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Permit No.220 Greenville, OH
Volume 2 No. 11
November Issue
Drone ag technology continues development
Ryan Carpe
rcarpe@civitasmedia.com
MADISON COUNTY – Attendees at September’s Farm Science Review were treated to live demonstrations of unmanned drone aircrafts, which are currently being developed for commercial use in the agricultural sector. A drone is an pilot-less aerial vehicle that has been traditionally used to record aerial footage. The units have gained popularity in search and rescue and military functions, but now developers have turned their gaze towards farms and fields research. Matt McCrink, a graduate student at Ohio State University Aerospace Engineer Department, showcased the lightweight drone by flying for about 10 minutes over the fields in Madison County in front of a crowd of fascinated farmers. The drone planes are able to fly slowly over a field while recording infrared and visual images of the land below. From those readings, farmers would be able to determine valuable measurements, including water concentration and the types of chemicals present. The unit is entirely lithium-ion battery powered, and the top speed of OSU’s Peregrine Drone is around 130 miles per hour, however it regularly slows down to 20 miles per hour to land. “You can cover a fairly large tract of land with something like this,” said McCrink. Based on current tests, the drone can stay up in the air unassisted for more than an hour and a half on just one charge. It can run on both autopilot, or be overridden from a control panel on the ground to manually accept instructions. The plane can also be equipped with a camera that’s broadcast to a
RYAN CARPE/Advocate photo
Matt McCrink, a graduate student at Ohio State University Aerospace Engineer Department, holds up a lightweight drone during the Ohio Farm Science Burea’s demonstration in September.
computer. The entire airframe was made of carbon fiber, and the group consistently is experimenting with its body design in order to make the drone more resilient. For example, a new prototype is now being constructed because a corn stalk stuck
Health Care for a Lifetime
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through one of their earlier planes upon landing. The drone weighed roughly seven pounds at the demonstration with the capacity to double its weight, but it still can be flown in winds of up to 30 miles per
hour. All told, the unit cost between $10,000 to $15,000 to build, although much of that cost came from the hightech sensory units. One of the continuing challenge that the drone en-
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Drivers beware The risk of colliding with deer is greater in the coming months warn officials at the Ohio Insurance Institute (OII), Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). The increase in risk from October through January is primarily due to peak deer mating season. ODPS reports that although such collisions are down – 20,996 deer-vehicle crashes in 2012, down 7.5 percent from 22,696 reported crashes in 2011 (23,201 in 2010) – there were six related fatalities and 1,013 injuries in Ohio last year. This compares to seven fatalities and 1,031 injuries reported in 2011, and four deaths and 1,063 injuries in 2010. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates about 200 fatalities are caused by deer-vehicle collisions each year in the US. The five counties with the highest number of reported deer-vehicle crashes in 2012 were Stark (559), Richland (535), Hamilton (522), Clermont (472) and Lorain (470). Compared to 2011 figures, Clermont County showed an increase while the others reported decreases in such collisions in 2012. Counties reporting the fewest crashes in 2012 included Monroe (15), Morgan (27), Carroll (26), Harrison (37) and Perry (43) counties. Of these, Perry county showed an increase while the others experienced decreases in 2012. According to Ward’s 2013 Motor Vehicle Facts & Figures, Ohio ranks among the top states in 2011 for the number of registered motor vehicles (7th), licensed drivers (7th) and miles driven (5th). These factors can affect the number of deer-vehicle crashes. ODPS reports over 11.8 million registered vehicles and 8 million licensed drivers share Ohio
see DRONE pg. 11
roadways. Most deer-vehicle crashes occur at dusk and dawn, October through January during deer-breeding season. Last November there were 5,050 crashes – the highest number for any month. According to data from the ODPS and ODNR, peak hours for these crashes were 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. followed by 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. In 2012, almost 54 percent of these crashes occurred between 5 p.m. and 1 a.m. while 23 percent occurred early morning between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. The ODNR Division of Wildlife remains committed to reducing white-tailed deer populations where needed. Through a combination of both regulatory and programmatic changes, progress toward reducing locally abundant herds can be expected. Additional crash findings State Farm® estimates 1.22 million deer-vehicle collisions across the country from July 2012 through June 2013, a 3.5 percent decrease from the previous year. Using its claims data, the insurer predicts the likelihood of an Ohio deer-vehicle collision at 1 in 135 – ranking 22nd in the US, compared to the national average of 1 in 174. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) examined crashes involving animals and found insurance claims are nearly 3.5 times as high in November as in August, when claims are lowest. Although insurance claims normally don’t specify the animal involved, other data reflects deer are the main ones. Vehicle damage and insurance coverage Vehicle damage varies dramatically depending on the type of vehicle, its speed upon impact and area of the vehicle that sustains the hit. According to the State Farm® data, vehicle damage from deer collisions averages $3,414 per claim nationally. Crashes that
see DEER pg. 11
Farmer’s creative decorations spark interest Linda Moody
lmoody@civitasmedia.com
what’s inside this month
NEW MADISON - No, an airplane did not land in a cornfield on State Route 121, south of New Madison near Thomas Road. It is just another one of Jack Sullenbarger’s creative decorations he does for this time of year. He started this tradition five years ago at Halloween time. He also used bales of hay for all of his annual pieces, including his first one, a Monster truck jumping over a hill. He has also made a steam locomotive engine and, at the request of some children, made a Thomas the Train, two years ago. “I skipped last year,” he said. “I wasn’t feeling well.” He made this year’s at a neighboring farm, then tore it down and moved it across the road from his residence. “I made it there in case it was a flop,” he said. “If it was [a flop], I didn’t want anybody to see it.” This year’s creation features four round cornstalk bales, a ceiling fan for the propeller and wagon side boards for the wings. A visit to the site on Monday afternoon saw the propellers turning, thanks to the little wind that was blowing through the area, making the plane look more realistic. He said he used the spear on his loader to put the bales of hay in place. A neighbor lady, Mar y Straszheim, provided the American flag that flies nearby, and Sul-
LINDA MOODY/Advocate photo
Jack Sullenbarger created this scene across the road from his home in a cornfield five miles south of New Madison on State Route 121. This is the fourth one he’s come up with in the last five years and it attracts passersby.
lenbarger made the “Honor the Vets” signs that are also featured. “My dad ser ved five years in World War II and a lot of family and friends were veterans,” said Jack, son of the late Willard and Thelma Sullenbarger. Sullenbarger said he makes everything himself and doesn’t spend a lot of money on his annual decorative “piece.”
4 Ohio prime grounds for Raptor sightings
“I use what I got and try not to buy anything,” he said. Sullenbarger said a lot of people stop by and he’s heard that photos of his creation have appeared on Facebook. “Someone thought a plane had landed in the field,” he said. He already knows what he wants to do for next year but isn’t divulging that in-
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5 How to rake leaves more efficiently
formation. He will be taking this year’s creation down between Thanksgiving and Christmas. “It’s fun to do,” said Sullenbarger, who feeds 20 head of cattle as well as a couple of goats. Linda Moody is the features editor at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
Contributer to Agriculture
7 Grow pumpkins at home next year
2A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Editor-in-Chief of Acres - Gary Brock gbrock@civitasmedia.com Acres of Western Ohio Editor - Christina Chalmers cchalmers@civitasmedia.com The Register-Herald Editor - Eddie Mowen Jr. emowen@civitasmedia.com General Manager - Leslie Collins lcollins@civitasmedia.com Advertising Staff Darke County - Christie Randall crandall@civitasmedia.com Preble County - Betsy Kemp bkemp@civitasmedia.com Classifieds Darke County - Mary Bevins mbevins @civitasmedia.com Preble County - Billie Wood bwood@civitasmedia.com
Contact MyOwn Rural Life of Western Ohio 428 S. Broadway (P.O. Box 220) | Greenville, Ohio Phone: 937.548.3151 Fax 937.548.3913
MyOwn Rural Life of Western Ohio is a monthly publication of The Daily Advocate, partnered with The Register-Herald, to serve Darke, Preble and Wayne counties. MyOwn Rural Life of Western Ohio is available at The Daily Advocate, The Register-Herald, advocate360 and registerherald.com.
