AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY REVIEW
WINTER 2020
INSIDE
OHIO FARM BUREAU
COLLABORATES WITH OHIO CATTLEMEN
RURAL OHIO NEEDS AN ACCURATE CENSUS COUNT HOW AG LENDERS ARE BANKING ON FARMERS
If we estimate dignity by immediate usefulness, agriculture is undoubtedly the first and noblest science. Samuel Johnson
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WINter 2020 | volume 07 | Issue 01
FEaturEs
06 10 12
04
PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS
06
OHIO FARM BUREAU COLLABORATES
USMCA Agreement
With Ohio Cattlemen
10
RURAL OHIO NEEDS AN
12
HOW AG LENDERS ARE BANKING
Accurate Census Count
On Farmers
In EvEry IssuE
05 14 22
CAN YOU NAME THIS TOOL? SUBSCRIBE TO HARVEST UPCOMING HARVEST EVENTS
© Gannett Co. Inc., 2020 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 | 330-264-1125 | 800-686-2958 | Find us on facebook.com/OhioHarvest Group Publisher – Bill Albrecht | Spectrum Director – Aaron Bass | Content Coordinator – Aaron Bass | Designer – Noel Simms HARVEST magazine is a quarterly publication centered in some of the most agriculturally rich counties in Ohio. We will bring you the latest in farming technologies, industry practices and hot topics in agriculture from industry experts in our area. If you wish to submit an article or offer a suggestion, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
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Hot topIcs
16
HOW FARMERS ARE
18
AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION
20
OSU SOIL STUDY ENCOURAGES
Using Drones
Announces 2020 Book of The Year
Hops Testing
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PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNS
By | Ty Higgins OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED JANUARY 29, 2020
USMCA AGREEMENT
the sIGNING of the united states-mexico- sets the stage for new deals that will level the Canada agreement by President Donald trump playing field for ohio farmers.” increases hopes that 2020 will begin a stronger decade for america’s farmers. the usmCa is also expected to result in an overall increase of $65 billion in gross domestic “the united states-mexico-Canada agreement product. Canada will increase quotas on u.s. dairy secures our valuable trade partnership with our products, benefiting american dairy farmers by nearest neighbors and locks in continued market $242 million. Canada also will treat wheat imports opportunities for agriculture that have been the same as domestic wheat for grading purposes. developed over the past two decades,” said Frank mexico also has agreed that all grading standards Burkett, ohio Farm Bureau president. “usmCa for ag products will be nondiscriminatory. the equals an increase of $2 billion in ag exports and agreement also enhances science-based trading standards among the three nations.
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President trump’s signature was the final step in enacting the agreement in the united states. mexico approved the usmCa last year. Canada must still ratify the pact, which is expected to occur in the next few months. the agreement will take effect 90 days after all countries have approved it. usmCa comes on the heels of a string of trade successes. the China Phase 1 agreement signed last December goes into effect in mid-February. the u.s.-Japan trade agreement signed last fall went into effect this past January.
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OHIO FARM BUREAU COLLABORATES
By | Amy Beth Graves FREE LANCE WRITER, OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED JANUARY 8, 2020
WITH OHIO CATTLEMEN
a seNse of dread overcame Bill Wickerham as he walked around the corner of the barn. Worried about two newborn calves, he’d left work early to check on them. lined up on the fence posts were several black vultures watching a calf. after scaring them off by shooting into the air, he went to check on the other calf. the sight was unnerving. at least 20 black vultures were just a few feet from the calf, creeping closer.
Bill Wickerham
as both a cattleman and wildlife specialist for the local soil and Water Conservation District, Wickerham knows how big a threat black vultures can be to a livestock producer. Because black vultures are federally protected under the migratory Bird treaty act, farmers aren’t allowed to shoot them without first obtaining a permit from the u.s. Fish and Wildlife service.
