Ohio's Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net on LinkedIn: A look at farm phosphorus in the Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Forecast… (2024)

Tilapia farming at Freedom Fish Farms Curtis Gram owns and operates Freedom Fish Farms, raising tilapia with a crucial feed ingredient – soybeans. Ohio’s Country Journal’s Matt Reese sits down to talk about the unique animal agriculture venture.… Continue reading https://lnkd.in/g8Shd2Fv

Cover Crop Issues By James Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health ServicesA week of good weather has helped most farmers get crops planted. However, there are issues dealing with fast-growing cover crops (e.g. cereal rye). Due to a warm winter and spring, most crops including wheat are 2-3 weeks ahead in maturity. Fall planted crops are all headed out and getting tall. How viable is the seed and how do you manage those situations?On seed viability, cereal rye seed is viable 30 days after heading and flowering. Some cereal rye has been headed out for 2 weeks, so it is time to get it terminated. Some rye is 4 to 6 feet tall, so shading is becoming another issue to consider. Balansa clover seed can remain viable in the soil for 3 years and reseed itself. Balansa and Crimson clover seed is viable 30 days after blooming. Hairy vetch seed can remain viable for 5 years in the soil (hard seed) and starts to mature around July 10, which may be July 1st this year.… Continue reading https://lnkd.in/gHmVRT_d

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Cauliflower is all the rage By Shelly Detwiler, berry farmer and dieticianThe low-carb and gluten free frenzy has pushed the cauliflower trend toward hysteria. You can find cauliflower crackers, pasta, pizza, rice, and even hot cereal (which seems like another marketing hijack since its… grain free).In our house we like to gluten and whole grain it up, so cauliflower is typically served as a side and AS cauliflower. Peer pressure in your late 50s takes a new twist when you are following your friends’ making cauliflower a mainstay on their plates and recipes and cauliflower pictures flood your social media. Yes, I caved — not as a crazy diet idea but because they kind of, actually, looked good, and I needed some new ideas to feed the hubby. First up: pizza crust with pulverized cauliflower, egg and cheese was not too bad. I would give it a 6 as in I would make it again, but never have actually made it again.… Continue reading https://lnkd.in/ggfBiPHa

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By Ryan Martin, Ohio Ag Net Chief MeterologistJune 7, 2024 -- We are clearly going to be drying down quickly here over a large part of OH, especially central and south... https://lnkd.in/gYUn95Ry

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Biofuels update in Ohio By Matt Reese, Dale Minyo and Dusty Sonnenberg Biofuels have had a profound impact on markets for Ohio’s corn and soybean producers. Both corn ethanol and soy-based biodiesel have contributed to the state’s fuel needs and demand for the crops. Of course, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a huge potential market moving forward, but there are plenty of other updates for ethanol and biodiesel as well.Ohio ethanol updateIn 2024, Ohio is celebrating 16 years of in-state, large scale ethanol production.“The appropriate thing to do is to celebrate 16 years because that 16th birthday is when you get to start buying fuel and that’s what we’re talking about with corn ethanol and what it’s meant to the state,” said Tadd Nicholson, with the Ohio Corn and Wheat Growers Association. “It was a long path. Back in 2008 when we first got our ethanol plant here, we were not the first state.… Continue reading https://lnkd.in/gjdf6kEg

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Plant tissue testing (Part 1) — Best sampling practices By Greg LaBarge Plant tissue testing is a valuable nutrient management tool. We often use it to identify if off-colored plants have a nutrient deficiency. Another place tissue testing fits into management is to evaluate our fertility program. This use can help identify any hidden deficiencies that could limit yield. Combining soil testing, which predicts the soil’s available nutrients and fertilizer needs, with tissue testing, which measures plant uptake, is a robust data set to make nutrient decisions. Tissue testing also fills a gap in nutrient management, where soil testing is unreliable for determining sulfur and micronutrient needs. If you use plant tissue testing, use these best sampling practices.Collect the appropriate growth stage and plant part to compare to established sufficiency standards. To know if your test result is “good” or “bad,” you must compare your result to a standard that includes the yield response at the end of the season.… Continue reading https://lnkd.in/gQdskjEY

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4-H Roth Scholars program preparing student leaders The National 4-H Council announced a partnership with Atlanta-based businessman and philanthropist, Joel Roth, who provided a $1.1 million gift to launch the 4-H Leadership Academy (The Academy). This two-year pilot will provide 25 high school students with employability skills that business leaders seek, including communication, leadership, ethics, conflict resolution and social responsibility.Known as Roth Scholars, The Academy’s first cohort are participants from five 4-H Cooperative Extension Land Grant Universities.Students from Ohio selected for the program are:Dane Creswell, Makenna Lybarger Campbell Pohlman, Logan Pridemore, and Campbell Reese.“The 4-H Leadership Academy advances a commitment shared by 4-H and Mr. Roth to help young people develop the skills they need to prepare for work and life,” saidJill Bramble, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. “We thank Mr. Roth for his gratitude and this avenue to share leadership skills where our young people can learn, grow and be work ready.”Academy participants will receive stipends to support research projects that address community... https://lnkd.in/gsnPsZJM

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Timber Talk: Chainsaw Safety By Jenna Reese, Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association Despite many advancements in technology and equipment, the chainsaw remains a foundational tool for landowners looking to clear invasive species or general property upkeep, power line technicians or local governments charged with clearing material from utility lines and public rights-of-way, and loggers harvesting timber. With the month of June being National Safety Month, it is the perfect time to talk about proper chainsaw use. Many individuals fire up a chainsaw without fully considering the loss to life or limb that can occur when operating this piece of equipment. Between 2013 and 2023, 200 deaths involving a chainsaw were reported through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Clearinghouse. Many deaths and injuries resulting from chainsaw use are preventable through PPE, maintenance, and technical training.Proper PPE is essential for protecting yourself from the many hazards of operating a chainsaw. Anyone operating a chainsaw needs to protect the following:Head, Eyes, Ears – A helmet that combines a hardhat, safety visor, and earmuffs is best for working professionals, but a hardhat, safety glasses... https://lnkd.in/gbzsPnVy

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By Ryan Martin, Ohio Ag Net Chief MeterologistJune 6, 2024 -- ...we are going to continue to keep potential for scattered showers today and tomorrow, mostly over far eastern and northeastern parts of the state. Coverage should be 30% or less, and most areas see good drying without the rain. https://lnkd.in/d3UQmPvU