Grants Available for Teachers to Develop WILD School Sites COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) now has grants available for Ohio teachers who have successfully used Project WILD in their classrooms. These funds will allow teachers more oppor tunities to provide students with hands-on learning about wildlife and habitat. Grants totaling $500 each will be awarded by the ODNR Division of Wildlife on a competitive basis to 40 schools that have par ticipated in Project WILD, a supplemental environmental education curriculum for grades K12. “A WILD School Site project allows teachers to bring conser vation education concepts to life for students by taking lesson plans outdoors,” said Jen Dennison, wildlife education coordinator for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. “It also improves schoolyard habitat for wildlife while providing an outdoor learning experience.” Project WILD uses wildlife and wildlife management techniques to teach traditional school subjects, such as math, science and language arts.
Now in its 10th year, the grant program provides teachers with funding to purchase the materials, equipment and activities needed to develop WILD School Sites on their campuses. The grants are awarded to applicants who best meet the WILD School Site criteria. Criteria includes participation in one of Ohio’s Project WILD programs, direct improvement of the habitat on the school grounds, involve-
ment of the students in the projects as much as possible and correlation of the projects to the school’s curriculum. Funding for the WILD School Site grant program comes from the sale of Ohio hunting and fishing licenses. Ohio has 133 certified Wild School Sites around the state. The ODNR Division of Wildlife has awarded 232 grants since 2004, when the grant program was introduced.
Interested educators should submit an application anytime between now and May 31, 2014, to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, Outdoor Education Section, 2045 Morse Road, Building G, Columbus, Ohio 43229. Complete details of the grant program and an application packet can be found at ohioprojectwild.com. Go to wildohio.com or call 800-WILDLIFE (945-3543) for more information.
State offers Animal Disease Traceability informational meetings
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will host a series of meetings throughout the state in November regarding the new Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) rule and how it relates to moving animals from 1 state to another. The purpose of the Animal Disease Traceability rule is to protect American animal agriculture by providing producers and animal health officials with the infrastructure to improve efforts in current or emerging disease eradication and control; by providing proper traceback and traceforward capabilities for a timely response; and by addressing threats from deliberate disease introduction.
Those who transport livestock across state lines are strongly encouraged to attend. Veterinarians and their staff, OSU extension personnel, licensed livestock dealers, haulers or others interested in learning about the new Animal Disease Traceability rule are also invited. The meetings will include officials from ODA and USDA APHIS. The public will have the opportunity to talk with experts and ask questions at the following
meetings: Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m., UPI Hillsboro, 976 W Main St., Hillsboro Ohio. Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m., Fulton County OSU Extension Office, Robert Fulton Agriculture Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, Ohio. Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m., UPI Gallipolis, 357 Jackson Pike, Gallipolis, Ohio. For more information on additional ADT resources, please visit http://www. aphis.usda.gov/traceability/.
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3A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
A year later….the drought effects By:
ASHLEY FRITZ plant life. When the organic matter such as ions and particles is not moving…that is when issues start happening. There are several different types of foundation used this day in age to build buildings. These included, shallow foundations, spread footing foundations, mat-slab foundations, slab-on-grade foundations, rubble trench foundations, and earthbag foundations to name a few. No matter type of foundation you have you need to concern yourself with the soil around and under it. During a drought when you are lacking that precipitation needed to keep the soil compact the soil will start to break down
that is up against a foundation and slowly starts to move, and cause the foundation to move as well. When a foundation moves it causes cracks in foundation itself and in basements, which results in thousands of dollars’ worth in damage. When these costly damages happen, nine times out of ten, the insurance you have taken out on you home will not cover this. Not only will you see these cracks in basements and foundation, this can cause windows in your home not to open, walls separating from the ceiling, cracks in bricks, and even cracks in your dr ywall. When you foundation starts to crack this is one
There’s no such thing as perfect In the world of farming and agriculture, there is no such thing as “perfect.” In August and early September, farmers and agriculture experts here in Ohio were saying that for the most part, the growing season for 2013 was just about as good as it gets. Overall, that is. “Overall” because in farming, there are so many factors, so many variables that go into making a season a “success” or “failure” that it is almost impossible for any season to be “the perfect season” for growing. But this year looked pretty close. Right up until October, that is. The problems that developed in this last month were not huge, but just significant enough to make the fall har vest more of a challenge than it could have been. What are farmers reporting as the Fall Harvest
By:
Gary Brock 2013 comes to an end? Mostly good news. But the lack of sunny days much of the month meant that harvesting didn’t start until late morning many days. Also, there has been a higher moisture content in the corn than normal, which has slowed the harvesting process down some. Farmers who have their own storage and drying facilities have not been delayed as much. But for those who have to use another silo/bin facility, there have been some limitations on how much they can harvest at one time. But… while these “problems” in October have made the har vest season less than perfect, this is still looking like a ver y good year. Our county extension
thing you do not want to let go, because you could pay much more later on. Thanks in large part to the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, which studies the lasting effects of droughts to help Americans prepare for a drought. The mission of NDMC is to help people and institutions develop and implement measures to reduce societal vulnerability to drought, stressing preparedness and risk management rather than crisis management. NDMC is based through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where they constantly monitoring drought, participation, the U.S. Drought Monitor, and developing the U.S. Drought Impact Reporter which can be viewed on their website. The NDMC is working to provide federal, local, state, and foreign govern-
ments and organizations, and schools across the nation and the world with workshops, seminars, and conferences, answering questions and providing data to help prepare people for a drought. Now in case of foundations, it is recommended during a drought and through long periods without rain, to keep an eye on your foundation for soil pulling away creating gaps around it. If you notice this happening, water the soil around your home, and keep it as moist as possible. It is a ver y inexpensive way to keep your wallet from suffering later. Ashley Fritz is a 4-H adviser in Preble County. Ashley is a former 11-year 4-H member, and currently is an adult adviser to the Junior Fair, is an Adult Adviser on several committees, and also is a committee member of the Poultry Department of the Senior Fair Board.
Farm Facts
agents have been out in the fields, talking to farmers. And what they are hearing is promising. Yield? For corn it is looking like at least 170 bushels per acre, with some areas reporting at much as 210 bushels per acre. For soybeans, the average looks to be 50 to 62 bushels per acre. Very good news. Joe Cornely, Senior Director of Corporate Communications for the Ohio Farm Bureau, told me that 2013 is looking to be “close to the norm.” And I will tell that for farmers, “the norm” is pretty rare. Especially when you consider last year we had a drought and the year before we were drenched in rain. Normal can be a ver y good thing, indeed. Gary Brock is editor of Rural Life of Southwest Ohio.