“had I not intervened, I’m quite confident that I Bill Wickerham would have lost that calf. Black vultures are a big problem here. typically they prey on defenseless calves and lambs, killing them,” said Wickerham, Being told they can’t shoot a bird that’s killing an adams County Farm Bureau member who has a their livestock — their livelihood — without first cow-calf operation in southern ohio, an area that applying for a permit is a common complaint is increasingly seeing more black vultures. among area farmers. most producers feel they
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“HAD I NOT INTERVENED, I’M qUITE CONFIDENT THAT I WOULD HAVE LOST THAT CALF. BLACK VULTURES ARE A BIG PROBLEM HERE. TYPICALLY THEY PREY ON DEFENSELESS CALVES AND LAMBS, KILLING THEM.” – BILL WICKERHAM, CATTLEMAN AND WILDLIFE SPECIALIST ADAMS SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
should have the right to protect their livestock. Wickerham, who lost twin calves in 2015 after they were attacked by black vultures, understands their frustration. “If this were an endangered species, that would be different, but they are far from endangered,” he said.
Farm Bureau trustee, said he appreciates Farm Bureau’s efforts to find a better way for farmers to protect their livestock from black vultures. Currently, Farm Bureau supports a bill in Congress that would allow livestock farmers to apply for a permit to kill black vultures during calving or lambing season. american Farm Bureau policy Wickerham, who has served as an adams County supports removing black vultures from the
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COLLABORATION continued from pg. 7 migratory Bird treaty act. “What I’ve always liked about Farm Bureau is its common sense approach. they try to get everybody at the table and discuss the issues and see what works for everybody,” said Wickerham, who has been a member for about a dozen years. “It’s not all just one side. they’ve done a lot of great things whether it’s line fence laws, water quality, Cauv or whatever.”
Education and networking In agreement were Kyle and ashton Walls, who have served as co-chairs of ohio Farm Bureau’s Young agricultural Professionals Committee, which plans educational and social programming for young farmers and agricultural professionals. the Ashton and Kyle Walls record a Walls, who live in video as part of their Ohio Farm mount vernon, raise Bureau award cattle for competitive rodeo events. starting a farm from scratch can be challenging, and the couple said they appreciate the education and networking they’ve received through Farm Bureau ever since moving to ohio and buying 20 acres in 2013. “Farm Bureau has helped us in an incredible capacity by helping us feel like we’re part of
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the industry. (Farm Bureau) gave us our place in agriculture,” Kyle said. “the educational side is critical. We are sponges and absorb everything that we possibly can — good or bad.” Kyle also serves on the board of the ohio Cattlemen’s association and is interested in building more synergy between the cattlemen’s and Farm Bureau. “as they continue to work together, it makes both organizations stronger in the end.” ohio Farm Bureau at the state and local levels has supported youth programming for the ohio Cattlemen’s association, including its Gala Celebration, which raises funds for youth scholarships, and its 20-year-old Best (Beef exhibitor show total) program, which recognizes ohio’s junior beef exhibitors. “Farm Bureau has been a long-time sponsor of the cattle industry’s youth programs and their support is greatly appreciated,” said elizabeth harsh, executive director of the ohio Cattlemen’s association. “While the cattlemen’s and Farm Bureau are separate and unique in their programming, there’s a lot of overlap on policy issues and working together makes us even more successful.”
policy Focus one area ohio Farm Bureau has focused on is ohio’s meat processing facilities. For years livestock producers have struggled to get their animals harvested and processed in a timely manner. meat processors complained state regulations were too rigid or inconsistently enforced. ohio Farm Bureau joined the ohio Cattlemen’s and ohio association of meat Processors in addressing these concerns. the result? the ohio Department of agriculture increased training at meat processing plants to ensure uniform enforcement of rules and reached out to the livestock industry about state and federal regulations. recently, ohio Farm Bureau successfully advocated for a 35% increase in state funding for meat inspection. that increase means more meat inspectors in plants and increased processing of livestock, according to Jenna Beadle, director of state policy for ohio Farm Bureau. Farm Bureau also is currently advocating on behalf of those who haul livestock long distance.
under a new federal law, drivers are allowed to be on duty for a total of 14 hours consecutively, including 11 hours of drive time. after the drivers reach 11 hours, they must rest and be off duty for 10 consecutive hours. “those cattle still have to get to their destination. they can’t sit in a trailer on the side of the road and wait for that truck driver to be able to haul again,” Wickerham said.
