Harvest, Winter 2021

AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY REVIEW

WINTER 2021

INSIDE

COUNTRYSIDE INITIATIVE: WORKING FARM LAND IN CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

TIPS FOR ATTRACTING AND USING BENEFICIAL INSECTS EASY WAYS TO EAT MORE PLANTS THIS YEAR

In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.

William Blake

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WINTER 2021 | Volume 08 | Issue 01

Features

04

06 10 12

06

AG-LINK MAKES FARM CAPITAL More Affordable

FARMLAND PRESERVATION:

Regional, State And National Programs Can Help Preserve Farmland

10

EASY WAYS TO EAT

12

HB7 SIGNED, CREATES IMPORTANT

More Plants This Year

Water Quality Program

In Every Issue

05 11 18

CAN YOU NAME THIS TOOL? SUBSCRIBE TO HARVEST UPCOMING HARVEST EVENTS

© Gannett Co. Inc., 2021 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

14 16

20

BEBEFICIAL INSECTS ARE IMPERATIVE For Pest Control

HOLMES COUNTY MEMBER RECIEVES Pollinator Award

SAVE THE DATE: March 18-21 2021 Ohio Beef Expo

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Ag-Link Makes Farm Capital

By | TY HIGGINS Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED JANUARY 28, 2021

MORE AFFORDABLE

A LOT GOES into growing food, fiber and fuel,

and more times than not, farmers rely on operating loans to get from planting season to harvest time.

To help Ohio farmers and agribusinesses finance the up-front costs of this year’s growing season, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague recently opened the 2021 Ag-LINK application period.

“This program has been around since 1986, and the reason it’s been so successful is because of the partnerships we have with our community financial institutions to help implement this program and because of our partnership with Ohio Farm Bureau in helping get the word out about it,” Sprague said.

“With Ag-LINK, farmers can buy things like feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel by getting a discounted rate working capital loan that they can pay back at the end of the harvest season.”

“Last year, we helped 822 farmers and agribusinesses lower their interest rates for new loans totaling $91 million,” Sprague said.

“Obviously interest rates are fairly low, in general, but if you can lower it by an additional 1% for free, it makes sense to participate in this program.”

Eligible farm operators and agribusinesses:

• Must be organized for profit.

• Must have headquarters and 51% of operations maintained in Ohio.

• Must use the loan exclusively for agricultural purposes.

• Must agree to comply with all program and financial institution regulations.

Those interested in Ag-LINK should contact their ag lender to begin the online loan application process. More information is available on the AgThrough this application period ending March LINK program website: https://tos.ohio.gov/ 19, farm operators and agribusiness owners based reduced-rates-on-operating-loans/ in Ohio can receive an interest rate reduction on loans up to $150,000. Although the exact amount Ty Higgins is Senior Director of Communications of the discount will be provided to lenders in late and Media Relations for the Ohio Farm Bureau.

March, a minimum 1% discount is in place.

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Can You Name This

Tool?

Hmmm….what can this be? Hailing from the early 1930’s, Betsy the cow and her barn yard friends would enjoy this on a hot summer day. Can you name this tool?

Visit page 15 for the answer and a brief explanation.

­ ­

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­

­

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COUNTRYSIDE INITIATIVE:

By | Jill Sell FREE LANCE WRITER KENT-RAVENNA RECORD COURIER

ABOVE: Goats galore, including Tennesee Fainting Goats can be seen at Keleman Point Farm in Boston Township.

Photo courtesy: Melissa Keleman

WORKING FARM LAND IN CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK WHEN VISITORS hike, bike or use the bridle paths through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), they expect to see deer, squirrels or chipmunks. If they are lucky, they may even glimpse beavers or great blue herons. But Tennessee Fainting goats? That’s possible when in Boston Township and near Keleman Point Farm.