How much broccoli does the average American eat each year?
4 pounds - We’re eating 900 percent more broccoli than we did 20 years ago.
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6-24-2013
TRACTORS Case IH 5130 Maxxum, loader, 1991 6862 hrs 2wd....................21,500 Case IH Maxxum 115 2010 841 hrs, cab, loader,MFD.................72,000 Case IH STX450 2003 4206 hrs duals drawbar 4 rem...............125,000 Case IH 400 4WD 2011 943 hrs, duals, quick hitch...................249,000 IH 184 Cub Lo-Boy 1980 Red, electric PTO 60” deck....................4,200 IH 826 1970 5623 hrs, cab, 1 remote, 3 point.................................9,500 IH 1566 1971 5196 hrs 2 remotes, small 1000 PTO......................7,900 IH 1086 1980 5363 hrs 2 remotes, red stripe...............................13,500 IH 5288 1981 4760 hrs 2WD, duals, 3 remotes............................21,500 John Deere 7410 1998 3394 hrs, cab, 2WD..................................59,000 New Holland 8870 1995 4271 hrs MFD, duals...............................69,000 New Holland 8970 1994 4720 hrs MFD, duals...............................72,000 New Holland T8030 2010 1210 hrs MFD duals...........................139,000 SKID LOADERS Case 450 2007 1929 hrs 73”,HD coupler, cab and A/C...............29,000 Case 1838 1994 2016 hrs....................................................................9,500 DISKS & PACKERS & MULCHERS & HARROWS Kewanee 1010 disk, 21 ft, rear hitch, scrapers...............................4,500 Case IH 330 Turbo Till 25ft 2009.....................................................41,000 Case IH 330 Turbo Till 25 ft..............................................................42,000 Unverferth Rolling Harrow II 26 ft, dbl baskets, harrow................7,200 Unverferth 220 28 ft, dbl baskets, harrow, lights, red...................8,900 FIELD CULTIVATORS & CHISEL PLOWS Case IH 527B Ecolo Tiger...................................................................19,500 DRILLS PLANTERS COMBINES IH 1440 1981 5291 hrs 2WD no RT, beater----as-is.......................7,900 IH 1440 1982 4116 hrs 2WD, RT, beater----as-is.........................12,000 IH 1460 1980 4231 hrs 2WD no RT, beater......................................9,500 IH 1480 1980 4143 hrs 2WD RT.......................................................13,900 Case IH 1640 1988 3943 hrs 2wd, chopper, IH eng.....................21,000 Case IH 1644 1994 3955 hrs 2wd beater, RT................................36,500 Case IH 1680 1992 4282 hrs RT, chopper......................................38,500 Case IH 2377 2006 1591 rotor hrs, 2WD, RT,chop,FT................139,000 Case IH 2388 2003 2040 rotor hrs 2wd RT,chop..........................95,000 Case IH 2388 1998 1688 rotor hrs 2wd RT chopper....................99,000 Case IH 2577 2008............................................................................179,000 Case IH 2588 2007 1051 rotor hrs 2wd RT, chopper.................185,500 Case IH 5088 2011 463 rotor hrs 2WD, RT, Chopper.................225,000 Case IH 5130 2012 99 rotor hrs 2WD RT, chopper....................235,000 Case IH 7120 2010 875 rotor hrs, 2WD........................................229,000 Case IH 7120 2009 831 rotor hrs...................................................239,000 Case IH 7120 2011 407 rotor hrs 2WD.........................................269,000 John Deere 9650STS 2003 1678 rotor hrs 2WD........................120,000 Cat Lexion 475 tracks…….ask for Dale or Doug.......................90,000 CORN HDS/PLATFORMS IH 820 20 ft, wooden bats, manual fore and aft.............................1,500 Case IH 1020 20’ 1986 SCH, Johnson Rock Guard.........................6,900 Case IH 1020 25’ 1989..........................................................................5,900 Case IH 1020 25’ 2000, rock guard, SCH knife, FT.......................10,000 Case IH 1020 25’ 1988, 3” bolt on...................................................12,000 Case IH 1020 25’ 1996 3” bolt on knife...........................................12,500 Case IH 1020 30’ 1994 FT, SCH knife, oil bath................................7,500 Case IH 1020 30’ 1998 FT 3” bolt on knives, poly skid................12,000 Case IH 1020 30’ Grain Head 1999 rock guard FT 3”..................12,500 Case IH 1020 30’ Grain Head 2000, FT...........................................13,860 Case IH 1020 30’ 1997, FT, SCH, Rockguard..................................14,900 Case IH 1020 30’ 2003 FT, 3” bolt on knife, poly..........................15,000 Case IH 1020 30’ 2006 full finger auger.........................................17,500 Case IH 1020 30’ 2004.......................................................................20,000 Case IH 1020 30’ 1995 SCH, field tracker, poly skid....................17,000 Case IH 2020 30’ 2007 3” bolt on knife, field tracker..................14,500 Case IH 2020 30’ 2009 3” bolt on knife, field tracker..................16,500 Case IH 2020 35’ 2009.......................................................................15,500 Case IH 2020 35’ 2010.......................................................................19,000 Case IH 2062 30’ 2007 Draper...........................................................42,000
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520 East Boundry Fort Recovery, OH
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Drought Mitigation Center drought impact reporter, during the 2012, Ohioans shall the drought majorly affected Agriculture, Business and Industr y, Plants and Wildlife, and Society and Public Health. States like Missouri and Illinois were hit the hardest, and like Ohio were suffered the most in Agriculture. When it comes to droughts our main focus is the soil. Soil is the main factor when it comes to our crops, plants wildlife and the in the case we are looking at … foundations. When it comes to soil, climate is the key player that influences the weathering of it. Soil is made up of different layers of minerals, organic matter, chemical and biological breakdowns. Precipitation helps move these different layers downward moving the organic matter throughout which helps aid in the development of seed and
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Droughts and the foundation do not mix well, as a friend of mine recently found out. A few weeks ago, my friend noticed one of his walls was slowly separating from the ceiling. After calling the repair man out to look at it, the foundation was cracking, and needed to be repair to prevent further damage. The repairman said because the drought was faced last summer, caused the issue. So how did this happen, and what can we do to prevent an issue like this from happening? Many times during a drought we are concerned with the impact it is having on our current ever yday life, most importantly our food chain. Last year as many can recall was one of the worse drought we had seen in for many years, cause huge devastations on our farmers and their yields. According the National
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4A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Ohio prime grounds for raptor sightings R yan Carpe
ilies are the vultures, osprey and falcons, while members of the fourth family are hawks, which include eagles, harriers and acccipters. There are two species of vultures in Ohio: The turkey vulture and the black vulture, and both of them have a primar y diet of carrion. People often see vultures along roadways, where animals struck and killed by vehicles provide the birds with their next meal ticket. Vultures ride thermals, or warm air currents, to sail for hours in the sky with little effort. The red-tailed is the most common hawk in Ohio and the eastern United States. They perch on sites — such as trees and fence posts — that provide them with a lookout point from which they can watch over the landscape for their prey and approaching danger. The osprey is one of the most prolific raptors in the world, and are regularly sighted flying in Ohio over bodies of water in spring and fall searching for fish. Ospreys build their nests near water bodies, and often will reuse their nests over many years. According to L ynch, falcons are built for speed and prefer open areas to use it to their advantage to dive upon small birds. The American kestrel and Peregrine Falcon may be familiar sights to many Ohio birders, but that wasn’t always the case. After a pair of Peregrinss began nesting in Toledo in 1988, the ODNR Division of Wildlife conducted an introduction program to help restore the eastern population of these birds. Migrating peregrines are occasionally seen along western Lake Erie, and one of Ohio major cities where these birds nest. A distinguishing feature of the peregrine falcon is the black stripe or “mustache” below the eye. Adults are slate gray above and light underneath with fine bands and spots of black And Ohio carries a large selection of owls, which are nocturnal. Presently the
