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A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E H U R O N D A I LY T R I B U N E
January 17, 2026
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Putting farm waste to good use Agricultural waste poses a challenge for farmers, even if the subject does not garner a lot of attention outside of rural areas. Farms generate enormous amounts of organic waste, including crop residues, fruit peels, sawdust, and livestock manure. Farmers must decide how to get rid of agricultural waste legally and economically. If not disposed of properly, farm waste can pollute the environment, particularly the air and waterways like rivers and streams. It is best for everyone to mitigate agricultural waste to create further hazards. Farmers may not have considered recycling some agricultural waste, but it is a way to transform this potential hazard into something that can be used on the farm itself or sold commercially. The following are some considerations for putting farm waste to good use. Compost Animal waste, crop residues and additional organic material can
be combined to create nutrient-rich compost. Compost is utilized to improve soil structure, fertility and water retention. This helps reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. By investing in largescale composting tools, farmers can process hundreds or even thousands of tons of organic matter each year. While some can be used on the farm, the excess can be sold at a profit. Biogas Biogas production is carried out through a process known as anaerobic digestion (AD). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says AD involves bacteria breaking down organic matter, such as animal manure, wastewater biosolids and food wastes in the absence of oxygen. As the bacteria digest the waste, they generate biogas, which is mostly comprised of methane. Capturing biogas can reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a farm, and the biogas can be turned into a renewable energy source to power
electricity, heating or transportation, according to Prime Dumpster Incorporated. Digestate Anaerobic digestion does not only produce biogas. Digestate is the solid and liquid effluent remaining after the process, says the EPA. Digestate can be used in many applications, including animal bedding, fertilizers and a foundation material for creating bioplastics and other bio-based products. Recycling Certain items used on farms cannot be turned into compost or fertilizer. However, recycling containers, tires, cardboard, rubber, and plastics offers the potential for these products to be made into new items. Western Packaging says recyclable items can be kept separate from other waste so they can have new life outside of landfills. Seeing farm waste as an asset and not a problem can help farmers save money and resources.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 3
Farmers can now learn how much aid they will get from the Trump administration By JOSH FUNK and DIDI TANG Associated Press Farmers are now learning how much aid they can expect to receive from a $12 billion package that President Donald Trump announced earlier this month. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released the figures Wednesday for how much aid per acre farmers can plan on for each row crop. The details arrived after most farmers have already met with their bankers to arrange financing for next year's crops and placed orders for the seed and fertilizer they will need. But officials have promised that the payments should arrive by the end of February. Soybean farmers have been hit especially hard by Trump's trade war
with China, which stopped buying any American crops after Trump announced his tariffs this spring. China is the world's largest buyer of soybeans. This aid package is expected to help farmers weather the trade disruptions until China buys more soybeans under an agreement announced in October and until provisions of Trump's massive budget bill take effect later this year.
But farmers say the aid won't solve all their problems as they continue to deal with the soaring costs of fertilizer, seeds and labor that make it hard to turn a profit right now. Some agricultural trade groups have said they worry that thousands of farmers could go out of business, but others have said they believe most farmers have the financial resources and equity needed to survive.
Soybean farmers will get $30.88 per acre while corn farmers will receive $44.36 per acre. Another crop hit hard when China stopped buying was sorghum, and those farmers will get $48.11 per acre. The amounts are based on a USDA formula on the cost of production.
Kentucky soybean farmer Caleb Ragland, who was president of the American Soybean Association until recently, said the aid is "a BandAid on a deep wound. We need competition and opportunities in the market to make our future brighter."
Farmers say they need more buyers for their crops
The President of the National Corn Growers Association Jed Bower also urged the Trump administration to
focus on cultivating additional uses for their crops. Farmers will benefit from having more buyers whether it is for ethanol and animal feed at home or for international markets. "Corn growers have been sounding the alarm about the fact that farmers have been faced with multiple consecutive years of low corn prices and high input costs," Bower said. "While this financial assistance is helpful and welcomed, we urgently need the administration and Congress to develop markets in the United States and abroad that will provide growers with more longterm economic certainty." Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said that is the goal and promised to continue working
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Thumb Farmer Continued from Pg. 3 to open new markets while strengthening the safety net for farmers. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Darin Johnson said the aid number for soybeans fell short of what farmers had been hoping for, so more help could be needed, though this package will help. Most farmers remain steadfast supporters of Trump even after the disruptions caused by the trade war. They generally support many of his other policies and believe they will get a better trade deal in the end. White House and farmers encouraged by China's purchases These aid payments will add up to $11 billion for row crop farmers who raise corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and other crops. Another $1 billion has been set aside for specialty crops and sugar, but the administration hasn't released any details of aid for those crops.
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After Trump met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, the White House said Beijing had promised to buy at least 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of the calendar year, plus 25 million metric tons a year in each of the next three years. Officials have said China is on track to meet the 12 million metric ton goal by the end of February.