Leadership Development
producers, but also for consumers because ultimately we’re all consumers,” he said.
online Extra excellence in agriculture winners Kyle and ashton Walls’ unique cattle operation drew national attention when the couple competed in american Farm Bureau’s excellence in agriculture contest this past January. the Knox County couple started a cattle operation from scratch and raise mexican Corriente cattle for competitive rodeo events. they also raise laying hens for egg production. the Walls won ohio Farm Bureau’s excellence in agriculture award, qualifying them to compete at the national level. they also received a John Deere Gator courtesy of Farm Credit mid-america and a $1,000 cash prize sponsored by Nationwide and ohio Farm Bureau.
leadership training has been important to Clermont County Farm Bureau members Josh and sarah Ison, who market their angus beef directly to consumers. Both have participated in additional photos by amy Beth Graves and ohio Farm Bureau’s Jason meeker. a g r i P o W e r leadership program where they have learned how to be better leaders and Sarah and Josh Ison of advocates for the Clermont County. agricultural industry. CYLINDERS, PUMPS, MOTORS, VALVES - OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT (Photo: Sarah and Josh Ison) Currently, sarah is in american Farm Bureau’s Partners for advocacy leadership program, a high-level training program that prepares participants to represent agriculture in the media, through public speaking, congressional testimony and other advocacy areas. Filters, Quick Couplers, Seals, Bearings, “We’re talking about trade and how that impacts Pneumatic Components, Mobile PTO the cattle industry,” Ison said, explaining that local Wetline Kits, & so much more! cattlemen are affected every time international markets open or close for the united states. “Because we’re really small and I’m targeting the domestic market, I need those international markets to be open for the beef industry. I need those big guys to be able to ship their product and have markets outside of the united states.” Hundreds of English & Metric Hydraulic Steel Fittings in stock Wickerham said the savings and benefits he gets ENGLISH & METRIC HYDRALIC HOSES MADE WHILE YOU WAIT! from Farm Bureau is well worth the cost to be a member. he took advantage of a discount offered to Farm Bureau members to rent a no-till drill, which was purchased with the help of an ohio 12317 Dover Rd Apple Creek OH 44606 Farm Bureau Water Quality Grant. P: 330.857.0001 | F: 330.857.2446 Ltd. “Farm Bureau has been a great advocate for
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RURAL OHIO NEEDS AN
By | Jill Sell FREE LANCE WRITER KENT-RAVENNA RECORD COURIER
ACCURATE CENSUS COUNT
Photo courtesy: U.S. Census Bureau
have You BeeN CouNteD? april 1 was the u.s. Census Bureau’s official Census Day, but not everyone in the united states was counted. Don’t go missing. the Census Bureau is attempting to make the count as easy and as accurate as possible in 2020. For the first time, americans can respond not only to a mailed form, but by phone and online.
“You hear how people are moving away from farms, and people in rural areas may think they don’t matter,” said Carol hector-harris, media specialist with the u.s. Census Bureau. “But everyone counts, everyone matters. It’s not just a count. a state can lose a seat in Congress and no one wants to lose their voice in Washington.”
Census takers may come to your door in may and June if no response has been received. But in rural america, and that include parts of ohio’s agricultural areas in ashland, medina, Jefferson and Wayne Counties, as well as others, census takers face challenges not often found in urban areas. Post office box addresses may replace typical mailing addresses in more rural areas. and sending census takers to homes that are difficult to reach (think unpaved or unmarked roads and sometimes not near other residences) can be time consuming.
the u.s. Census is conducted every 10 years as required by the u.s. Constitution. the census provides information that determines the number of representatives each state sends to Congress. It is also used to redraw district boundaries if necessary. local communities need census numbers to better understand the needs for schools, housing, infrastructures and business opportunities.