ABOVE: Mike and Melissa Keleman stand with the CVNP sign, marking their partnership with the Countryside Initiative. Photo courtesy, Melissa Keleman

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Keleman Point Farm is just one of 10 restored working farms operating under the Countryside Initiative, a private, nonprofit program that partners with the CVNP. Participating farmers within the park boundaries are expected to use sustainable practices and serve as models to the community.

Established in 1999, the Initiative sought to maintain the rural aspect of land within the CVNP. It is still considered a somewhat novel public/ private partnership in the United States. The small farms, totaling about 300 acres within the 33,000acre national park, are home to goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, bees, chickens and horses. Entrepreneurial and innovative farmers, some of whom were new to farming when they were awarded a lease, offer honey, duck eggs, blueberries, pumpkins, apples, wine cider and much more (including wool blankets) onsite and at three local farmers markets.

“Our biggest challenge has been to know what pivots to make, to understand what works about farming in a national park and what doesn’t,” said Emrick. “The park’s obligation is to the land, but we also need to know what works for the farmers.

It’s coming to that sweet spot that matters.”

The competitively-awarded leases are publicly posted only when a farm becomes available, but the process to become a Countryside farmer can be lengthy and intense. “And it’s a tough program,” admitted Emrick. “And farming is a hard job. It takes people a while to realize if it is really what they want or if it is harder than they thought. The Tracy Emrick is the chief executive officer of profit margin for agriculture is very small. It’s not Countryside, the program’s parent. Emrick calls for everyone.” the late Darwin Kelsey, “a visionary” who had an expertise for historical farms and living history Because the leased farms are on federal land, properties, and credits him for the beginnings of the restrictions for farmers, expected to be good the program. stewards of the land, are extensive. “You can’t be

COUNTRYSIDE continues on pg. 8

Just compensation for your land.

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You have the right to just compensation when the government or a utility takes your land for a public purpose. The Plank Law Firm has an active eminent domain litigation defense practice to help you get

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Financing your operations is critical to the success of your enterprise. Therefore, Plank Law Firm can represent you in your dealings with your agricultural and non-agricultural lenders.

In addition, the Plank Law Firm can represent you in matters falling under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

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COUNTRYSIDE continued from pg. 7

5963 Fountain Nook Rd. Apple Creek, OH 44606

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a farmer here and wake up one day saying you from mulberries and mushrooms to heritage pork. are going to build a barn. Darwin used to say that But “apples and cider are the core of the farm, pun putting up a fence post is a federal case,” said intended,” noted Sasha Miller, who grows a variety Emrick. of apples mostly in traditional orchards. The Millers embrace permaculture, working with nature Still, many Countryside farmers who have been instead of against it to work their land and raise their successful say they wouldn’t trade the experience animals. Other ideas include vermicomposting, of working the land with both historic and/or new using cover crops and a swale and berm system methods and raising for the apples. their families in a rural area for anything.

“My favorite These “showcase apples are the ones farms,” as Emrick calls I can pick off the them, bring more than trees. They are like 100,000 people into diamonds to me. the park annually and But we will see can claim an economic which apples work impact of more than a well and then fine million dollars a year. tune the orchard,” said Miller. “Every The 12-acre community needs P u r p l e b r o w n its own farm. We Farmstead in can’t all be farmers, Boston Heights was but we should have established in 2016 access to one.” on land that was initially farmed in the And about those 1830s. Sasha Miller goats…In 2020, is a fulltime farmer farmers Mike and Sustainable farmer Sasha Miller of Purplebrown Farmstead in who left the urban Melissa Keleman Boston Heights promotes the Countryside Initiative mission by providing local food resources. Photo courtesy: Sasha Miller life of Chicago with took over a 60her husband, James, year Countryside and their two sons to embrace farming on leased lease that had been held by the property’s parkland. previous farmers for about 16 years. The Kelemans “inherited” a herd of Tennessee Fainting, or The highly diverse farm offers a bit of everything myotonic goats. They animals don’t really don’t faint, but when stressed, briefly stiffen and fall over on their backs or sides with their legs pointing upwards, considered a muscular phenomenon.