rcarpe@civitasmedia.com
MADISON COUNTY - During September’s Ohio Farm Science Review, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources hosted a presentation entitled, “Who’s Who of Ohio’s Raptors,” which detailed the variety of birds of prey native to our region. The event was held in held in the Gwynne Conservation Area by, which is a 67-acre demonstration and education area for agriculture and natural resources management practices. Ohio State University retired employee Bill L ynch led the discussion, and engaged the crowd by challenging them the properly identify each raptor prior to revealing their names. Raptors are predators that utilize their excellent eyesight, hearing, and sharp cur ved beaks to overpower their prey. Among the most well-known raptors are eagles, ospreys, hawks, kites, falcons, and owls. While they all share common characteristics like their powerful claws and lightweight builds, they’re all highly specialized. “Most of everyone has a couple raptors they’re familiar with, but Ohio has quite a few species that are all designed differently to do different things is their habitats. And so the birds are influenced by their size, speed and agility, to determine where they’re most capable,” said Lynch. According to L ynch, many of their wing shapes vary from species to species. Many raptors have wings that are wide in proportion to their length, which makes it possible for them to soar on wind currents as they hunt for their prey and maneuver well at low speeds in the air as they move in close for a kill. The most common types of diurnal (day-time) raptors in Ohio include Ohio’s diurnal raptors are classified into four major families. Three of the fam-
state has recorded 12 species, of the 19 regularly occurring species of owls in North America. And there are quite the odd assortment of rare birds flying through Ohio skies. It is no longer unheard of to see a golden eagle, North America’s largest predatory bird, navigating Ohio’s skies. It
averages 30 inches in length and features a 6.5-foot wingspan. Among other rarity sightings in Ohio are the Merlin, Snowy Owl and Mississippi Kite, so if you do spot any of these in your lifetime, consider yourself lucky! Ryan Carpe is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
Corn huskers show off their skills
GAYLEN BLOSSER/Advocate photo
Ken Evink, 81, of Flandreau, S.C. competes in the National Corn Huskers Association competition in Greenville. The Ohio contest was held Saturday with the Nationals held Sunday along with a tractor show, flea market and craft, corn games and more.
Gaylen Blosser
Jan Kinner of Kettering, Ohio teaches at the Defense Acquisition University in Kettering. She brought a group of militar y officers to Double M Diner for an early Saturday morning breakfast before the group headed out to Wildcat Road to hone their husking skills. “This is my third year of picking,” he said. Some of the contestants for Sunday’s national event not only came from Ohio, but Pennsylvania, Florida, Alabama, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Illinois. “Hybrids have changed the contest from years ago,” said National Corn Huskers Association President Bill Byers. “Prior to WWII the last national was held in 1941. Most of the corn at that time was what we called open pollinated. The ears were longer and bigger.” “Now we use a hybrid. A hybrid is made of seven mature plants,” explained Byers. “Our ears today are smaller in length because they want uniformity for
GREENVILLE – The State and National Corn Huskers Association descended on the Magie Wonder Acres Farm bringing corn husking skills demonstrations and years of friendship to Darke County. The Ohio contest was held the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20 with the Nationals held on Sunday along with a tractor show, flea market and crafts, corn games and more. The contests were sponsored by Beck’s Hybrids. “Last year at the state contest we knew we were having the nationals in Ohio, so we offered our farm to bring the contest to Ohio and they accepted our offer,” said Greenville resident Kathy Magie, secretar y of the Ohio Corn Huskers Association. Magie explained they had the room for parking and flea market areas as well as enough corn fields to accommodate for the event.
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the machinery. You also can get two more ears to a stalk. Corn today is uniform size. Not for us, but for the machinery and it’s a harder corn.” Teams of horse-drawn wagons slowly moved along side neat rows of cornstalks as the huskers worked quickly to fill the wagons with husked corn. The corn huskers that competed came in all heights and ages, men and women alike, with their eye on the championship. “If you have real tall corn, your short huskers are going to do a lot of reaching. Your arms are going to get tired because you are reaching up,” said Byers. “If it’s short corn like we’ve had in some years and you are a tall husker, your back is going to kill you. We’ve had guys get
down on their hands and knees because their backs hurt.” Byers said that the goal of husking is “to get it clean, get it in the wagon, not leave any stalk and not leave any corn in the field.” He said each person has a different style. “I could watch you husk all day and couldn’t learn your style. You could watch me all day and couldn’t learn my style,” explained Byers. “You have to develop your own way and there are lots of different ways. Some guys go barehanded. Some will wear a thumb hook. Some will wear palm hooks or a peg, which goes across your fingers. We’ve had guys that wear pegs on both hands and hooks on both hands. We’ve had guys that wear gloves and put pine tar on them. There are all kinds of things done.” A steady Saturday morning rain fell on the Ohio State Corn Huskers Association contest but did not halt the husking in the muddy fields as the top three contestants from each group had to be named for Sunday’s national contest. “In London, Ohio in 1938 there were over 50,000 people total that watched the corn husking event,” shared Byers. “It drew the people, because back then ever ybody was husking corn by hand. That is what they made their living at.” “It was a competition, but it was also a social gathering. Back then they came from all over,” said Byers. “They would drive to see this. They made an event out of it, but we don’t have the crowds today. If we get 1,000 people to the nationals that would be a big thing.” As the weekend of husking, stor ytelling and fellowship came to a close, Byers said the event was all about fun. “When it is all over with it doesn’t matter who won. Next year may be you and the next year after that it might be him or her. So it was fun.” Gaylen Blosser is a contributing writer for The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
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5A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Black walnuts: backyard shade or moneymaker CAMDEN - Black walnut, a rapidly growing tree common in all of Ohio, is most common in moist bottomlands and open fields, but is found ever ywhere, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, due to squirrels burying its nuts. The black walnut tree’s fine-grained, chocolatebrown, relatively lightweight heartwood is the ultimate choice for making solid wood furniture, interior trim, gunstocks, and high-quality veneer. The large nut contained beneath the husks of Black Walnut is round and can be cracked open to expose the bittersweet, oily, and highly nutritious kernel. According to the Ohio Nut Grower’s Association, there is a market for black walnuts in Ohio, and one can easily turn the nuts into income. It is common for farmers and other small-scale growers to sell black walnuts locally. Ohio Farm Bureau and ONGA officials have reported one
Michael Zimmerman photo
Despite the cool, damp weather, BJ Price of Eaton had the black walnut hulling machine on site during the annual Black Walnut Festival in Camden, Oct. 19.
