye said, but the buds are still closed. “They haven’t opened up yet. We can tell if they were damaged if they don’t open up. That’s when you know and there won’t be any fruit.” Nye said he has strawberries and the recent warmer than normal temperatures have brought his berry plants out of dormancy. In order to protect the berries, Nye said he put straw back on the plants. “The runners are already a foot long,” he said. A late freeze at the Stokes farm would not only be devastating for the family, but it would impact cancer research and cancer patients participating in tests using freeze-dried black raspberry powder from the Stokes farm.

Mild winter may mean insects galore on the farm Their black raspberry operation is the largest in the eastern United States, said Dale’s wife Jane. Unless the temperature gets down to zero, Dale said he doesn’t see a

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“Let’s just hope for a nice spring so it doesn’t get really wet or really dry. We still have four or five weeks left until we’re out of danger for frost and a freeze.” problem for his operation. “Our berries are still dormant at this time,” he said. “But they will be breaking dormancy soon.” Strawberries on the farm are protected with a straw cover, Dale said. Buds are showing on some of the raspberry canes in the field. Dale said if the temperature gets dangerously low in April or May, they may have to irrigate to keep the fruit buds from freezing. “When you put a fine mist of water on the plants, a little bit of energy is lost and heat is trapped under the ice,” Dale said. “That keeps them from freezing.”

The Stokes’ blackberry operation is unique. The father and son team not only sells raspberries locally, nationally and internationally, but an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 pounds of black raspberries are freeze dried into powder for use in cancer research. “It takes about 10 pounds of fresh berries to make one pound of powder,” Dale said. The raspberry farm is a year-round concern since Dale has a research nursery at his residence where he does “breeding work,” growing and testing new varieties of raspberries. “People should be

encouraged to eat as many fruits and vegetables as they can,” Dale said. “We knew that was really important, but the research has shown us that is more important than we realized.” According to research at The Ohio State University, black raspberries have the greatest impact of any fruit for the prevention of cancer, heart and circulatory disease and dementia in humans. If the warmer than normal temperatures continue, Nye said farmers could be in their fields earlier this year.

“That’s up to Mother Nature. If the weather stays mild and we don’t have a lot of rain, the planting season could start early this year.” Nye said the last killing frost should normally be the first week in May. “But, as long as the growing point is not above ground, it will be fine. Let’s just hope for a nice spring so it doesn’t get really wet or really dry. We still have four or five weeks left until we’re out of danger for frost and a freeze.” Rose Cooper is a staff writer for the Wilmington News Journal.

Mark Stokes holds a tray of raspberry plants in the greenhouse at the farm.

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Fighting the bag worms & crabgrass by Dave Dugan Every year I get a few calls in early April concerning bag worms. Bag worms are most common on evergreen trees and are not usually a problem until May. I will address bag worms in a few weeks, but the confusion at this point is normally eastern tent caterpillars, which form a heavy web, that resembles a bag to some people. This web is the nest that is normally found in the crotch of several fruit trees. Apple trees and wild cherry are normally a favorite of this insect. The picture shows a nest from the OSU Factsheet. A few years ago, there was a huge population of these caterpillars in Kentucky and southern Ohio that was associated with the losses in the horse industry. The issue stems from the insect eating the leaves on wild cherry and the mares consuming grass and droppings around the trees to the level that they aborted. Controlling this insect early, before the trees leaf out will reduce the risk. For more information about this you can go to the factsheet on Ohioline at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg -fact/2000/2022.html.

Beekeeping Education

In recent years that seems to be a renewed interest in beekeeping in Southern Ohio. I know there are some groups that meet on a regular basis and thought this might be helpful for those interested in beekeeping. This is pretty easy to get access to if you have the internet. You can join the contact list by going to: http://go.osu.edu/beelablist By joining the contact list you will have access to the OSU Bee Lab webinar series, which is a monthly webinar targeted to Ohio beekeepers and anyone interested in honey bees. Please help spread the word about this free program, which uses the new Adobe Connect format. All sessions will be recorded and available for free viewing the following day.

Problem Weeds

About a month ago I wrote about controlling problem weeds on the farm. With the summer like weather, temperatures are warm enough to make weeds grow pretty rapidly. Moisture is surely not a problem for plant growth either. Some of these weeds are ahead of the normal growth for midMarch, so controlling them should be, too. This picture of this weed shows its early season growth. Poison hemlock is one that I mentioned back in February when I wrote about controlling problem weeds in the early spring. This plant is already more than a foot tall in some areas that I have seen it growing this past week. This plant is more difficult to kill when it gets some size to it. It has a hollow stalk, so even if you see the plant wilted down, check back in a week or so for re-growth. It may show a curled stem from being wilted stage and be growing again. The warm temperatures should help the herbicides perform better, too.

Unusual Early Spring and Crabgrass

This article came to me this morning from our OSU Extension Turf Specialist, Pam Sherratt. The article was written by Dr. Dave Gardener and he refers to the temperatures in Columbus. We are a few degrees warmer than what he states. As everyone has probably noticed, it’s unusually warm right now. But, how warm is it? Consider this: If the forecast holds up, the March monthly mean temperature in Columbus, OH will be 53.5 degrees, which is the normal monthly mean for April. Also, we will have had 9 days in the 70’s, two of which will be at or just above 80 degrees, which is similar to what we saw in the whole month of April last year. In addition, if one looks out the window they will see not only Forsythia in full bloom (our indicator plant that tells us it’s time to put down preemergence herbicide) but also cherry trees and Bradford pears. Cherry trees normally do not bloom in central Ohio until the 3rd week of April. Soil temperatures are 57 degrees in central Ohio. What is unusual is that

Kentucky bluegrass is just barely out of dormancy, but soil temperatures will be warm enough this week, theoretically, for crabgrass to germinate. I say theoretically because we’ve not seen crabgrass in Columbus in March before and all of the other phenological indicators are so out of alignment (no model shows cornelian cherry dogwood, forsythia, cherries, and magnolias in full bloom simultaneously). But, importantly, soil temperatures will be warm enough this week for crabgrass to germinate. Bottom line: get your preemergence out as soon as possible. Remember, even if you see some crabgrass, new plants will continue to germinate up until the first part of July, so at least the preemergence herbicide can prevent subsequent germination. Don’t rely just on a post product on these sites. Also, there is always a chance that a late frost will knock out some of the early germinating crabgrass. You should consider the use of a product that offers both pre and postemergence control. Dimension is a

great choice, as is Echelon or Cavalcade PQ. If you decide to use Echelon or Cavalcade PQ, I would wait until crabgrass is 1-4 leaf (which looks to be sometime in mid-late April this year). That way the quinclorac will take out the early crabgrass, plus you won’t have to be as concerned with premature breakdown of the preemergence herbicide. If you have the materials on hand, you can also combine prodiamine with Tenacity herbicide and this will give both pre and postemergence crabgrass control. All of the above advice could be rendered unnecessary if we have a turn in the weather to more normal or below normal temperatures. However, there is nothing from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center (which has been remarkably accurate the past several years) to suggest that this current trend of above normal temperatures is going to end anytime soon. Plan your spring as though everything is 3-4 weeks ahead of last year.

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Parents Call the Shots When Kids Work on the Farm

Dates to Remember

Gardening Class — This class is for Master Gardeners and the public. The program will be Top Performing, Low Maintenance Annuals. The program is at Southern State Community College in Fincastle starting at 7 p.m. in Room 110. Pesticide Testing — April 9 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Old Y Restaurant. You must register with ODA at http://pested.osu.edu or call (800) 282-1955.

Anaplasmosis Program — An educational class for cattle producers about this fatal disease that was confirmed in herds in Adams, Brown and Highland Counties in 2011. The program will be held at Eastern Brown High School starting at 7:30 p.m. on April 16. Food will be available at 7 p.m. if you call and RSVP by noon on April 16. Call the Adams Co. Ext. Office at 54-2339, Brown at 378-6716 or Highland at 393-1918. Gardening Educational Classes — These are open to the public: April 19 - Container Gardening; and May 17 - Herbs. Classes taught by OSU Extension Master Gardeners. These are at SSCC Fincastle and they start at 6 p.m. Estate Planning Workshop — Late June and early July, details still being worked on and will be announced soon.