“It’s caused by a recessive gene,” explained Mike Keleman of the 48-acre Keleman Point Farm, originally worked in 1875. “It doesn’t hurt the animals at all. Sheepherders were the original ones to have these goats. When they were up in the hills with their sheep, wolves would attack the fainting, more vulnerable goats and leave the sheep alone.

It seems brutal, but it makes sense because goats were worth less than sheep in those days.”

James and Sasha Miller along with their two sons yield much from the Purplebrown Farmstead, including cider, apples, mushrooms, and prime heritage pork.

Photo courtesy, Sasha Miller

The 60-plus goats that roam Keleman Point Farm are fenced and safe from predators and overly curious park visitors who can view the animals from nearby bridle paths or Akron Peninsula Road.

The multi-colored goats win the Most Fascinating Animal Award among all the Countryside farm critters. Keleman, whose background includes working with plants (particularly orchards), admits he had to take “a crash goat husbandry class.” Now he wouldn’t “have it any other way.”

The Kelemans also raise heritage breed turkeys and chickens, and will renew their commitment to beekeeping this year. In addition, elderberries, known for their tonic properties, are expected to hold an important position on the farm once established. In 10 years, the plan is also to raise Scottish Highland cattle, whose manure will help naturally fertilize farmland.

Keleman calls himself first and foremost “a grass farmer,” whose rotational grazing practices allows for heathy livestock. It also fulfills his desire to take care of his piece of earth without toxic chemicals.

“I practice organic weed control, and besides COVID, that has been our greatest challenge,” said Keleman, who named several invasive species that play havoc in Ohio farm fields, including the multiflora rose, a thorny shrub.

Additional Countryside farms include: Canal Corners Farm, Greenfield Berry Farm, Neitenbach Farm, Oxbow Orchard, Sarah’s vineyard, Spice Acres, The Spicy Lamb Farm and Trapp Family Farm.

In addition, the Countryside New Farmer Academy in Bath Township is a multi-year program

that connects interns, employed apprentices and mentor farmers and teaches sustainable agriculture as well as the business side of farming.

For more information about the academy or Countryside, visit www.countrysidefoodand farms. org.

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EASY WAYS TO EAT

MORE PLANTS THIS YEAR FAMILY FEATURES - Plant-forward eating Ingredients:

should be easy and delicious - and it can be. Rather than follow strict rules, simply add plant foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and grains to more meals throughout the day.

1 1/4 1 1 1/2 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 1 2 1

tablespoon olive oil cup minced onion teaspoon minced garlic tablespoon tomato paste cup California Walnuts, chopped cup cooked brown rice cup chopped roasted red peppers cup panko breadcrumbs cup Parmesan cheese tablespoon Italian seasoning tablespoons chopped Italian parsley egg, beaten

Walnuts, for example, are a kitchen multitasker with uses well beyond baked goods. In fact, walnuts can be used as a simple, whole-food meat alternative. One ounce of walnuts contains important nutrients including 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 2.5 grams of monounsaturated fat, 13 grams of polyunsaturated fat and 2.5 grams of essential omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. Try Directions: Preheat oven to 375 F and line baking walnuts as an alternative to meat in recipes like sheet with parchment paper. In small skillet over Walnut Meatless Meatballs or Pizza with Plantmedium heat, heat oil. Add onion and garlic; saute Based Walnut Crumble, and find more plant1 minute.

Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute. forward recipes at walnuts.org/plantrecipes.

Transfer to food processor with walnuts, rice, roasted red peppers, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, parsley and egg. Pulse until combined but not mushy.

Form into eight equal balls and place on prepared baking sheet. Cook 12 minutes, or until firm to touch. Serve with sauce of choice.

Walnut Meatless Meatballs

Total time: 42 minutes • Servings: 4

10 | WINTER 2021

Have ideas for

Harvest?