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about 6 million metric tons of soybeans, according to the latest USDA's weekly report. Separately, the federal agency reported that China since then bought at least three more batches totaling 600,000 metric tons. Beijing has yet to confirm any commitment to buying 12 million metric tons of soybeans for this season, but the Chinese embassy in Washington said earlier this month that "agricultural trade cooperation between China and the United States is proceeding in an orderly manner." However, the recent increase in international purchases is encouraging to farmers, said Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, who has seen more than 1 million metric tons of sorghum purchased in just the past few weeks. Like soybeans, more than half of the sorghum crop is exported each year with China traditionally being the biggest buyer. The aid payments will be capped at $155,000 per farmer or entity, and only farms that make less than $900,000 in adjusted gross income will be eligible. During the first Trump administration, a number of large farms found ways around the payment limits and collected millions. The USDA says the average size of the 1.88 million farms nationwide was 466 acres last year, but many farmers are much larger than that as larger operations have continued to buy up neighboring farms over time.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 5
Huron County Sheriff honors officials for farm animal rescue By Mark Birdsall Assistant Editor
causing a disruption in Oliver Township just north of Grant Township.
Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson recently honored officials from Grant and Oliver townships for their help rescuing farm animals belonging to an Oliver Township resident who could no longer care for them properly.
Hanson said the person who owned the animals was living at an Oliver Township residence when the animals began to roam free in the area, damaging private property and upsetting nearby property owners.
According to a sheriff’s office press release, Hanson recently presented Grant Township Supervisor Jeff Krohn, former Grant Township Clerk Marshal Sheldon and Oliver Township Supervisor Tom Ziel with certificates of appreciation for their assistance in January with several large farm animals, chickens and turkeys that were
The disruption had been occurring for almost two years, with sheriff’s office deputies responding to neighbors’ complaints at least 18 times, and the animals’ owner was cited. The situation did not improve, Hanson said, and a Huron County court issued an order to seize the animals in late January. The menagerie included four head of
Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson recently honored officials from Grant Township for their help rescuing farm animals belonging to an Oliver Township resident who could no longer care for them properly. Above, Hanson, right, presents Grant Township Supervisor Jeff Krohn for his role in the rescue operation. (Photo Courtesy of: Huron County Sheriff’s Office) Hanson said the trio cattle, three goats, a large “wasted no time in pig, two turkeys and three utilizing their personal chickens. time and equipment” as With no place to keep or well as assistance from care for the animals as the family and hired help to case made its way through find places for the animals court, Hanson sought to be housed while the help from Krohn, Ziel and case proceeded through the legal system. Sheldon.
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Huron County Sheriff Kelly Hanson recently honored officials from Grant Township for their help rescuing farm animals belonging to an Oliver Township resident who could no longer care for them properly. Above, Hanson, right, presents former Grant Township Clerk Marshal Sheldon with a certificate of appreciation for his role in the rescue. (Photo Courtesy of: Huron County Sheriff’s Office) “Without their intervention, those tasks may not have been completed,” Hanson said.
the sale of some of the animals were used to cover the expense of the rescue operation.
Once the case was finally resolved, permanent homes were found for all of the animals, Hanson said, and proceeds from
“We wish to thank all three officials for their help,” Hanson said. “They definitely went above and beyond.”
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Kohl Farms marks 10 years of Christmas magic and community tradition in Unionville By Jhyrah DeLapp Staff Writer
Kohl Farms in Unionville celebrates 10 years of Christmas events, offering dÈcor, baked goods, trees and family activities while expanding rentals, seasonal events and community food drives.
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As families bundle up for holiday traditions across the Thumb, one Unionville farm is celebrating a tradition of its own: 10 years of bringing Christmas magic, community gatherings and festive fun to the area. Unionville’s Kohl Farms, a seasonal events host, has been running Christmas events since 2015. The business is run and operated by Amanda and Ryan Kohl, with help from seasonal employees. Amanda Kohl says she is humbled to celebrate 10 years of Christmas events and operations, helping serve the Thumb’s festive needs. “Growth and moving our farm from our old location to our new location in 2021,” Kohl said when asked what stands out most from the first year to now. “We try to add new events and activities for fall and Christmas for all ages each year.” Kohl Farms begins Christmas season prep by Nov. 1. Each year, it opens Nov. 15 for the season and
remains open seven days a week until Dec. 14. The farm has a retail barn offering Christmas decor, gift items, a bakery case with homemade baked goods, puzzles, toys and frozen pork and beef steaks. It also sells freshly cut Christmas trees until supplies run out. It takes two shifts of employees working five to seven days a week to fulfill wholesale and retail orders. She said patrons enjoy the one-on-one attention provided to each visitor, and the farm continually looks for ways to improve. This year, Kohl Farms created barn rental opportunities for patrons. The space is available for weddings, reunions, corporate events, birthdays and more. “People tend to enjoy our attention to customers’ needs for their Christmas decor,” Kohl said. “Always looking for the ‘next thing,’ event or activity to host at our farm during the seasons.” Kohl Farms held a celebratory event for its 10-year anniversary during the fall season.
As part of its Small Biz Saturday event Nov. 29, Kohl Farms hosted its annual Christkindl Market, where guests could enjoy a free visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Separate from Christmas events, Kohl Farms has partnered with the Elkton Lions Club to host several pop-up pantries throughout the year. Kohl said giving back is important because they see a need in the community they can help meet. “We also own a cash crop farm and helping to feed people is important to us. We know there is a need in our area,” Kohl said. “We have room to host pop up food drives and are always open to hosting.” Kohl Farms runs seasonal events in the spring, summer and fall, along with its Christmas and winter events. It closes for the winter season on Dec. 14. Kohl Farms is located at 5775 Colwood Road, Unionville. For more information, visit its website or social media pages, or contact 989665-0925 or kohlfarms@ hotmail.com.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 7
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