Also, a child employed by his or her parents on a farm owned or operated by the parents can do any Last September, the Department kind of work, even the most hazardous types of work, at any of Labor published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to revise the age. This exemption is much child labor regulations to strengthen broader than the parental exemption in non-agricultural safety requirements for minors employed in agriculture. The Wage employment where restrictions regarding employment of youth in and Hour Division was driven to hazardous occupations remain until update its 40-year-old child labor regulations by studies showing that the age of 18. The National Safety Council children are significantly more likely to be killed while performing ranks agriculture as the nation’s most dangerous industry with 28.6 agricultural work than while deaths per 100,000 adult workers working in all other industries combined. The proposed new rules and, for 15 to 24 year-olds, 21.3 expand protection for hired young deaths per 100,000 full time workers. The Bureau of Labor help, but do not in any way Statistics reports a fatality rate for compromise the statutory child labor parental exemption involving agricultural workers 15 to 17 years old to be 4.4 times greater than for children working on farms owned the average worker in that age or operated by their parents. The parental exemption allows range. The most common cause of agricultural deaths among young children of any age who are workers is actually farm employed by their parent, or a machinery, with tractors involved person standing in the place of a in over half of the fatalities. Still, parent, to perform any job on a not only is the fatality rate for farm owned or operated by their parent or such person standing in young agricultural workers four times greater than for nonthe place of a parent. agricultural working minors, The initial federal child labor injuries suffered by young farm provisions, or child labor laws, workers tend to be more severe were enacted in the Fair Labor than those suffered by nonStandards Act of 1938 to ensure safe working conditions for young agricultural workers. The Department of Labor has people and to ensure that the work didn’t jeopardize their health, well- developed proposed rules to being or educational opportunities. expand protection for children working in agriculture while Congress created the parental preserving the benefits that safe, exemption in 1966 when it healthy work can provide. The expanded protection for children proposals were influenced by employed in agriculture and enforcement experience of the prohibited their employment in Wage and Hour Division, jobs the Department of Labor declared particularly hazardous for recommendations by the National Institute for Occupational Safety children under the age of 16 to and Health and a federal perform. However, reflecting a historical deference to farm work, commitment to create parity the rules are not as comprehensive between rules for agricultural employment and the more stringent for children who work in agriculture as they are for children rules for children’s employment in who work in other industries, like non-agricultural workplaces. Other food service or grocery stores. For areas for improvement were also identified by the Department of example, the FLSA prohibits Labor’s own enforcement actions. hazardous work for children in The new proposals include non-agricultural employment up to strengthening current child labor the age of 18, but only prohibits prohibitions regarding pesticide hazardous work for children in handling, work with animals and agriculture up to the age of 16. By PAT LAWRENCE patlawrence@cinci.rr.com

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work in timber operations, manure pits or storage bins. Hired farm workers under the age of 16 would be prohibited from employment in the cultivation, harvesting or curing of tobacco. Hired youth in both agricultural and non-agricultural employment would be prohibited from using electronic devices, including communication devices, while operating power-driven equipment. Hired farm workers under age 16 would be prohibited from operating almost all powerdriven equipment. A similar prohibition has existed as part of the non-agricultural child labor provisions for more than 50 years. The new regulations will also prevent children under 18 from being employed in the storing, marketing and transporting of farmproduct raw materials. Prohibited places of employment include country grain elevators, grain bins, silos, feed lots, stockyards, livestock exchanges and livestock auctions. Although the proposed changes are intended to protect employed minors, questions concerning the parental exemption are the most frequent. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says, “The Department of Labor appreciates and respects the role of parents in raising their children and assigning tasks and chores to their children on farms and of relatives such as grandparents, aunts and uncles in keeping grandchildren, nieces and nephews out of harm’s way.” The new proposal does not in any way compromise the exemption involving children working on farms owned or operated by their parents. However, the statutory exemptions do not apply to

workers who are not the children of the owner or operator of the farm. A parent of a hired farm worker cannot waive the child labor provisions for his or her own child when the child is employed on a farm not owned or operated by a parent. The Department of Labor published the proposed rule changes and and invited public comments in September, 2011. Although the initial period of comment was extended, it has expired. A re-proposal of the parental exemption has been announced, “so that the department will have the benefit of additional public comment, and the public will have an opportunity to consider a revised approach to this issue,” according to Solis. She says. “We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to ensure that the child labor in agriculture rule generally, and the parental exemption specifically, fully reflect input from rural communities.” Their goal is also to make certain that the final language of the ruling reflects rural values and traditions. A specific, side by side comparison of existing and new rules can be seen at www.dol.gov/whd/CL/SidebySide NPRM.htm. The re-proposed portion of the rule is expected to be published for public comment by early summer when remarks may be submitted to http://www.regulations.gov with the Rule Identification Number 235AA06. The department will review comments for the final rule, but kids will still be doing their chores no matter what the result. The statutory parental exemption remains unchanged.

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APRIL 2012

Doing it naturally Organic farmers are honored with award By PAUL COLLINS pcollins@xeniagazette.com COLUMBUS — Two decades of doing things naturally earned two Greene County organic farmers the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) highest honor in February. Doug Seibert and Leslie Garcia of Greene County received the OEFFA’s 2012 Stewardship Award during the association’s 33rd annual conference entitled Sowing the Seeds of Our Food Sovereignty. The award, according to OEFFA’s website, “recognizes outstanding contributions to the sustainable agriculture community.” The association was founded in 1979 and is a grassroots organization that promotes local and organic food systems through education and advocacy. The award, says Seibert, was unexpected good news. “Our reaction was surprise,” said Siebert. “When I was at the conference, I was looking at these major players around me. It made me think, ‘Why me?’” Since 1992, Seibert and Garcia have been certified as organic farmers in the Greene County area. The farm organically at Peach Mountain Organics, their Spring Valley-based farm. The farm possesses 43 acres, with more than 25 acres certified organic and

used to produce seasonal vegetables, early tomatoes, winter greens, cut flowers, log grown shiitake, herbs and gladiola bulbs. For Seibert and Garcia, organic practices represent the most responsible and healthy approach to agriculture. “I’ve never considered any other way to farm,” said Garcia. “I think its more in line with natural law. It’s more pleasing to God and less toxic. I went to agricultural college just one year. I didn’t like what they were teaching.” “I’ve never thought of farming any other way,” added Siebert. “My father never used anything but chicken manure in his garden. If you know a lot about chemistry, you know you don’t want to eat a lot of what’s going onto the fields on conventional farms. I can’t appreciate soil loss or pollutions in our streams. It doesn’t make sense to me.” Visitors to the Yellow Springs Farmer’s Market will recognize Seibert and Garcia as market regulars, selling their organic mixed vegetables, microgreens, fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, mushrooms, hay and greenhouse plants. The duo also sells their products to local restaurants, grocery and health food stores. For a time during the early nineties, Seibert and Garcia were Greene County’s only organic farmers. According to

Siebert, the organic way of life has experienced steady growth and expansion since that time. “When you look at health food stores, it’s certainly on the rise,” said Siebert. “You see more people talking about it. The reality is that it is escalating. Science is starting to convert itself to organics. It works better.” “As a shopper myself, it’s easy to find organic products now,” added Garcia. The award-winning organic farmers are dedicated to OEFFA’s mission to educate people concerning sustainable, ecological and healthy food systems. In addition to raising and selling produce, Siebert and

Garcia hold farm tours, host agriculture classes for Wilmington College and present OEFFA conference workshops. “Most of my friends at the OEFFA use me for information,” said Siebert. “We’re a draw to people who are looking into organic foods,” added Garcia. “People who are concerned about food and eating fresh and local.” Recipients of the

Stewardship Award are selected by the prior year’s winners. When next year’s selection process begins, Seibert and Garcia intend on looking for a recipient who has made organic food a way of life. “We’ll be looking for people who live and breathe organic in their everyday lives,” said Siebert. Paul Collins is a staff writer for the Xenia Daily Gazette

Doug Siebert and Leslie Garcia are recipients of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s (OEFFA) 2012 Stewardship Award. Submitted photo.