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In rural areas, framers, growers, small town residents and off-the-grid residents need to be
“YOU HEAR HOW PEOPLE ARE MOVING AWAY FROM FARMS, AND PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS MAY THINK THEY DON’T MATTER... BUT EVERYONE COUNTS, EVERYONE MATTERS.” – CAROL HECTOR-HARRIS | MEDIA SPECIALIST, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
temporary agricultural workers brought to this country should also be counted.
accurately represented so their particular concerns about energy, the environment, transportation and communication can be heard. Jacob Coffy is Coordinator of strategic Partnerships for the ashland area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the ashland County Farm Bureau. he believes an accurate population account is vital to obtain grants and government funding for local concerns, including water and soil quality, algal bloom issues and more.
Coffy said the average person has the opportunity to participate in only six to eight censuses in a lifetime. “this is a chance to be counted and make a difference,” he says.
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“If we apply for a grant and need $300 million, and our census count is lower than it should be and not correct, the government can say it will give us only $100,000 because we should be able to take care of it ourselves,” warned Coffy.
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older americans have special needs in rural areas. according to the 2017 Connectivity summit on rural aging, 25 percent of americans older than 65 live in a small town or rural area. that percentage is most likely increasing (at least through 2030) as baby boomers continue to age. medical and social services, as well as social opportunities, are more difficult for older americans to obtain in rural areas, according to the study. Knowing how many and where older people live in rural america may help bring opportunities for longer and better lives.
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HOW AG LENDERS ARE BANKING
By | Ty Higgins OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED JANUARY 30, 2020
Joel oNeY, vice president and manager of agribusiness lending at heartland Bank, will be the first to tell you that being an ag banker was pretty easy when corn and soybeans hit all time high prices several years ago. he will also let you know that the team he leads has grown throughout the downturn in the ag economy, as have the number of farmers heartland lends to. “Part of that success is a result of staying very close with our clients,” oney said. “our delinquency rate, which is a pretty good measurement of stress in a bank’s portfolio, has stayed relatively low. Now, if you look under the hood there is no doubt you would see some stress in our farmers’ portfolios, but the relationships we have built over the years means that we understand their operations and their options to help them work through stressful times like what we are currently experiencing.” although the balance sheet is important, oney and his agribusiness bankers want to know more
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ON FARMERS about the farmer than just the numbers. the overall view of the farm is what goes into lending decisions. “We look at anything from yields to feed conversion to milk production per cow,” oney said. “We want to insure that our farmers are operating their farms at very high levels because that is a great sign of future success.” many of those achievement factors, as well as strong working capital, can be found on farms that are well established. however, ohio has seen tremendous growth in new and beginning farmers, adding 34,000, according to the latest census data. lending to this segment of farmers is certainly not as safe for banks like heartland, but it is a space they want to be in. in. “We have taken the time to really dig in with some of the young farmers looking to get started,” oney said. “We have a top 10 list of things that we think are helpful to get new and beginning
“WE WANT TO INSURE THAT OUR FARMERS ARE OPERATING THEIR FARMS AT VERY HIGH LEVELS BECAUSE THAT IS A GREAT SIGN OF FUTURE SUCCESS.”
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farmers on the right track. anything from gaining some partnerships with a mentor or a coach to monitoring their credit scores and controlling consumer debt. these are things that their banker is going to want to know about if the farmer wants to start a relationship with that bank.” oney says the best advice he can give a less-established farmer is to begin building a relationship with a local bank well before you need them. obtaining capital from the bank will be a simpler process if the bank already knows a little bit about you and your goals.