can expect to earn anywhere between $8 and $10 a pound for black walnut meat at farmers markets. If selling directly to a black walnut buyer, he or she can
expect black walnuts to bring $80 per truckload (black walnuts in the shell) or $10 per 100 pounds (black walnuts in the shell), it was reported by
“Our Ohio.” BJ Price of Eaton is a buyer for Hammons Products Company in Stockton, Missouri. He contacted Hammons several years
ago about setting up a local buying station, but the company was not looking to contract with any new buyers at the time. Time passed, and a company salesman contacted Price in early 2012 to see about locating a buying station at the family farm in Eaton. The company brought out the hulling machine last year and has an agreement to buy all of the nuts brought to the buying station. Price’s hulling machine was recently on site for the annual Black Walnut Festival in Camden. The black walnut tree’s fruit isn’t the only valuable part of the tree. Walnut trees are often seen as good quality timber as well. According to the Ohio University Extension Office, although some walnut trees are often valuable, those grown in urban backyards are often not. Black walnut has long been used for fine furniture, gun stocks, bowls, and novelties because of its beautiful
grain, color, and the ease with which it can be worked, OSU officials note. Quality walnut logs are cut into lumber; the best are sliced into veneer. Walnut veneer is a very thin sheet of wood (as thin as 1/50 inch) that can be glued to the surface of another species of wood or plywood to give the appearance of walnut. While walnut lumber trees must be of good quality, veneer trees are of higher quality and command the highest prices. Several key characteristics determine the value of a black walnut tree for timber or veneer, including trunk diameter, height, and how free the trunk is from defects. OSU officials urge, before deciding to sell their standing black walnut trees, owners should seriously consider the value of urban black walnuts as living trees, including shade, beauty, wildlife, and increased real-estate value. These trees can not be replaced in one’s lifetime.
How to rake leaves more efficiently Raking leaves is a fact of life for many homeowners. Cool autumn weather and less sunlight are signals to certain trees that it is time to shed their leaves. A leafless tree is more capable of conser ving energy and riding out the winter successfully. Trees also shed their leaves during periods of drought or if they have produced too many leaves in the summer and need to conser ve water. For homeowners, fallen leaves can be an unsightly nuisance that can stain concrete and smother lawns, especially when fallen leaves are not promptly removed. Raking is a timely task many homeowners dread. But it is possible to cut down on the time it takes to clear a yard of all those unsightly leaves. •Wait for the majority of leaves to drop before beginning your work. If you start too early in the season, you may end up raking multiple times and that is not time-efficient. •Use the technology at your disposal. If the grass is still growing, you can use a mulching mower to take care of some of the leaves. The mower will shred the leaves and create nutrients for the soil and the lawn. However, once the lawn stops growing you do not want to cut it too short. This is when it is time to take out the
rake. A composting vacuum and leaf blower are other ways to make quick work of cleaning up leaves. Although these devices may not be as eco-friendly as a rake, they can significantly reduce the time it takes to clear a yard of fallen leaves. •Remember to rake downwind. It is a good idea to save raking for a day when it is not too breezy; otherwise, you may end up raking the same spots over and over. Handle small spots at one time and rake the leaves into small piles. Then you can easily transfer the leaves to a tarp or bag and set aside for disposal or deposit them into
your compost heap. •Invest in a lightweight leaf rake and a good pair of gloves. Being comfortable while doing the work will make it go more smoothly and quickly, and a lightweight rake won’t be too taxing, while gloves will prevent the formation of blisters. In addition, take breaks to rest and recharge. •Move your feet as you rake so your arms and back are not doing all of the work. Think of it as dragging the leaves more so than just shuffling them around. The more leaves you can gather in one pass of the rake, the more quickly the job will go.
•Spread the work around. Sharing the task with others certainly cuts down on the time it takes to clear the yard. Have a leaf-raking party in which members of the household each pitch in before everyone enjoys a well-deserved backyard barbecue. Although raking leaves may not be the average homeowner’s favorite activity, it is a healthy one. Various muscles are worked when raking, which also is a good form of cardiovascular exercise. In fact, a person who weighs 180 pounds can expect to burn more than 350 calories raking leaves for an hour.
Free Trapper Education Workshop in Xenia
XENIA – Those interested in learning the basics of trapping are encouraged to attend a free, informational workshop provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 in Xenia. This workshop will allow individuals to fulfill the trapper education course requirements for all new trappers to purchase their first fur-taker permit. This class is open to adults or youth. However, youth 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Division of Wildlife employees will cover topics such as trapping tips and tactics, laws and regulations, and fur
handling. At the end of the course students will be able to take the trapper education certification test. The workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wildlife District Five Office located at 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia Ohio 45385. The workshop is free of charge. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Register on line at https://www1.oh.wildlifelicense.com/ start.php . Students may pack a lunch or may purchase lunch from one of several local fast food restaurants. Please e-mail Brant Fulks with questions about the workshop at Brant.fulks@dnr.state.oh.us or call 937347-0929.
Caplingers attend Kubota Tractor Corporation annual meeting the R TV-X900, X1120D, and the X1100C. Kubota’s “Work. Build. Grow.” theme was brought to life by highlighting activities that will build on the company’s success and continue the growth experienced over the last four decades. During the meeting, representatives from Twin Valley Equipment also attended field demonstrations and classroom sessions, gaining hands-on operator ex-
perience with Kubota’s latest products. “Kubota dealers are central to this company’s success,” said Mr. Yuichi (Ken) Kitao, president, Kubota Tractor Corporation. “We are proud to work with our entire dealer network to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations by providing them with quality products that offer great value and an exceptional customer experience.”
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6A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Contributor to Agriculture:
Carl Gustav Patrick DeLaval (1856-1913) By Matt Aultman Carl DeLaval was a chemist-metallurgist and machine designer from Sweden. His name became synonymous to many farms households with his invention of a simple machine that could continuously separate cream from whole fresh milk. The invention of the cream separator created a new cash crop for farmers: sweet fresh cream. This invention changed the way the world handled milk. Laval was born at Orsa in Dalarna in the Swedish de Laval Huguenot family. He enrolled at the Institute of Technology in Stockholm in 1863, receiving a degree in mechanical engineering in 1866. After college, he was then employed by the Swedish mining company, Stora Kopparberg followed by employment with the Kloster Iron works in Husby parish, Sweden. He was a successful engineer and businessman. He also held the national office, being elected to Swedish parliament, from 1888– 1890 and later became a member of senate. De Laval died in Stockholm in 1913 at the age of 67. DeLaval was a brilliant inventor in many fields, but is recognized for his profound impact on dairy farmers and commercial dairies. Before he invented the DeLaval high-speed centrifugal cream separator in 1879, cream was typically obtained by skimming the top of milk that had stood in shallow containers for several hours. By 1885, the DeLaval Separator Company was incorporated
DeLaval
and began manufacturing in Poughkeepsie, New York. The company expanded worldwide and went on to pioneer a wide range of milk handling and cooling equipment and the first practical milking machine. The development of the separator led to the invention of the
steam turbine. DeLaval is a vibrant company today and is also credited with initiating other industrial applications to separate and purify liquids of var ying densities. De Laval made important contributions to the dair y industr y, including the first centrifugal milk-cream separator and early milking machines, the first of which he patented in 1894. It was not until after his death, however, that the company he founded marketed the first commercially practical milking machine, in 1918. Together with Oscar Lamm, de Laval founded the company Alfa Laval in 1883, which was known as AB Separator until 1963 when the present name was introduced. In 1991, Alfa Laval Agri, a company producing dair y and farming machinery was split from Alfa Laval when it was bought by the Tetra Pak Group. When Alfa Laval was sold, Alfa Laval Agri remained a part of the Tetra Pak group and was renamed DeLaval, after the company’s founder. Without your invention, the art of skimming milk was lost and the ease of making butter was increased. So thank you Carl Gustav Patrick DeLaval for you contribution to agriculture and saving time to be more productive on the farm. Matt Aultman is the Chairman of the Darke County Chamber Agriculture Committee and Chairman-elect of the Darke County Farm Bureau. He can be reached at darkecountyfarmer@gmail.com for comments.