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

BROWN COUNTY AGRICULTURE SNAPSHOP

BROWN COUNTY

2007 CENSUS OF

Look for ulture more Agric in snapshots ns future editio! of Acres

Ranked items among the 88 state counties and 3,079 U.S. counties, 2007 State Quantity Rank

Item

AGRICULTURE County Profile

MARKET VALUE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SOLD ($1,000) Total value of agricultural products sold Value of crops including nursery and greenhouse Value of livestock, poultry, and their products

% 2007 2002 change Number of Farms ...........................................1,487...................1,400 ............+6 Land in Farms...................................240,389 acres .....220,729 acres ............+9 Average Size of Farm ..............................162 acres ............158 acres ............+3 Market Value of Products Sold ...........$58,013,000........$31,178,000 ..........+86 Crop Sales $14,631,000 (50 percent) Livestock Sales $14,627,000 (50 percent) Average Per Farm....................................$39,014...............$22,270 ..........+75 Government Payments..........................$2,679,000..........$2,019,000 ..........+33 Average Per Farm Receiving Payments..........$3,413.................$4,467..........- 24

Economic Characteristics

Brown County – Ohio

Quantity

Farms by value of sales: Less than $1,000 ...............................................................396 $1,000 to $2,499 ................................................................153 $2,500 to $4,999 ................................................................191 $5,000 to $9,999 ................................................................212 $10,000 to $19,999 ............................................................131 $20,000 to $24,999 .............................................................43 $25,000 to $39,999 .............................................................98 $40,000 to $49,999 .............................................................32 $50,000 to $99,999 .............................................................84 $100,000 to $249,999 .........................................................89 $250,000 to $499,999 .........................................................44 $500,000 or more ................................................................14 Total farm production expenses ($1,000) ...........................50,176 Average per farm ($) .........................................................33,743

Universe

U.S. Rank

Universe

58,013 47,041 10,973

49 41 56

88 88 88

1,425 900 1,982

3,076 3,072 3,069

VALUE OF SALES BY COMMODITY GROUP ($1,000) Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, and dry peas 40,194 Tobacco 4,492 Cotton and cottonseed 0 Vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes 329 Fruits, tree nuts, and berries 145 Nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod 365 5 Cut Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops Other crops and hay 1,512 Poultry and eggs 40 Cattle and calves 7,727 Milk and other dairy products from cows 2,445 Hogs and pigs 470 Sheep, goats, and their products 80 Horses, ponies, mules, burros, and donkeys 187 0 Aquaculture Other animals and other animal products 0

40 1 0 63 63 67 70 27 64 21 59 60 60 48 46 65

88 12 0 88 88 87 84 88 88 88 86 88 88 88 53 88

689 82 0 1,266 1,236 1,562 1,318 1,134 1,781 1,395 998 1,058 1,284 1,168 0 0

2,933 437 626 2,796 2,659 2,703 1,710 3,054 3,020 3,054 2,493 2,922 2,998 3,024 1,498 2,875

TOP CROP ITEMS (acres) Forage - land used for all hay and haylage, grass silage, and greenchop Soybeans for beans Corn for grain Wheat for grain, all Corn for silage

91,528 36,006 23,653 1,471 1,366

19 43 14 62 1

87 88 88 87 12

223 709 894 1,472 78

2,039 2,634 3,060 2,481 437

TOP LIVESTOCK INVENTORY ITEMS (number) Cattle and calves Hogs and pigs Horses and ponies Layers Goats, all

20,175 1,917 1,813 1,685 959

18 45 19 61 23

88 88 88 88 88

1,411 1,135 664 1,102 783

3,060 3,024 3,066 2,958 3,023

Net cash farm income of operation ($1,000) ......................14,137 Average per farm ($) ..........................................................9,507

Operator Characteristics

Quantity

Principal operators by primary occupation: Farming ..........................................................................................620 Other...............................................................................................867 Principal operators by sex: Male ..............................................................................................1,285 Female ............................................................................................202 Average age of principal operator (years).......................................56.3 All operators by race: American Indian or Alaska Native ....................................................1 Asian.................................................................................................1 Black or African American................................................................10 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander .........................................0 White.............................................................................................2,207 More than one race...........................................................................2 All operators of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino Origin .........................9

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Land in Farms by Type of Land Cropland 52.02%

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio

APRIL 2012

Family makes farm work

F A M I LY F A R M

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Maple Grove Farm has deep community roots

The Grover farm on Parrott Station Road.

By RYAN CARTER (rcarter@recordherald.com) Phil Grover doesn’t like to boast about his accomplishments or the success of his 50-acre family farm, located on Parrott Station Road in Jefferson Township, which now encompasses three

generations. However, he is proud of the farm that he and his wife Mary settled on in 1962 and is grateful to his family for their support over the years throughout all of his agricultural endeavors and other responsibilities. Phil served as the

Fayette County 4-H agent from 1955-62, Fayette County Agricultural Agent from 1962-72, and the Ohio State Extension Specialist in Community Resource Development from 1972-87. He served as a lay minister for the Staunton and White Oak Grove United Methodist

The Grover family at the 2006 Agriculture Hall of Fame: (Back row): Mary Myers, Philip Myers, and Victor Pontious. (Middle Row): Cindi Grover, Mary Grover, Phil Grover, Carole Pontious, holding Drew, Dr. Cathy Grover and Bryon Ely. (Front row): Chas Grover and Tori Pontious.

Churches from 1974-76. He was also a member and president for three years of the Miami Trace school board. Following retirement from Ohio State University, Phil was employed in a number of positions. These include: consultant to Cincinnati Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Cincinnati from 1987-91, the acting director of the Agriculture & Livestock Ohio State Fair in 1992, news director for WCHO Radio from 1993-94, executive director of the State Planning Committee for Health Education in Ohio from 1995-2002, and parttime instructor at Southern State Community College. On the farm, which is known as Maple Grove Farm, the Grovers have raised Tamworth hogs, Polled Dorset sheep and in 2001, commenced a Boer goat production business. He is currently the director of the Boer Goat Department at the Ohio State Fair. “All of this has only been possible because I’ve

had a very cooperative family,” said Phil. “They have assisted in doing a lot of things around the farm in order for me to be able to fulfill those other responsibilities.” Phil is a native of HIghland County and came to Fayette County as the 4-H Extension Service Agent following his graduation from Ohio State in 1955. He met and married Mary Louise Highfield, daughter of Norris and Mona Highfield, on Feb. 9, 1958. It wasn’t Phil’s original intention to locate in Fayette County when he was searching for a place to live, but many years later, he is certainly glad he did. “I drove through Washington C.H. and Fayette County when I was a student at Ohio State,” said Phil. “I did not intend to locate here, but an opportunity came up. I was looking for a summer job before I went to grad school as a summer 4-H assistant. They said they didn’t have anything in the state of Ohio, then all the sudden, they said we have

a full-time position in Washington C.H., Fayette County. Even though I had not given that consideration, I remembered going through Fayette County and Washington C.H., and I considered it God’s country.” “Coming out of Highland County to get up here in the flat ground, that was appealing,” Phil said. “My family would sometimes come to Washington C.H. to shop. So I was familiar and I thought that Fayette County was about as good as it got as far as prosperous agricultural communities. I changed my plans in order to come in here and take that job and I did that on a very short notice. It just happened at the right time for me. I very much admired the looks and economic prosperity of Fayette County in 1955.” Mary was raised in Fayette County. She worked in the pricing department at Armco until their first child was born and then she devoted herself full-time as a

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loan officer for a bank in Springfield, featuring agricultural credit. Sixteen-year-old Chas Grover has taken over his older brother’s role on the family farm and is also very active in Miami Trace’s FFA program. “Chas spends many hours assisting his grandpa on the farm and without his help, I couldn’t continue the goat operation,” said Phil. The Grovers’ goat production business has been a successful venture. Their breeding program has featured some of the most outstanding does in the Boer breed. Many have won numerous championships and their

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

embryo transfer process has been used to reproduce outstanding individuals. Each year in August, the Grovers hold a production sale for Boer goats with nearly 100 different buyers registered from 10 to 12 states. “The Boer goat 4-H project is the fastestgrowing 4-H project in the United States,” Phil said. “Also, there is more goat meat eaten in the world than any other species. These are some of the reasons that we got into the Boer goat operation.” Phil said he is proud that the farm that he started now spans three generations and his entire

APRIL 2012 11A family agrees on the important of the family farm. “They do not want us to sell the farm or in any way change the family ownership,” he said. “I have no intentions of dispersing or selling it out. I would like to live here the rest of my life and I have no interest in retiring from active participation in agriculture.”

Ryan Carter

Ryan Carter is Assistant Editor for the Record-Herald in Fayette County.

Members of the Grover family particpate in the 1976 Premier Exhibitor Continental Dorset show.

mother raising their three daughters. When the Jeffersonville Outlet Mall was built, Mary became the manager of the Jonathan Martin Dress Store. She has also been a 4-H advisor for 27 years. The couple has three daughters, each of whom graduated from Miami Trace High School and Ohio State University. Cindi is a vocal music teacher at the Miami Trace Middle School. She has three children: Philip, Mary and Chas. Cathy, Ph.D., L.S.W., is a social worker in the Reynoldsburg School District working with atrisk students. Cathy and granddaughter Mary are

both past Christman Scholar Athlete Leadership Award winners for Fayette County. The youngest daughter, Carole, has her J.D. from the University of Toledo Law School and is an attorney in Fayette County. She is married to Washington Municipal Court Judge Victor Pontious II, and they have two children: Victoria and Andrew. Phil and Mary’s three daughters were very active in the 4-H program growing up, participating in county, state and national 4-H events. “We’ve very much enjoyed raising our family here in Fayette County,”

said Phil. “We felt extremely comfortable living in a community where you know most of the people you come in contact with. When you do business and so forth, you know the people you’re dealing with on a firstname basis.” All three of Phil and Mary’s daughters currently live within 12 miles of the family farm. Cindi’s son, Philip Myers, took an interest in the business of the family farm at an early age. After working on the farm for about five years, he became a county agricultural agent for Clark County. He then moved onto become a commercial

The Grover family farm specializes in the Boer goat production business.