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AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY REVIEW
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FITzPATRICK HOW FARMERS ARE Completes 18 Year Tenure as Farm Bureau Director
USING DRONES the Farmers of yesteryear might not be too familiar with their surroundings if they were to visit a modern farm. While the men and women who made their livings as farmers decades ago would no doubt still recognize certain farm features that have withstood the test of time, they might not understand the inner workings of the modern farm, particularly in regard to the role technology now plays within the agricultural sector. technology has changed agriculture in a myriad of ways. the methods farmers employ to produce food and improve the efficiency of their operations has changed as technology has evolved. one of the more noticeable changes that’s hard to miss on modern farms is the use of agricultural drones.
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Drones have been around for decades. sometimes referred to as “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or “uavs,” drones can be utilized in ways that can save farmers money and protect the planet.
• monitor crops: according to senseFly, the commercial drone subsidiary of Parrot Group, drones can help farmers effectively monitor their crops. With a drone flying overhead, farmers can spot and quickly identify issues affecting their crops before those issues escalate into something larger.
SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS “UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES,” OR “UAVS,” DRONES CAN BE UTILIzED IN WAYS THAT CAN SAVE FARMERS MONEY AND PROTECT THE PLANET. • soil analysis:
another potential benefit of agricultural drones highlights their role in analyzing soil. agricultural drones utilize complex mapping functions to gather data about the soil, including areas where it might be stressed. that enables farmers to develop accurate soil samples that can be used to guide decisions in regard to irrigation and fertilization.
• reduce waste:
• Planning:
Drones can be used to collect data on crop growth and health at various times throughout the growing season. that can help farmers develop accurate predictions regarding harvest quality and crop yield, making it easier for them to plan ahead.
senseFly notes that data gathered by drones can agricultural drones are one of the many examples help farmers determine the vigor of their crops at various stages of growth. such information that illustrate how technology has changed and can prevent overfertilization and overwatering, will continue to change the ways modern farmers thereby reducing waste and runoff, benefitting the conduct business. tF203780 planet as a result.
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AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FOUNDATION
Press Release OHIO FARM BUREAU
ANNOUNCES 2020 BOOK OF THE YEAR
ABOVE: Book of the Year author Peggy Thomas at a book signing during the 101st AFBF Annual Convention. (Photo credit: American Farm Bureau Federation)
the amerICaN Farm Bureau Foundation for though. Ford not only ate soybeans, he wore clothes
agriculture presented its 13th “Book of the Year” award to Peggy thomas for “Full of Beans: henry Ford Grows a Car.” the book describes henry Ford’s drive to incorporate soybeans into every part of his life.
made of soybean fabric as well.
thomas lives with her husband and two children in middleport, New York. she is the award-winning author of several non-fiction and fiction books for children, including “thomas Jefferson Grows a after the Great Depression, the famous carmaker Nation” and “Farmer George Plants a Nation.” and businessman wanted to support ailing farmers. researching ways to use farmers’ crops at his Ford thomas said, “It’s a great honor to have ‘Full of motor Company, Ford and his team discovered that Beans’ recognized by the Foundation. this book has the soybean was the perfect answer. soon, Ford’s come full circle from an idea shared with me at an cars contained many soybean plastic parts. his agricultural conference five years ago to this award. commitment to soybean farmers didn’t stop there Writing about our agricultural history has truly been a
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privilege. It is an important part of american history, and without the Foundation’s continued advocacy in children’s literature, publishers would not be aware of the need for these stories, and children would not read them. For that I am forever grateful.” the “Book of the Year” award springs from the Foundation’s effort to identify “accurate ag Books,” a collection of nearly 500 books for children, teenagers and adults that accurately cover agricultural topics. Book of the Year selections are educational, help to create positive public perceptions about agriculture, inspire readers to learn more and touch their readers’ lives as well as tell the farmer’s story. the accurate ag Books database is available online. to accompany “Full of Beans,” the Foundation has created an educator’s guide. In honor of thomas’ award and austin, the host city of the american Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st annual Convention, the Foundation will donate 100 books and a $1,000 ag literacy grant to the austin Public library. ABOVE: ‘Full of Beans’ is author Peggy Thomas’ accurate and fun look at America’s agricultural history.