Emerald Ash Borer takes hold of Ohio Ryan Carpe
rcarpe@civitasmedia.com
DARKE COUNTY – After years of fighting its emergence, the Emerald Ash Borer has taken up a firm residence in most parts of Darke County. “We’re seeing the Emerald Ash Borer pretty much everywhere,” said Casey Burdick, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Service Forester. So far, 72 counties have confirmed Emerald Ash Borer finds, with Darke County firmly on the list. While previous efforts were devoted to identification, eradication and quarantine measures, the beetle has become so prominent that the emphasis has shifted to simple management. But it wasn’t’ always this way. On Sept. 8, 2010, the entire state was quarantined to prevent infested ash firewood, logs or nursery trees from being transported and starting new infestations, but the effort proved futile. “There are no longer efforts being done by the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) to control the Emerald Ash Borer in Ohio. It’s been found in most of the counties at this point,” said Casey Burdick, Southwest Ohio Service Forester. Because the pest is now firmly established throughout most of Ohio, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and the Wayne National Forest, there are no longer quarantine regulations in place for the pesky bug within the state. According to the ODA, the Emerald Ash Borer had been in the United States long before it was initially found, so it was further spread than was first estimated.. And the ecological damage it has caused is now incalculable. “Over the last two years, especially in southwest Ohio, there’s been a tremendous amount of dieback (gradual dying of plant shoots),” said Burdick. “It’s been much more noticeable when you’re driving around, you see a lot of dead ash trees along roadsides and our woodlands.” The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a nonnative insect from Asia and is part of a group known as metallic wood-boring beetles. The insect was first discovered in Michigan in the Detroit area in July, 2002. In February of the next year, it was found feeding on ash trees in northwest Ohio near Toledo. Since the beetle affects all species of native ash found in Ohio by feeding on the living portion of the tree and restricting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients, even the healthiest tree will die of infestation three to five years. Approximately one in every 10 trees in Ohio is an ash. And the problems aren’t just ecological. The Emerald Ash Borers have taken a bite out of the Ohio economy as well. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the potential economic impact of the EAB to Ohio residents over
Submitted photo
Darke County and the surrounding regions are losing their ash trees to an Emerald Ash Borer infestation, as evidenced in these photos of dying ash trees located in the Greenville City Park and Union Cemetery.
the next 10 years could reach $3 billion. The amount is calculated on the estimated impact on property owners having to remove damaged/dead trees from their yards and the loss of ash as a managed species for Ohio’s forest industry. That figure does not include the value of ash as an important ecological component of Ohio’s diverse hardwood forest. Municipalities and local parks are being affected too. For instance, two trees in the City of Greenville Park are set to be removed, which carry a maintenance cost for removal. “I think it just keeps getting worse. Everything that I’ve read about it recently, it just keeps spreading further and further,”said Greenville Street Superintendent Ryan Delk. There are currently no financial assistance programs available through the Department of Agriculture to assist with tree removals or insecticide applications. The Department of Agriculture is not presently sending officials out to look at suspected Emerald Ash Borer damage, and
instead they recommend that homeowners contact a certified arborist to have their trees inspected. However for large forested areas, the ODA commissions Service Foresters who can come out to privately owned property and discus forest management options to meet the owner’s goals. And now after the EAB has established its territory in Ohio, a new menace is beginning to inhabit Ohio trees. In June 2011, the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) was first discovered in Tate Township in Clermont County. This invasive beetle has no known natural predators and poses a threat to Ohio’s hardwood forests and the Ohio economy, such as the state’s $5 billion nursery industry, which employs nearly 240,000 people. To keep this tree-killing pest from spreading across Ohio, restricted areas are now in effect for Tate Township and parts of Monroe, Stonelick and Batavia Townships in Clermont County, as well as for East Fork State Park. ALB has only been found in Clermont County in Ohio at this
time. And in response, The Ohio Department of Agriculture and ODNR announced the availability of $2 million in funding to assist with the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) infestation in Clermont County. So now, the conservation agencies are actively researching ways to understand many of these beetles’ life cycle and finding ways to detect new infestations, control their development and ultimately contain the infestation. Ryan Carpe is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
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7A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Grow pumpkins right at home next year Year after year, families make the trek to farm stands and nurseries in rural areas to purchase pumpkins. There among the vines and soil, each person is on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin to turn into pie or to car ve into a gap-toothed jack-o’-lantern. But what if you only had to venture as far as your backyard for the ideal autumn pumpkin? Maybe next year the family should grow their own. It’s possible when you plan ahead and sow the seeds of your ver y own pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are a long-season fruit that requires some advanced soil prep work and planning to ensure a bountiful crop. Pumpkins come in hundreds of varieties of all shapes and sizes. Pumpkins belong to the “cucurbita” family and come in three main categories. Cucurbita Moschata pumpkins belong to a group of mainly squashes that are usually used commercially for canned pumpkins. Cucurbita Pepo pumpkins are the ones typically car ved on Halloween.
Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) senior agriculture students attended the Farm Science Review at Molly Caren Farm in London, Ohio, on Sept. 18. According to their website, “The Farm Science Review attracts upwards of 130,000 visitors from all over the United States and Canada, who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 exhibitors, commercial and learn the latest in agricultural production. The educational programs feature Ohio State and Purdue specialists and are second to none in the agricultural exhibition world. The 80-acre exhibit area allows visitors and exhibitors to experience all aspects of agriculture production. Inside the exhibit area are the static displays, but the FSR dedicates over 600 acres of land for field demonstrations such as corn and soybean combines, tillage, nutrient and lime applications, and drainage installations.” MVCTC instructors Eva Wiley, Mike Mullen, Larr y Seibel, and Christa Nealeigh took 43 MVCTC agriculture students to the 2013 Farm Science Review. The MVCTC agriculture programs for high school students include
Submitted photo
On Sept. 17, members of the National Trail/MVCTC Agricultural Education program attended the Ohio Farm Science Review, in London. Students from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources class, the Business Management in Agricultural and Environmental Science class and the Agricultural Structural Engineering class traveled to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. The center currently serves as one of the major farms of The Ohio State University as well as the site of the annual Ohio Farm Science Review each September. Seventy-two students of the Agricultural Education and FFA Program, which is a satellite program of Miami Valley Career Technology Center made the trip. The goal of the trip was to enable students to see the scope of agriculture in Ohio and to observe the latest advances in the Agricultural Industry. The trip was under the direction of Ag. Ed. Instructor Joe Slone and was chaperoned by Charles Hart and Charles Armstrong.