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APRIL 2012

Farmers Market featured at the 2012 Home & Garden Show

COLUMBUS The Ohio Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced that general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is now available and will continue through April 6. During the sign-up period, farmers and landowners may offer eligible land for CRP’s general sign-up at their local FSA office. The CRP is Ohio’s most valuable conservation program, consisting of more than 300,000 acres. The CRP provides vital habitat for Ohio’s wildlife species, as well as providing the opportunity for wildlife observation and photography. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife supports the CRP because it creates

quality grassland and wetland wildlife habitat and reduces the amount of sediment entering Ohio’s waterways, thus providing improved water quality in Ohio’s streams and lakes. “The Conservation Reserve Program is a win-win for all Ohioans,” said Scott Zody, chief of the Division of Wildlife. “I encourage all landowners to take the time to consider enrolling all or a portion of their land into this ecologically important program.” Ohio’s FSA, which administers the CRP, will evaluate and rank eligible land using an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI), which shows the environmental benefits of enrolling land in the program. There are six factors that make up the EBI, which include:

wildlife, water, soil, air, enduring benefits and cost. Current CRP participants with contracts expiring on Sept. 30 are eligible for a new contract. This year’s awards will be effective Oct. 1. For more information about CRP sign-up, contact a local FSA office or visit the FSA CRP website at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ crp. Landowners may also contact the Division of Wildlife’s private lands biologists at the Division of Wildlife district headquarters for additional information. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit ODNR’s website at www.ohiodnr.com.

For the first time, the downtown Washington Court House Farmers’ Market will be participating in the Fayette County Home & Garden Show. Approximately five to seven vendors will provide an early spring sampling of their signature products during this year’s show at the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Rhubarb, lettuce as well as asparagus will be offered for sale. Hand-crafted bird baths and bird feeders, woven alpaca products, and personal care items made with natural ingredients such as scrubs, lip balms, and a skin toner will also be available. Local honey, jams and jellies, fruit pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, and an assortment

of homemade breads will be for sale too. Vendors representing the Market will be present Friday, April 20 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and can be found in the breezeway between the Mahan building and the Fine Arts building on the

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12A

AGRICULTURE EVENTS AROUND OHIO APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

13A

Here are upcoming events involving Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences for April May and June: APRIL

April 11-12: A Bug’s World 2012, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. For students in grades 1-3. Free. Information: http://go.osu.edu/JA9 or 330-202-3507. April 11: Produce Safety Program, 1-4 p.m., Ohio State University Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Rd. Features Good Agricultural Practices for preventing microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables on farms. Presented by Ohio State University’s Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team. Admission $10. Info: 330-202-3555, ext. 2918. April 14: Guided Bird Walk, 9-11 a.m., Secrest Arboretum, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Bird watching walk led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Free. Information: 330-464-2148. April 17: Wooster Campus Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Features exhibits, demonstrations, student contests and food vendors related to sustainability and the environment. Free. Information: http://www.wcsen.org/wcsggf/ or 330-263-3700.

April 21: Mushrooms! 10 a.m.-noon, Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus. Workshop on how to grow your own mushrooms. Free. Information, registration: http://go.osu.edu/HZJ or 614-263-5662. April 24: Guided Spring Walk, 2-3:30 p.m., Secrest Arboretum, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Free. Information: 330-464-2148. April 27: Produce Safety Program, 1-4 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Features Good Agricultural Practices for preventing microbial contamination of fruits and vegetables on farms. Presented by Ohio State University’s Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team. Admission $10. Information: 330-202-3555, ext. 2918.

MAY

May 5: Plant Discovery Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Plant and art sale and auctions; proceeds benefit OARDC’s Secrest Arboretum. Information: 330-464-3148.

May 7: Ohio Wine Competition, noon-6:30 p.m., Fisher Auditorium, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Sponsored by Ohio State University’s Department of Horticulture and Crop Science. Information: 330-263-3881.

June 9: Guided Bird Walk, 9-11 a.m., Secrest Arboretum, Seaman Orientation Plaza, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Bird watching walk led by members of Greater Mohican Audubon Society. Free. Information: 330-464-2148.

May 10-12: Plant Sale 2012, Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, Ohio State University, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus. May 10, 6-9 p.m.; May 11, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; May 12, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the arboretum. Information: http://go.osu.edu/Hwj or 614-688-3479.

June 9: Plastic Pot Recycling, 8 a.m.-noon, Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, Ohio State University, Howlett Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court, Columbus. Free recycling of plastic flower trays, plastic pots and non-food-grade plastic foam packing material. Information: 614-688-3479.

May 19: Irrigating Urban Gardens, 9 a.m.-noon, Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus. Workshop on how to build irrigation systems; speakers are Ohio State University Extension’s Larry Brown and Angelica Huerta. Free. Information, registration: http://go.osu.edu/HZJ or 614-263-5662.

June 9: Rose Garden Open House, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Garden of Roses of Legend and Romance, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Features three-acre garden of 1,500 heirloom roses, most of them in full bloom. Free. Information: 330-2633612.

June 2: Building and Testing Soil, 10 a.m.-noon, Godman Guild, 303 E. 6th St., Columbus. Workshop by Mike Hogan, Ohio State University Extension. Information, registration: http://go.osu.edu/HZJ or 614-263-5662.

June 14: Whiz Bang! Science Show, 7-8:30 p.m., John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster. Fun science program for kids of all ages. Free. Information: http://www.whizbangscience.co m or 330-464-2148.

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14A

buzz

APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

What’s the on raising bees? Are there sweet rewards?

Bee-utiful Bees By MARSHA MUNDY news@newsdemocrat.com In recent years we’ve heard much about the importance of bees in the pollination of crops and

that parasites and viruses in bee colonies are causing colony collapse disorder. Although there have been many losses, there seems to be hope that the bees will become more resilient and continue to flourish. With declining

populations of honey bees, now is a good time for those who have been a contemplating a new hobby to investigate raising honey bees. There are a number of local bee keepers who are willing to mentor those who want to start a bee colony. “There are as many ways to keep bees as there are beekeepers,” said Christine Tailer, of Straight Creek Valley Farm, in Georgetown. “There is no single right way to do it. If you are thinking about keeping bees, start right in and do it.” Christine Tailer’s husband, Greg Cole, took an interest in beekeeping as a child while watching his grandfather work the hives on his farm. When Cole and Tailer moved to a farm in Brown County, they made plans to keep bees and began the venture in 2003. “The book, ‘Bee Keeping for Dummies,’ provided us with all the basic information we needed to get started,” said

Christine Taylor

Tailer. She said that her husband read every how-to book on bees that he could find and they ordered their first hive online from Bee Commerce. Spring is the right time to begin and according to Tailer, for as little as a couple hundred dollars, someone can become a beekeeper. Starter kits are available which include a queen bee, drones and worker bees and a hive. The life of the colony evolves around the queen bee - she is responsible for laying eggs, sometimes as many as 2,000 per day. The drones, which may number up to 300 in a hive, mate with the queen to produce more worker bees. The worker bees, often numbering in the thousands, sustain the colony by gathering water, nectar and pollen. They build wax combs, do all the housework, maintain the inside temperature and act as guards for the hive. It sounds like a complicated process, but the bees instinctively know what they need to do to sustain their hive. The job of a bee keeper is to aid the bees in their work by placing them in a location with plenty of flowering plants, making sure there is a water supply nearby and providing a place for them to produce honey (the hive) and then reap the

rewards of the bee s labor by harvesting the honey. “I would say that you need to have a least two hives to start,” said Tailer. “Each hive should produce about 50 pounds of honey a year and that leaves plenty for the bees to use throughout the winter. The flavor of honey grown at Straight Creek is very

sweet because of the clover and wild flowers, but if bees are situated next to a corn field, the flavor would be completely different.” Tailer noted that in 2011, with 10 hives on her property, she harvested 14 gallons of honey. There are some necessary tools of the trade for the beekeeper, which