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OSU SOIL STUDY ENCOURAGES
By | Jill Sell
HOPS TESTING
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Above photos courtesy: School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University
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GroWers who don’t test their soil before they put in a hop yard are just asking for problems. the warning comes from steven Culman, Ph.D., assistant professor of soil fertility at the ohio state university’s school of environment and Natural resources. the hop (humulus lupulus) is a perennial plant with bines (not vines) and cone-shaped fruits that are best known for their importance in beer production. “the growth and demand for ohio hops has increased over the past six years and looks to continue increasing well into the future as long as the growth of the craft beer industry increases,” said Brad Bergefurd, Culman’s colleague and extension educator. “ohio brewers now realize
“THE GROWTH AND DEMAND FOR OHIO HOPS HAS INCREASED OVER THE PAST SIx YEARS AND LOOKS TO CONTINUE INCREASING WELL INTO THE FUTURE AS LONG AS THE GROWTH OF THE CRAFT BEER INDUSTRY INCREASES.” – BRAD BERGEFURD, ExTENSION EDUCATOR OHIO STATE’S SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES we can grow high quality ohio hops with a special terroir, and that they can produce all-ohio ingredient beers for which the consumer demand is high. ohio hop growers continue to have more market demand than crop and continue to invest in increasing acreage.”
hop growers in the study. those that qualify will also receive a free meter (valued at about $450 to $550) if still available to help in their soil amendments and hop data gathering. Culman believes by offering the meters (paid for with grant money) hop growers will have less of an initial investment in their hop operation and most hop research has concentrated on pests more advanced information through the use of and diseases, as well as irrigation, according to technology. Culman. Fertility studies have been “the missing piece” to knowledge about hop growth, he the study will combine individual growers’ data said. But he and Bergefurd hope to change that to gain an overall view of soil health and hop omission. the researchers are halfway through a fertility. Growers interested in joining the study two-year study, assessing soil Fertility and soil can email Culman at culman.2@osu.edu. health in midwest hop Production, funded by the usDa. they hope to better understand soil fertility and the relationship between yield and quality of hop plants. Culman describes the 2019 growing season as “a crazy year” with unusual amounts of rain and heat which made gathered data on hops production more difficult to analyze. he’s hoping for a more typical season this year for the second half of the study.
“the meter is a simple tool to use. But it takes some training to understand the readings, which we can provide,” said Culman. “It provides a measurement to see if the plant is getting enough nitrogen. We know hops are a heavy consumer of nitrogen. It’s a challenging, expensive nutrient to manage. and we know if we manage it better in hops, that it’s better for the grower and the environment.”
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In addition, the researchers want to encourage ohio hop growers to do more advanced soil testing, including using petiole nitrate meters.
the researchers have a few more openings for harvest
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SPRING AG EVENTS MARCH 03 - 04 CONSERVATION AND TILLAGE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE When: march 3-4, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. march 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. march 6. Where: the mcIntosh Center, ohio Northern university, 402 West College ave., ada, ohio. What: annual conference for farmers and producers. registration: $70 by Feb. 21 for one day or $95 for both days. late registration: $85 for one day or $115 for both days. online registration closes on march 1, 2020 at 12:00 am. Details: 419-674-2297, ctc.osu. edu.