Updated fertility calculator for field crop growers phorus test and unit and enter their crops, yield goals and soil test results to calculate the soil fertilizer application rates and costs recommendations. The calculator can be downloaded at http://agcrops.osu.edu/ specialists/fertility/ fertility-fact-sheets-andbulletins/TriStateFertCal cV2013-4.xlsm. For more information, visit the Darke County OSU Extension web site at www.darke.osu.edu, the OSU Extension Darke County Facebook page or contact Sam Custer, at 937-548-5215.
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tered directly without conversion. Phosphorus and potassium soil tests that can be reported in units of pounds per acre or part per million. A lime recommendation sheet that provides lime need based on Effective Neutralizing Power of the liming source and calculates the cost of the product and application. A fertilizer recommendation sheet that calculates dr y fertilizer need and cost on a per-acre and total-field basis. The spreadsheet allows users to select the phos-
Agriculture Resource Management, Animal Care and Management, Diesel and Power Technologies, Natural Resource Management, Retail Agriculture Ser vices, and Veterinar y Science. Mr. Hershberger, MVCTC Agriculture Resource Management instructor, said, “The Farm Science Review is an opportunity for the Ag programs to experience current Agriculture Technology and equipment in operation through a variety of displays and field demonstrations. This is a national show put on by one of the largest Agriculture Colleges (The Ohio State University) in the countr y, it is a great opportunity for our students!” Shelby Roach, MVCTC Veterinar y Science senior from Miami East, said of her experience, “I was able to look at college booths and at the different types of jobs I am able to pursue with my MVCTC program. It was interesting to see all of the different types of agriculture companies and the impressive advancement in the equipment. Not only are there advancements in equipment, but also in seeds, livestock, and all other aspects of the agriculture industr y.”
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Center. OSU Extension and OARDC are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college. Developed by agronomists, the calculator is in the form of a spreadsheet that is easy to use and designed to help growers get the most accurate results, LaBarge said. “It’s one way to get at what that fertility number needs to be, making sure it’s not too high or too low,” he said. “The spreadsheet has been updated to prove more functionality using feedback from growers who’ve used previous versions of the calculator.” Some of the new functions the tool offers include: Phosphorus soil test results using Bray P1 or Mehlich III that can be en-
leaves, and water the pumpkins in the morning instead of late in the evening. This can prevent the onset of fungal diseases. It is also advisable to plant sunflowers next to pumpkins to attract the pests that may normally thrive on the pumpkins. Beetles, aphids and squash bugs are common and can damage the crop. When the shell of the pumpkin has hardened and is no longer easily dented, it is usually ready for harvesting. The vine also may begin to thin and whither. If a pumpkin is large but not quite ready, place boards under the pumpkin to keep it from rotting on the ground. Cut stems on the long side, and never carry around the pumpkin by the stem. It can break and cause the pumpkin to rot prematurely. Reduce watering a week to 10 days before harvesting, which will help them keep longer. While visiting pumpkin farms is an enjoyable autumn activity, homeowners can plant their own pumpkins and enjoy their harvests right from the comforts of their backyards.
MVCTC students attend Farm Science Review
Students visit Ohio Farm Science Review
DARKE COUNTY Agronomists from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences have updated a fertility recommendation calculator designed to provide major field crop growers with guidance on fertilizer application rates and costs. The updated tool offers users calculations based on tri-state fertilizer recommendations for corn, soybeans, wheat only, wheat for grain and straw, corn silage, and alfalfa, said Greg LaBarge, an Ohio State University Extension field specialist and one of the leaders of Ohio State’s Agronomic Crops Team. The team also includes scientists from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development
Cucurbita Maxima are the giant pumpkins that show up at state fairs and other vegetable and fruit growing contests. To begin a pumpkin patch, find an area of the yard that gets full sunlight. The soil should have a slightly acidic soil from 6.0 to 6.8 pH. Pumpkins prefer a light, rich soil that drains well. Till the soil and amend it with compost to ensure it is rich in nutrients. Pumpkins can be started indoors from seeds during the early spring. However, if you plan to put seedlings into the ground, be sure to do so when the first frost is over and the soil is 60 F. The temperature during the day should average 70 F. Be sure to space pumpkins far apart from one another and dig them in deep. Leave at least a few feet of space because vines can grow quite long and pumpkins can get large. Pumpkins are mostly water and need a lot to grow, so test the soil’s moisture levels ever y day. Only add water when it is needed. Deep but infrequent watering results in healthier plants. Keep water off of the
8A MYOWN RURAL LIFE OF WESTERN OHIO | November Issue
Use caution when burning debris COLUMBUS – Ohioans should be aware of the outdoor burning regulations and take necessary precautions if they plan to burn debris, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). “We want to encourage people to be safe and responsible when conducting outdoor burns this season,” said Robert Boyles, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. “While Ohio does not typically encounter large fires like those in the Western states, when people are not careful with their outdoor burns they can create the potential for loss of property or life.” Ohio law states outdoor debris burning
is prohibited from 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. during November. Burning is limited in the fall due to the abundance of dry fuel on the ground from dried grasses, weeds and autumn leaves. Winds can make a seemingly safe fire become quite hazardous. Violators of Ohio’s burning regulations are subject to citations and fines. Residents should also check Ohio Environmental Protection Agency regulations and consult with local fire department officials about burning conditions and safety considerations. If a fire does escape control, immediately contact the local fire department. An escaped wildfire, even one burning in grass or weeds, is dangerous.