Step One

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include a bee veil, hat, gloves, smoker and extractor. White clothing is recommended and should include a long sleeved shirt, heavy long pants and high top shoes. Tucking the bottom of pants into shoes keeps the bees from getting inside clothing. “Approach the bee hive from the side and back as bees fly up and out when they leave the hive,” said Tailer. “Bees won’t sting while they are foraging. If you see one on a flower, it won’t sting you as long as you don’t get in between them and their ‘bee line’ back to the hive.” George Rooks, of Bethel, has been keeping bees for 18 years. He currently has three hives on his property. Because

of his expertise, Rooks is often called on to remove nests of bees from unwanted places and has a special vacuum tool at his disposal to help gather the bees. “We take about 20 pounds of honey each year,” said Rooks. “We don’t take too much, but leave plenty of honey in the hive for the winter, so the bees don’t starve.” Rooks offered a bit of advice for those who are just beginning bee keepers. “Attend a bee school. There will be one held in March at the Oasis Club close to Loveland,” said Rooks. “It’s also important to keep the area clean around the hives.” The beekeeping

Step Two

school, presented by the Ohio State University Extension will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Oasis Conference Center, in Loveland. To register for the class, visit warren.osu.edu/events/be e-school or contact Greg Meyer at (513) 695-1311. According to most experts, the only way to really learn about the art of beekeeping is through hands-on experience. Anyone interested in learning the art of beekeeping is invited to a seminar hosted by Tailer. The full day, hands on sustainable beekeeping seminar will be held at Straight Creek Valley Farm from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14. “We will tour our apiary, learn about the equipment and techniques we use all the way from catching a swarm, dealing with pests, extracting the honey and making bees wax candles,” said Tailer. “We will provide light snacks and beverages, but suggest that you pack your own lunch.” The cost of the seminar is $25 per person. To find out more about beekeeping, contact Tailer at (513) 205-0054, email her at christine@straightcreekv alleyfarm.com or visit her website at straightcreekvalleyfarm. com.

Marsha Mundy News Editor Georgetown News Democrat

extracting the honey

She is an award winning columnist for The News Democrat in Georgetown. She lives in Bethel with her husband Don who is pastor at New Harmony Methodist Church in Brown County.

CENTURY FARMS APRIL 2012

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ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF FAMILY TRADITION

52 Ohio Families Recognized as 2011 Century Farms

REYNOLDSBURG Fifty-two farms were recognized by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in 2011 as century farms. Century farm status is awarded to families who have owned the same farm for at least 100 consecutive years.

To commemorate this impressive milestone, each family received a special certificate signed by Governor John R. Kasich and the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture to keep with their historic documents and pass down to future generations. More than 850 farms in 85 counties across the state are registered as century farms. Athens, Noble, and Pike are the only counties that do not yet have any registered century farms.

Anyone who can verify that a currently-owned farm has remained in their family for at least 100 years may register. For more information, visit www.agri.ohio.gov and click on “Promotional Programs” and then “Century Farm Recognition,” or contact Cindy Shy in the Office of Communication at 614-752-9817 or cindy.shy@agri.ohio.gov.

g n o r t s m r A

Following is a list of families who registered in 2011: County Adams Allen Allen Allen Ashland Auglaize Butler Champaign Clark Clark Clark Clark Clark Clinton Clinton Columbiana Columbiana Crawford Defiance Defiance Defiance Delaware Delaware Delaware Fairfield Fairfield Fairfield Hancock Hardin Hardin Hardin Henry Hocking Knox Lake Lorain Madison Mercer Mercer Morgan Putnam Putnam Putnam Putnam Putnam Sandusky Shelby Union Wood

Name Swearingen Badertsche Bilen Sidey Elson Albers Beeler Detwiler Ackerman Bowman Goodfellow King Stickney Branstrator Stephens Huston Little Pope Reagle Steinberger Weber Watkins Watkins Watkins Berry (2 farms) McManus Solt Van Sant Eibling Sanders Wagner Bechtol Brimner Dudgeon West Greene Hunter Moeder (2 farms) Thieman Bragg Hoersten Maag Pierman Risser Verhoff Gerwin Baumer Bouic Karns (2 farms)

Year Est. 1875 1868 1853 1883 1908 1835 1901 1904 1888 1910 1902 1896 1805 1904 1911 1842 1907 1885 1865 1872 1908 1897 1881 1892 1811 1850 1909 1877 1907 1865 1833 1910 1910 1831 1891 1909 1910 1873 1869 1902 1908 1879 1910 1864 1911 1900 1911 1906 1865

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APRIL 2012

What will the

be of a mild winter?

The Warm Winter and Field Crop Insects By TONY NYE nye.1@osu.edu Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator OSU Extension Clinton County Weather experts say this past winter has been the fourth warmest in history. A question that is being asked is what impact the warm winter will have on field crop insects. The answer, it depends on the insect and crop in question. Although warmer temperatures will affect the various insects differently, other factors might impact the crops greater because it will still depend on when crops get planted. Although the warmer temperatures will allow for soil to warm up earlier, higher than expected spring rains might not allow for earlier crop planting if soils remain wet. According to Ron Hammond and Andy

Michel, entomology specialists at Ohio State University, while “warmer” temperatures have been the norm and could result in greater survival, our “normal” winters in the state are not that cold compared to the temperatures probably required to cause significant mortality. And remember that snow acts as a great insulator. Thus, while survival might be greater, it remains to be seen if we see hugely greater densities of many of our crop pests. Hammond and Michel note the one area where warmer temperatures can impact field crop insect concerns is when the pests might show up and require scouting. A good example is with alfalfa weevil on alfalfa. The time to begin

ACRES of Southwest Ohio sampling for weevils and larval feeding is dependent on weather, with heat unit accumulations beginning on Jan 1. At 300 heat units, we recommend sampling. Thus, the time for scouting will probably come earlier in the season. However, because alfalfa is already planted and in the field, we would expect alfalfa growth to also begin its green-up earlier, probably at the same relative rate as we see with weevil growth. Thus, we might expect that relationship between feeding and alfalfa growth to remain the same, albeit earlier than normal. Then, there are the many insects that migrate from southern areas, so their development is affected by weather conditions further south, e.g., black cutworm, true armyworm, potato leafhopper. Whether they migrate earlier or not into Ohio will depend on the weather conditions later this spring. Insects that do overwinter in Ohio, Hammond and Michel would expect to see them emerging from their overwintering sites earlier than normal because temperatures often drive this event. What will determine whether they become economic issues on crops will depend greatly on the stage of crop development and growth. If insects arrive in fields early but no crop is even planted, this could lead to greater mortality

if they cannot find alternative hosts. However, if the insect arrives or begins feeding earlier when crops are smaller in size, a greater potential for injury exists. This latter scenario is especially true for slugs on corn and soybeans. Hammond and Michel reflect back a few years ago when soybean aphids hatched earlier on buckthorn, their overwintering host, because of warmer temperatures, but suffered significant mortality because of a late spring freeze. There is one crop pest that we specifically tie into winter temperatures, corn flea beetles and their ability to vector Stewart’s bacterial wilt. Because of the warmer temperatures during December, January and February, more corn flea beetles are expected, and thus, the potential for greater Stewart’s bacterial wilt. Beetle adults that overwinter become active in the spring when the soil temperatures reach 65 degrees F, and are most active on sunny, warm, windless days. Those adults that fed on corn plants with Stewart’s disease in the previous late summer or fall may acquire and carry the bacterium from one growing season to another. By feeding on young plants in the spring, they may spread the bacterium which in turn causes seedling wilt and leaf blight. The occurrence of Stewart’s bacterial disease is totally dependent on the level of bacteriacarrying flea beetle

survival over the winter. For many years the winter temperatures have been used to predict the risk of Stewart’s disease because higher populations of the flea beetle survive during mild winters than during cold winters. An index has been developed that helps to predict the likelihood of the disease threat. This ‘flea beetle index’ is calculated as the sum of the average temperatures (Fahrenheit) of December, January and February. The flea beetle index is: • Index values less than 90 indicate negligible disease threat. • 90-95 indicate low to moderate levels. • 95-100 indicate moderate to severe • Values over 100 predict severe disease threat. Having checked average temperatures for various locations in Ohio the past three months, all areas of the state have indexes over 100 suggesting that risk is severe in 2012. Hammond and Michel recommend that growers scout for flea beetles, especially if they plant a hybrid that is susceptible to Stewart’s disease. Normally we would recommend that growers wanting to take preventive action against flea beetles apply a commercially applied insecticide seed treatment labeled for flea beetles. However, the realization is that most field corn planted these days, especially all transgenic hybrids,

already comes with an insecticide seed treatment applied. Thus, it is mostly nontransgenic corn that might need to be treated specifically for this concern. Also, most field corn hybrids are more resistant to wilt than sweet corn. Dent corn hybrids vary greatly in their resistance to the leaf blight stage phase of the disease. All sweet corn varieties are susceptible to wilt in the first leaf stage. A few are resistant by the second leaf stage and many are resistant in the third and fourth leaf stage. Consult your seed supplier for information on resistant varieties and hybrids. To summarize, the warmer temperatures that Ohio experienced the past three months will impact insect pests to some degree. However, whether economic problems will increase, or perhaps decrease, depends on the specific pest/crop relationship, and then the weather conditions over the next two to three months. But remember a significant player on whether we will have earlier economic problems depends on the crop, and when they get planted. Will the spring continue to be warm or will it turn cold? How will rainfall impact crop planting?