04 OHIO WOODLAND WATER AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE When: march 4 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Where: mid-ohio Conference Center, 890 W. Fourth st., mansfield, ohio. What: annual conference designed for natural resource professionals and land managers. registration: $65 by Feb. 18; $85 after Feb. 21. Details: 614-688-3421, https://woodlandstewards.osu.edu/events/ohiowoodland-water-and-wildlife-conference
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05 OHIO FOOD INDUSTRY SUMMIT When: march 5, 9am–3pm. Where: Nationwide hotel & Conference Center 100 Green meadows Dr s, lewis Center, ohio43035. What: Food manufacturers and auxiliary service providers will convene to discover new techniques, learn of industry trends, and identify valuable resources that will strengthen the already sizable industry of more than 1,000 food manufacturers in ohio. Presented by CIFt. Prices start at $85. early bird and group reservations are available. Featured speakers: David Beurle-Founder & Ceo, Future IQ ‘the Future of Food’ Greg soehnlen-President and Ceo, lel logistics “alternative Business approcahes” shelly thobe-Director of Culinary Innovation, Wendy’s (the Wendy’s Company) “From Idea ro excitement” mark r. Beckmann-Director, manufacturing Insdutry solutions, microsoft (the microsoft Corporation) “Digital transformation” rates early bird CIFt member | $85 ($110 after 2/4/2020) early bird non-member | $120 ($145 after 2/4/2020) register 4 get 5th free: Group registrations must be made together (same payment). Price includes a delicious breakfast spread, amazing buffet for lunch, and snacks/beverages throughout the day. For more information, including sponsorship details, email info@ciftinnovation.org, or visit http://ciftinnovation.org/ohio-food-industrysummit-2020-2/
MARCH 22 AGRICULTURAL OUTLOOK MEETING
11 TREE WALK When: march 11, 1–2:30 p.m. Where: secrest Welcome & education Center, oarDC, CFaes Wooster Campus, 1680 madison ave., Wooster, ohio. What: Featuring a variety of topics including selection, planting, diseases, and pests. Free. Details: 330-263-3761, https://secrest.osu.edu/events/tree-walk-0
When: march 22, 11am–4pm. Where: southern roots ranch 12568 County road 21N, West unity, oh What: Discussion of issues and trends affecting ohio agriculture. speakers will be Barry Ward, Ben Brown, David marrison and Ian sheldon from osu extension and CFaes’s Department of agricultural, environmental, and Development economics. registration: $20 per person, $30 for family. register by march 13 by calling osu extension’s henry County office, 419-592-0806. Details: https://ofbf.org/events/feeding-cattleconsumer-series/
19 FEEDING CATTLE FOR THE CONSUMER SERIES When: march 19, 5:30pm–7:30pm. Where: southern roots ranch 12568 County road 21N, West unity, oh What: a two-part program focused on cattle feeding and beef quality, live animal evaluation, and a gridpricing discussion.. registration: $20 per person, $30 for family. register by march 13 by calling osu extension’s henry County office, 419-592-0806. Details: https://ofbf.org/events/feeding-cattleconsumer-series/
20 APPALACHIA COOPERATES INITIATIVE 2020 When: march 20, 9:30am–3pm Where: ohio university, eastern shannon hall, room 219, 45425 National road, st. Clairsville, oh What: learn the nuts and bolts of worker-ownership, and start recognizing coop opportunities in your community. registration cost is $25. to register, contact Charissa e. Gardner, 740-2892071, ext. 132, or gardner.1148@osu.edu.
SELLING HIGH QUALITY SEEDSINCE 1936
We offer a full line of Agricultural Seed along with: Conventional & GT Corn Pasture Mixes Alfalfas and Cover Crops Organic Corn & Forage Mixes Located in Berlin, behind the Farmstead Physical Address 4759 TR 366 • Millersburg, Ohio 44654 Mailing Address PO Box 205 • Berlin, Ohio 44610 www.meritseed.com 330-893-3196 Check us out on Facebook
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Providing the community with an array of niche products, Gannett has a magazine for everyone . Ohio Gas & Oil is a monthly magazine
that provides members or interested parties of the gas & oil industry with current and accurate information. Amish Heartland displays the beauty and
culture found within the Amish Heartland of Ohio. It is available at AAA locations throughout the state. Harvest is produced quarterly with a 10
county distribution, find it locally in Wayne and Holmes Counties. The magazine offers expert knowledge of timely agricultural topics and news.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
330-264-1125
–WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER OR FALL – Gannett has a niche publication for all.
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