The ODNR Division of Forestry offers these safety tips for burning debris outdoors: Consider using a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator. Know current and future weather conditions and do not leave debris burning unattended. Keep suppression tools such as a charged water hose, shovel and a rake close by while burning debris. Be informed about state and local burning regulations. Homeowners living within incorporated limits should check with their fire department for local ordinances. Most incorporated areas do not allow open
debris burning due to the close proximity of homes and businesses. Visit ohiodnr.gov/forestry and firewise. org for more information and tips on protecting a home and community. Remember, Smokey Bear says, “Only you can prevent wildfires!” The ODNR Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit ohiodnr.gov/forestry. ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Precision agriculture marks future of farming Ryan Carpe
rcarpe@civitasmedia.com
DARKE COUNTY - As part of the 2013 Darke County Agricultural Tour sponsored by Brethren Retirement Community, a tour bus packed with Darke Countians had the opportunity to visit several regional farm operations. Koenig Equipment in Greenville became the second stop, where the dealer offers a wide variety of new and used John Deere equipment for the farm or construction site including tractors, combines, attachments, skid steers, and utility vehicles. According to its website John C. Koenig founded the hardware and farm equipment dealership, In 1904 to serve his friends and neighbors. Although the facility showcased hundreds of new and used commercial and residential equipment, Koenig field technicians took the opportunity to address a new and productive trend in agriculture: precision farming. Precision farming is a new agricultural concept based on observing, measuring and responding variability in crops by using modern day technology like satellite/GPS tracking and remote monitoring systems. And while the practice may be new to many, its already big business. According to a new market research report “Precision Farming Market by Technology, Components, Applications - Global Forecast & Analysis published by MarketsandMarkets, the overall Global precision farming market will be worth $3,721.27 million by 2018. The global Precision Farming Market covers the entire industry on the basis of technology, hardware & software component, application, and geography. According to the report, programs that involve variable rate applications (which cover fertilizer, lime, weed control, and seeding times) and yield monitoring are expected to
be the major revenue generators for the Global precision farming market. Precision farming at its core is a tool that will be used to increase agricultural efficiency and allow farmers to one day monitor their entire fields at the push of a button. It sounds far-fetched, but many of those methods and software are available today. John Deere already offers farmers and dealers software that can proactively monitor equipment and GPS units that scout and create farming routes. And dealers can now access and view an operator’s equipment screen remotely in case of malfunction, which could lead to an on-thespot assessment and potentially save a trip in town for an assessment, getting farmers back to work faster. Often when farming equipment ceases functioning, but soil and weather conditions
are ideal, it’s costing that operator money. Therefore, increasing the amount of time that your machines and operators spend getting work done is critical. Satellite or Aerial Remote Sensing technology has also increased in popularity and effectiveness, as the need has grown for improved management of the world’s agricultural resources. Satellite or Aerial Remote Sensing often utilizes vegetation analysis, where it can show crop growth from planting through to harvest, changes as the season progresses and abnormalities such as weed patches, soil compression and irrigation problems. Farmers have already begun adopting geolocation navigation, which enables the farmer to view information gathered from soil analysis and on previous crops and soil resistivity. And many farmers agree that perpetu-
ally updating soil analysis tools could be the difference between an average and ideal yield. Geolocation can be done using an in-vehicle GPS receiver as the farmer drives a tractor around the field or alternatively a basemap can be derived from aerial or satellite imagery. John Deere also offers farm management software that helps assess practices and productivity of past years, so agribusinesses can use that information to make essential decisions for the next production year and beyond. It all contributes to the fact that farmers are now just as likely to talk about digital displays and GPS at their local John Deere retailers as they are combines and plows. Ryan Carpe is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
Storing your rain barrel for the winter? Here’s how Rain barrels are popular methods of gathering rain water, which can then be used in various ways. Rain barrels are typically attached to a home’s gutters and downspouts to collect water as it flows off of the roof. The collected water can be used for gardening, washing cars and watering the lawn. Some water collection systems can be used for drinking water, but such products require specialized filtration and sanitizing systems. While rain barrels can be effective in various climates, to prevent damage, water barrels may need to be stored in regions where freezing temperatures are common in the wintertime. When storing your rain
barrel for the winter, consider the following tips. •It is best to disconnect the downspout from the rain barrel and reattach the gutter extension to funnel water away from the foundation of the house. •Make sure the rain barrel is empty. Frozen water expands as it forms into ice, and it can crack the rain barrel. •Flip the rain barrel over so that it will not collect any rain or snow and store it in an out-of-theway area outside. If you have enough room, you may want to store the barrel indoors in a garage, basement or storage shed. •Take in any hoses so they do not freeze and crack from the cold weather.
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This year Preble County Farm Bureau awarded scholarships to Makayla Conley and Hannah Krull. Conley was the first recipient and is the daughter of Kevin and Lisa Conley of Lewisburg. Makayla is a 2011 graduate of TriCounty North and currently attends Miami University. She is a kinesiology major with business minor. Makayla has studied abroad at the Dulbois Miami Campus in Differenge, Luxembourg. She has been involved in many organizations throughout her high school and col-
lege careers. Makayla was a member of the Horses R Us 4-H club where she held the position of secretar y and treasurer. The second recipient was Hannah Krull, daughter of Benjamin and Melissa Krull of Lewisburg. Hannah graduated from Tri-County North in 2012 and currently attends Bluffton University. She majors in early childhood education. Hannah stayed involved with FFA during high school and also is currently active with the Preble County 4-H program.
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DRONE from pg. 1 counters is the lack of integration with other units on the ground like people and farm equipment. For instance, during the demonstration one of the drones had trouble finding a landing zone after a large combine kicked up dust in its intended destination. “It’s a big point of concern, and a reason why we’re (testing) this. To be able to investigate these ideas,” said McCrink. The FAA restricts the OSU Aerospace Engineer Department to flying within a one mile radius around the Farm Science Bureau grounds in Madison County with a maximum altitude of 400 feet, however the department is in the process of gaining approval to extend their altitude to up to 10,000 feet “Obviously the reason we want to do that is because it could take a picture of a farm field in just one pass,” said McCrink. In the meantime, the drone must make multiple passes to get a full read on an average field, but it sure does beat walking your rows to check the crops.
The OSU Aerospace Engineer Department is also developing the drone’s guidance system, with Google Earth at the heart of its input mapping system. The navigation has become so advanced, it even calculates the quickest path to map a field based on current wind direction and speeds. The most difficult part of the development so far, according to the OSU team, is engineering the drone to adapt to unforeseen circumstances. “We’re developing the robustness of the system such that we can rely on it working all the time and in vari-
ous environmental conditions and sensor failures,” said McCrink. “The big one we’re working on right now is, if it loses its GPS signal, how does it find out where it is. These are milestones that need to be met in terms of safe operations for the future.” OSU is able to operate and construct the drone because it is certified by the FAA, which is interested in how the team develops safe operating procedures to develop regulations and open up drone technology for the commercial market. “I guess you could consider it regulatory research,” said McCrink.
“Because its expected in the next few years that this market is going to slowly open
up and allow companies and private individuals to pursue these sort of things.”
Ryan Carpe is a staff writer at The Daily Advocate in Greenville.
RYAN CARPE/Advocate photo
Unmanned drone planes are able to fly slowly over a field while recording infrared and visual images of the land below, which can be used to determine field readings for agricultural uses.
DEER from pg. 1 include injuries could increase costs significantly. Some crashes involve multiple vehicles. ODPS reports 21,178 vehicles were involved in the 20,996 deervehicle crashes in 2012. OII estimates Ohio auto damages approached $72.3 million in 2012 based on the average cost per claim and number of vehicles involved in crashes. Most insurers cover these losses under the “other than collision” (comprehensive) portion of an auto insurance policy, less the deductible. OII officials note that insurers normally don’t single out deer-vehicle collision losses in determining future premium adjustments. Such a collision alone should not affect your premium. Driving tips for motorists • Drive with extreme caution, at or below the posted speed limit, in areas with deer-crossing signs. • Most crashes occur in the months of October
through January, followed by May. Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight, followed by the hours shortly before and after sunrise. • If you see one deer on or near a roadway, expect others to follow. Slow down and be alert. • After dark, use high beams when there is no opposing traffic. High beams will illuminate the eyes of deer on or near a roadway and provide greater motorist reaction time. Don’t rely solely on high beams to deter collisions. • Always wear a seat belt as required by state law and drive at a safe, sensible speed for conditions. • If a collision with a deer seems probable then hit it while maintaining full control of your vehicle. Don’t swerve your vehicle to avoid striking a deer. Brake firmly and stay in your lane. The alternative could be even worse. • Stay alert. Deer are al-
ways unpredictable. They often dart out into traffic on busy highways in metro areas. • Report any deer-vehicle collisions to a local law enforcement agency (such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol) or a state wildlife officer within 24 hours. Note: Under Ohio law, the driver of a vehicle that strikes and kills a deer may take possession of it by first obtaining a deer possession receipt (available from law or state enforcement wildlife officers, and from local Division of Wildlife district offices). OII is an industry trade association representing insurance companies and agent groups for Ohio’s property/casualty industry. The ODNR Division of Wildlife regulates Ohio’s fish and wildlife resources and ODPS protects the safety and security of Ohioans through eight divisions including the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
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