Tony Nye Clinton County OSU Extension Services

Tony is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for the Clinton County OSU Extension Services

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APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

of Southwest Ohio Issue 2

April 2012

1-8B Larry Dwelly rides his combine across his Highland County fields.

Farmers keeping an eye on rising energy costs

As fuel, gas and electric costs rise, so do the costs for farmers By GARY ABERNATHY gabernathy@timesgazette.com Skyrocketing energy prices can hurt manufacturers, small businesses and average consumers. But among those most adversely affected when electric or gas prices zoom skyward are farmers. Earlier this year, customers began receiving AEP Ohio electric bills reflecting increases of as much as 40 percent on average, and in some cases two or three times higher than previous bills. The increases happened after the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) approved an AEP Ohio electric security plan (ESP) in December which allowed the company to begin recouping millions it had spent on upgrades, established a price at which the company would sell generation services to competitors, and laid the groundwork for AEP’s takeover and merger of Columbus Southern Power and Ohio Power. By 2015, AEP is supposed to separate its generation and distribution assets and procure electricity for customers through competitive auctions, which is intended to result in lower prices. But when the first bills for January began to arrive reflecting the new AEP rates, business owners, government agencies and schools were outraged at the costs. Many residential customers also saw astounding increases. And family farms were not spared, either. “Farms, small businesses

and residential energy consumers … were some of the most impacted by the increased rates,” said Dale Arnold, director of energy policy for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. “We had members with small businesses who saw warehouse electricity bills increase from $50 in December to $80 in January. Some dairy farms saw bill increases from $1,500 to $1,800.” A loosely-connected network of government officials, business owners and residents began contacting the PUCO, filing complaints about the new rates. Some media organizations joined the fray, and State Rep. Cliff Rosenberger (R-86th District) demanded an emergency meeting with PUCO staff in his Columbus office. Ohio Farm Bureau Vice President Jack Fisher submitted comments to the PUCO, saying, “The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation respectfully urges that the commission employ the current regulatory framework and respectfully recommends that AEP withdraw its energy security plan put into effect in January 2012. In its place, the previous energy security plan approved by the commission in 2009 should continue to be in effect.” When AEP held a public session in Highland County to meet individually with customers whose bills had gone up, several local farmers were among those who showed up looking for answers. Ultimately, the PUCO announced it would take

another look at the AEP rate plan it had previously approved. A meeting of the commission was set for Feb. 23, and the PUCO meeting room in Columbus was packed with various interested parties to show support for addressing the issue. Among those in attendance was Drew Hastings, a nationallyrenowned comedian who

all customers and the utility.” Hastings was glad the PUCO took drastic measures.”They used the word ‘reset’ three times,” said Hastings. “As someone who is cynical by nature, I was taken aback. I wanted it to go this way, but didn’t really expect it.” Hastings said that PUCO commissioners “showed empathy, and I

Recent AEP rate hikes, soaring gas prices bring more uncertainty to farming was recently elected mayor of Hillsboro, Ohio. A few years earlier, Hastings had purchased a farm near Hillsboro, and has become a spokesman for Farm American, an advocacy group that promotes the importance of U.S. agriculture. Ultimately, the PUCO took the extreme step of rescinding the AEP rates it had approved just two months earlier, and ordered rates to temporarily return to December levels. As PUCO Chairman Todd Snitchler said, “Our decision effectively hits the reset button on AEP’s electric security plan, allows us to start over from the beginning, ensure that we have a complete picture of any proposal and balance the interest of

thanked them afterwards. They went out of their way to explain why they rescinded it.” Hastings said that commissioners encouraged local officials to stay “actively engaged” in the process. Comments on the ongoing AEP rate case can be lodged with the PUCO by using the case number 11- 346-EL-SSO and contacting the PUCO online at www.puco.ohio.gov, or by calling 1-800-686-7826. Eventually, a new rate plan will be approved for AEP, and farm advocates remain concerned what future prices might do to the agriculture industry. Steve Dillon is president of Highland County Farm Bureau Federation, and says that “from an animal

husbandry standpoint, these facilities require a lot of energy. It goes across the board,” covering all segments of the energy industry. Much of southern Ohio’s economy is based on agriculture, Dillon notes. With diesel fuel prices hitting the four dollar per gallon mark in many southern Ohio areas, and gasoline prices not far behind, the ripple effect can hurt the whole economy, says Dillon. “If a farmer wants to go from one side of a county to the other, to go to market or get supplies, he’s not going to make that trip as often, and that’s going to reduce his overall spending,” says Dillon. In addition to providing fuel for machinery, or meeting heating and cooling needs, gasoline, diesel and electricity are crucial to other farmrelated activities. “The production of input items like fertilizer takes energy to produce,” says Dillon. “Items like fuels and lubes, those prices are skyrocketing. It will be interesting to see where these inputs take the market, and how they influence end prices for consumers.” Dillon also points out that more farmers than ever are taking their crops to regional markets, resulting in even higher transportation costs. Joe Cornely, spokesman for Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, says few costs are more important to farmers than energy costs. “Second to labor costs, energy is the single biggest line item in the farmer’s budget,” says Cornely. “Whether it’s tractors,

combines, drying grain or cooling milk, just about everything is energy dependent.” In early March, the PUCO approved a temporary plan by AEP to meet the commission’s order to roll back electric rates to December 2011 levels. Those rolled-back rates went into effect on March 9. For its part, AEP says it is working with the PUCO to meet consumer demands while protecting its investments and services. AEP President and Chief Executive Officer Nicholas K. Akins said that the latest PUCO action “provides an appropriate short-term solution that fairly balances the interests of electric consumers with the need to protect the financial health of AEP Ohio. We recognize, however, that this is the first step in a longer process of addressing the transition to a fully competitive market that is structured equitably for all market participants and provides benefits for consumers.” Cornely hopes that will be the case. “Farms are in effect small businesses,” he says. “There are enough variables in farming already. We need energy policies that bring certainty to the table.”

Gary Abernathy

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APRIL 2012

F A M I LY F A R M

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

FARMING

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Business & Pleasure

Scott family finds love of farming makes the business side easy

By BRYAN PECK bpeck@newsdemocrat.com Erik Scott’s family has been in the farming business for a long time, going back to the mid 1970s. When Scott’s grandparents purchased the farm in 1975, Scott said they created a family business that currently encompasses three generations. After the death of his grandfather, Scott said his father took over the family cattle farm, which is located off US 68, just north of Georgetown and the Rumpke landfill. In 2007, Scott’s immediate family purchased the farm exclusively, with Frankie, Fred, Hannah and Erik Scott all taking an active role in different aspects of the farm. Erik Scott is the only family member who works at the farm full time, and he said he keeps a close eye on all aspects of the farm year round. “This farm has actually been in my family for three generations,” Scott said. “I work full time out here, but my mom, my dad and my sister, we all have specific responsibilities. I take care of the day to day stuff like keeping feed out and keeping things moving.” The farm currently has a large cattle business going, with approximately 100 head of cattle present on the farm from day to day. Scott said most of the cattle are black Angus cross, though some purebred are available on the farm. As far as he knows, Scott said the land has always been used as a cattle farm.

“This was a cattle farm before my grandparents bought it,” Scott said. “It was owned by Avico Farms. I don’t know how many, but I know they had cattle here. This was pre-1975. It is suitable for other things, but its best suited, I think, for cattle operation.” Each member of the Scott family has a role on the farm. Scott said the family often refer to Frankie Scott as the Chief Financial Officer. While all members of the family deal with the financial side of running a business, Frankie Scott helps keep everything central and ties together all aspects of the farm while making sure the farm keeps current on all new and current standards. Hannah Scott is in charge of the farm’s tobacco crop and decides what kind of crop to plant each year. Currently, Hannah Scott is attending Duke University. Fred Scott oversees the cattle business and also makes decisions concerning hay production and on how much feed will be needed each year. Erik Scott helps to maintain the day to day operations of each end of the business, but also manages the farm’s corn and soybean crop. He said this end of the business also feeds into the cattle end of the business in deciding how much corn to grow in order to feed the calves. Erik Scott said he has been around the farm for most of his life, and that he enjoys being able to work in a field he loves. “I get to get up every day and come out here and do what I like to do,” Scott

Janie’s Closet

“I started that as a very small business,” Scott said. “I didn’t expect it to get very big, I didn’t expect much to come from it, but we’re getting to the point where we are having a hard time keeping our freezer stocked. What we sell is an all natural project, we don’t feed any growth enhancers, or steroids or hormones, and there seems to be a pretty strong market for that.”

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said. “I like working with cows, we feed several feeder calves and we send out several steers each year. I like the idea of formulating feeds, we have a set of scales to track rate of gain and conversion rates, and I could go out here and point to these cows out here and tell you when they have a calf which one will finish faster and better.” “The challenge is to make it make money,” Scott said. “We all have to pay our bills.” The number of calves produced by Scott Farms varies from year to year. Scott said the weather plays a significant role in production in all areas of agriculture. On the cattle end of the business, having extreme fluctuations in temperature can cause cows to get ill. “Everything is dependent on the weather,” Scott said. “That can really throw you for a curve, whether it’s cattle or grain or any other commodity. Right now, it’s the first of February and it feels like its almost 70 degrees outside. These big swings in temperature can cause pneumonia very fast.” “If we have an outbreak of pneumonia, that’s over 100 vaccinations or treatments we have to give,” Scott said. “Any kind of illness outbreak is pretty significant. It’s not something to look past lightly.” Finished cattle are sent to Manning Packing, in Sardinia, for preparation for the larger market. Typically, Scott said the farm sells feeder calves that weigh between 475 and 580 pounds. Some cows are sold to other packing houses, which outsource the sold meat to companies like Ohio Proud. Most of the beef produced by Scott Farms is sold wholesale, though Scott said some items are available for sale from the small farm market being run out of his house at 8568 Henize Road. “We have a farm market where we sell cuts piece by piece,” Scott said. “Anyone can come out and buy from one steak to

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ACRES of Southwest Ohio 500 pounds of hamburger.â&#x20AC;? The market business has been so successful, Scott said the family is looking to build a second location at Scott Farm on US 68. Scott said the project will hopefully be complete by the end of 2012. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started that as a very small business,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect it to get very big, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t expect much to come from it, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting to the point where we are having a hard time keeping our freezer stocked. What we sell is an all natural project, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feed any growth enhancers, or steroids or hormones, and there seems to be a pretty strong market for that.â&#x20AC;? Scott said there are a lot of misconceptions about agriculture floating around, and said anyone with any questions should contact an agriculture producer and get both sides of the story before coming to a conclusion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would encourage anyone that has questions

about any of the industries to go find somebody and ask one of the producers,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think when people get information about the food industry and the agriculture industry, they need to consider the source, where the information is coming from.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go find someone and get both sides of the story, and then form your own opinions,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most producers I know are more than happy to talk to any one, and I myself am.â&#x20AC;? For anyone looking to get into cattle farming, Scott said it is important to know if you would enjoy doing that kind of work year round before starting a new cattle business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make

sure you enjoy it and that you enjoy it in every season, because there are good days and there are bad days. Cattle farming in southern Ohio is very different because from about the last week of September to sometime in April, this is all you get. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not pretty. I wish it was, I wish there was a way to make it pretty and keep it cost effective, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have to put up with the mud, the blood and the manure, and if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like being out in it, this might not be the business for you.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid

APRIL 2012

to get dirty,â&#x20AC;? Scott said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like being dirty, but if I have to in order to accomplish something, so be it.â&#x20AC;? For more information about Scott Farms or for information on the products offered at Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm market, call (937) 725-9115 or (937) 3784359.

Bryan Peck is Associate Editor of the Ripley Bee, Georgetown News Democrat and the News Democrat Sunday.

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VIRUS ALERT WOOSTER, Ohio — Two recent outbreaks of norovirus in Granville in central Ohio — on top of other outbreaks across the country — have Ohio State University food safety experts warning people to take precautions to prevent the spread of the foodborne illness. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne disease in the United States, responsible for 58 percent of all cases — nearly 5.5 million illnesses a year. Most cases are relatively mild, but norovirus causes 26 percent (or 15,000) of all foodborne illness-related hospitalizations and 11 percent (or 149) of foodborne illnessrelated deaths in the United States each year. (For more, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web page at http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneb urden/2011-foodborneestimates.html.) Qiuhong Wang, research scientist and adjunct assistant professor in the Food Animal Health Research Program (FAHRP) in Wooster, is part of a team studying the stability of noroviruses on leafy greens and their potential modes of transmission to humans. Other team members are Linda Saif,

distinguished university professor, Malak Esseili and Zhenwen Zhang, all with FAHRP at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, the research arm of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. The virus is extremely stable, especially in winter months, Wang says. It can survive on surfaces or foods even after standard disinfection procedures are instituted, and the infectious dose is low, with as few as 18-1,000 viral particles able to cause infection. Wang also is working with a team including Saif and Kwon il Jung, another research scientist with FAHRP, in collaboration with K.O. Chang of Kansas State University to try to develop antivirals to human norovirus. Using OARDC’s germfree piglets, the team is testing potential new antivirals in initial trials. The team at OARDC also hopes to initiate new work in collaboration with a local Ohio company to test more effective disinfectants and hand sanitizers for norovirus.

! ! ! ! To lessen the chance of illness from norovirus, Wang advises:

• Wash hands thoroughly. This is important not only to prevent foodborne illness, but also to decrease the risk of person-toperson transmission, which can occur not only during illness but for one to three weeks after an infected person’s symptoms subside. Person-to-person transmission especially occurs during the winter when people are in closed settings with close contact among individuals — this includes schools, colleges, day care centers, nursing homes, among military troops and on cruise ships. It’s important to note, Wang says, that 20 percent of norovirus-infected people do not show any symptoms, but still can spread the virus to others. Most people don’t wash their hands long enough — at least 20 seconds. For guidance, see http://foodsafety.osu.edu/picturelessons/keep-your-hands-clean/. • Avoid raw produce. When foods are cooked, norovirus and other pathogens are killed. This could be especially important for individuals who are most at risk — the elderly, young children, and people with cancer or who have other diseases or chronic conditions. • When preparing leafy greens to be eaten raw, as in a salad, purchase a whole head of lettuce and rinse leaves thoroughly. The more leafy greens are processed, such as those in ready-to-eat bags, the more opportunity there is for contamination from norovirus.

Education & Research Key to Feeding a Hungry World Wilmington’s Dr. Chafin: Mechanization, genetics and biotechnology have replaced the ‘Hoe and the Horse’ Dr. Donald Chafin is dismayed at the naivete; and misinformed opinion stated in a recent report on Yahoo News that classified agriculture, animal science and horticultural studies as among the most “useless” college degrees. “Such misunderstanding of reality begs an answer,” said Chafin, professor of agriculture at Wilmington College. “Likely, the author of the article traced the decline in number of farmers since the high point of employment in the 1930s,” he said. Indeed, the technological revolution in agriculture since World War II has created a large migration of farmers off the land, as farm size has increased. “Mechanization, genetics and biotechnology have replaced the hoe and the horse, and the need for sweat labor,” he added. Chafin contends that is precisely why education is more important today for the businessman farmer than ever before. “No doubt the author of the article awoke the next day expecting three square meals on the table - where does he think food comes from?” he said.

“There is an integrated chain that takes commodities from the farm gate to fork-ready food products. Farmers no longer sell live chickens to consumers,” Chafin noted. “It takes a lot of agribusiness people to service the prepared and convenient food needs of consumers.” Chafin said the essential mix of science, technology, agribusiness and the American farmer must be up to the intimidating task over the next 20 years of providing 9 billion people with a safe, abundant and cheap food supply. “Education and research are key to achieving success,” he said. Chafin cited a U.S. Department of Agriculture report that indicates the nation’s agricultural colleges are producing only 70 percent of the college graduates needed by agriculture. “Wilmington College is helping solve that deficiency,” he said, noting it is one of only two colleges in Ohio with a bachelor’s degree program in agriculture. “Located amid the cornfields in southwest Ohio, Wilmington’s emphasis is focused upon real world farming, animal science and horticulture.”

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APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

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APRIL 2012

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

Agriculture

The story of America’s Quilt Barn Trails unfolds

and the Arts:

The beginning of Quilt Barn Trails across America hangs on this barn at Lewis Mountain, on state Route 247 in Adams County, between West Union and Wrightsville.

By CARLETA WEYRICH (cweyrich@peoplesdefender.com) The essence and beauty of a well orchestrated creation of Adams County, the Quilt Barn Trail, has been thoroughly explored and enticingly illustrated in a new book. “Barn Quilts and The American Quilt Trail Movement,” by Suzi Parron, with Donna Sue Groves of Adams County, includes quilt patterns and several local Quilt Barn photographs by Tom Cross, an accomplished Adams County writer and photographer in his own right. The book is available locally in West Union at The Olde Wayside Inn, 222 W. Main Street; the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau, 509 E. Main Street; and at The People’s Defender office, 229 N. Cross Street. “For four or five years I had about half a dozen people wanting to write the story, but

Photo by Tom Cross, Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau

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stories and anecdotes that help readers to realize that the Quilt Barns are so much more than pieces of wood, paint and pretty patterns. “Since the book was published, Quilt Barn Trails are now in 34 states, along with Prince Edward Island, Canada.” Groves explained, “A Quilt Barn Trail is a living, breathing entity created by community members utilizing the best of their community. A trail is a community project using the arts - and so much more. The trails have changed individual lives.” Originally from Creed, W. Va., Groves is a 1966 graduate of Charleston High School and has a journalism degree from West Virginia University. When she was a child traveling in a car through her home state, her mother, Maxine Groves, would occupy her children with counting barns and advertising signs along the way. Groves explained that it was too boring to try to keep track of license plates as traffic was very sparse in their area. So, instead, she learned an appreciation of barns and developed an interest in promotion. Groves also developed service skills for her In this 2010 file photo, Donna Sue Groves holds a quilt made for her to lift her spirits, during a bout with cancer, by friends she has made through her promotion of the arts. Photo by Carleta community through Weyrich/The People’s Defender involvement with Girl Scouts, through working at none of the offers felt Stone Mountain, Ga. Holland in southwestern a local radio station and as right,” said Groves, who About three years ago she Kentucky. a candy striper at the local planted the seed for the and her dog, a black “She was hooked,” said hospital. first Quilt Barn Trail. Labrador mix named Groves. “Once she got the In time, Groves’ parents “When Suzie called, and Gracie, went on a summer fever, her inquiries led to relocated to Xenia, and she after several road trip, camping out me.” followed them there. conversations, I felt she along the way. While Parron’s book covers While living in the was the right person at the traveling through the decade long history of southern end of the city, a right time. She was Kentucky, she saw her first Quilt Barn trails and how working class someone I could entrust quilt square on a barn. It the fever spread from neighborhood, she noticed my story to.” was a brightly colored Adams County, Ohio into they didn’t seem to get the A high school English Flying Geese pattern on 27 states. Along the way, same services as other teacher, Parron lives at the barn of Belenda Parron relates human areas. She launched into her first major community service project, organized

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the residents, and the result was new street renovations and upgrades to gas and water lines. Subsequently, Groves was asked to run for city commissioner. She campaigned door to door and won, beating an incumbent in the election. However, before completing the term, she and her mother decided to relocate to Adams County. The year was 1989, and by then she had raised a child and was divorced. Maxine was widowed and retired from her vocation as a school teacher. “I had been on a lot of nature trails here,” said Maxine. “I liked the relaxed pace. People are kind here and look after each other. It was a good place to call home.” The two ladies purchased a small farm on Germany Hill Road from which they could see the Kentucky hills. Maxine built a house for them to live in and had a place to do her hobby of quilting. She had learned the craft from her mother and grandmother. “There’s a tobacco barn on the property,” Groves said. “It was very plain and dull. I promised Mom I would paint one of her quilt squares on it to brighten it up. Time went on, and I didn’t get around to it.” In February 2001, Pete Whan, with the Nature Conservancy and cofounder of Planning Adams County’s Tomorrow (PACT), offered to help paint the square. Elaine Collins, director of Adams County Economic Development, was with them at the time. Groves thought if they were going to paint one square, they could paint an entire trail of them across the county to draw tourists

APRIL 2012 7B and bring economic opportunities to local artists and businesses. At the time she was working for the Ohio Arts Council and was looking for ways to help local artists. A committee was formed with representatives from the Nature Conservancy, the Adams County Economic Development Office, the Adams County Travel and Visitors Bureau, artisans and quilters and other interested parties. The project became known as the Adams County Quilt Sampler and Collins secured a grant to give the project a jump start. With Donna Sue and Maxine forgoing the idea of having the first barn square, for the common good, the very first Quilt Barn Square, an Ohio Star, was unveiled in October on state Route 247, between West Union and Wrightsville, at the site of a popular autumn festival at Lewis Mountain Herbs and Everlastings. “It’s phenomenal to think, as a little girl of five to six years old a game my mother devised to occupy her children by counting barns and looking at ads would some 40 years later bring about all the joy and happiness of the Quilt Barn Trails,” said Groves. “I’m very grateful Suzi told my story. It’s of importance that Adams County was where it all began.” For more information about the original “Barn Clothesline” of quilt squares, please go to www.appalachiandiscover y.com/Quilt_Barn_Squares Carleta Weyrich is a staff writer for The People’s Defender in Adams County and owns a farm in neighboring Highland County.

ACRES of Southwest Ohio

APRIL 2012

Global Hunger May Be Double Previous Estimates Hugo Melgar-Quinonez Photo by Ken Chamberlain

COLUMBUS — A household food and nutrition survey developed in part by an Ohio State University researcher is uncovering a clearer picture of hunger and malnutrition throughout the world. Although the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has in the past estimated that 1 billion people in the world go hungry or are malnourished, the surveys being used now, said Hugo

Melgar-Quiñonez, indicate the number may be double that. “The problem is much larger than we can imagine,” said MelgarQuiñonez, who was asked to report on a portion of the project in January at the International Scientific Symposium on Food and Nutrition Security Information in Rome. Melgar-Quiñonez is food security specialist with Ohio State University Extension and also has an appointment

with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. The survey, called ELCSA (for Escala Latinoamericana y Caribeña de Seguridad Alimentaria), is based on the food security survey used in the United States. It was developed by Melgar-Quiñonez and researchers from the University of Antioquia in Colombia; the University of Campinas in Brazil; Yale University; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service. Launched in 2007 in Colombia and Brazil, ELCSA is currently being used in a dozen countries in Latin America, and translations are being developed in other languages for use in other parts of the world. MelgarQuiñonez hopes that

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widespread use of the survey will help organizations such as FAO develop a better estimate of world hunger and assist policymakers in each country design better ways of combating hunger and malnutrition. “There are several ways to measure hunger, but each has its drawbacks,” said Melgar-Quiñonez, who is also an associate professor of human nutrition in Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. The most recent method used by FAO, for example, compared how much food a nation produced or imported, minus the amount of food exported, estimated as waste or used as livestock feed. That information is translated into calories of food available in the nation, which was then divided by the population (adjusted for the number of children, women, men or the elderly). If the calorie level of food available to the average person is too low, the numbers are used to estimate the number of people who are “food insecure.” “But that doesn’t tell you anything about who is

the most vulnerable in a population,” MelgarQuiñonez said. “What regions in a country are hit hardest? Are women or children going hungry at greater rates? And, focusing on calories alone doesn’t tell you anything about the quality of the calorie — the nutrients available to the population. Also, this type of estimate is also based on the information each country provides. Some nations don’t have the resources to be able to collect such information even every five years. So, it’s really an incomplete picture.” The survey asks participants a series of questions regarding their household food situation in the previous three months. For example, it asks if the household had run out of food in that time period because of a lack of money or other resources, or if, for the same reason, any adult or child in the household had to skip meals or reduce portion sizes. Other questions ask whether the household could afford a nutritious, varied diet, and how frequently the household experienced such situations.

Development of ELCSA began about 10 years ago when both Brazil and Colombia wanted to set up methods to collect food insecurity data. “For the first time in history, we had national food security data from two Latin American countries, but it wasn’t comparable because they weren’t using the same scale,” Melgar-Quiñonez said. “With ELCSA, we merged the two surveys — what we as a group wanted was one scale, the same for all countries.” ELCSA is similar to the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (http://www.ers.usda.gov/ Briefing/FoodSecurity/). “It’s this measurement that shows that single mothers sometimes have three times the national rate of food insecurity, or Hispanic households have double the rate,” MelgarQuiñonez said. “We can identify groups at higher risk, then target programs to help them.”

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