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Pizza with Plant-Based Walnut Crumble Total time: 38 minutes • Servings: 4

Walnut Sausage Crumble: 1 cup California Walnuts 1/2 cup cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 tablespoon coconut aminos 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 teaspoons fennel seeds 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon celery salt Walnut Sausage Pizza: 1 pound pizza dough 6 tablespoons pizza sauce 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, divided Walnut Sausage Crumble, divided 6 tablespoons pesto 1/4 cup sliced small tomatoes fresh basil leaves shaved Parmesan cheese To make Walnut Sausage Crumble: In food processor, pulse walnuts, cannellini beans, coconut aminos, olive oil, fennel seeds, seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and salt to sausage like consistency.

To make Walnut Sausage Pizza: Preheat oven to 500 F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide dough into four pieces and roll out into thin ovals; place on baking sheets.

Spread two dough pieces with equal amounts pizza sauce, 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese and half of Walnut Sausage Crumble. Spread remaining dough pieces with pesto, remaining cheese, remaining Walnut Sausage Crumble and tomatoes. Bake 8 minutes, or until pizza edges are golden brown.

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HB7 SIGNED, CREATES IMPORTANT

By | TY HIGGINS Senior Director of Communications and Media Relations OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED JANUARY 8, 2021

WATER QUALITY PROGRAM

“The creation of this program is another DURING THE first week of the new year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 7, creating the important step in the work being done to improve Statewide Watershed Planning and Management water quality in our state as it allows for the development of more localized watershed plans,” Program. said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau, during the signing ceremony of the bill. “It’s important because it provides resources for local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help develop those plans in cooperation with area farmers and the various groups involved in water CYLINDERS, PUMPS, MOTORS, VALVES - OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT quality improvements.”

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Other aspects of House Bill 7 include the Ohio Department of Agriculture director categorizing watersheds and appointing at least one watershed planning and management coordinator in each region. Those coordinators perform certain duties in the watershed, including assisting each Soil and Water Conservation District to identify sources and areas of water quality impairment.

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The bill also revises requirements for CAUV eligibility of land used for biofuel production and reduces from 50% to 20% of the amount of bio-digesters that must come from the farm.

“House Bill 7 creates yet another useful tool to assist the agriculture community in its continued commitment to making improvements in water quality,” Sharp said. “That is a commitment the agriculture community looks forward to working on with the governor more in the future.”

It’s an Antique Jamesway

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Fitzpatrick BENEFICIAL INSECTS ARE IMPERATIVE Completes 18 Year Tenure as Farm Bureau Director

LEFT: Professor Margaret Gardiner is Graduate Studies Chair of Ohio State University’s Department of Entomology & Environmental Science Graduate Program.

Photos courtesy: Margaret Gardiner

By | Jill Sell FREE LANCE WRITER KENT-RAVENNA RECORD COURIER

FOR PEST CONTROL

IT DOESN’T MATTER if you are a backyard insects and pests, however, so some farmers and gardener, a hobby farmer or a large commercial growers consider their biological pest control grower. Attracting beneficial predatory insects attributes as more limited. to a property can significantly help improve the health and abundance of plants.

“We already have these insects in our area for natural pest control. Spend money on habitats That’s the message Ohio State University that attract them and keep them around rather entomologist Mary Gardiner wishes to convey. Dr. than buying them. Ladybugs aren’t going to stay Gardiner is professor and graduate studies chair of in any place that isn’t ideal. They may stay in the department of Entomology and Environmental enclosed low tunnels that cover plants, but that’s Studies Graduate Program. Her Zoom webinar, the exception,” said Gardiner, who also strongly Tips for Using and Attracting Beneficial Insects, does not endorse the selling of lady beetles will be held 11 a.m. to noon, March 3. collected in the wild.

These “natural enemies” as Gardiner calls these “good” insects, devour the aphids, mealy bugs, scales and other unwanted visitors that lunch on flowers, veggies, fruits and landscape plants.

Beneficial predator insects hunt prey; parasitoid predators lay eggs on a host, eventually killing it.

Among the most effective are lady beetles (family: Coccinellidae) and praying mantises (family: Mantodea). Mantises will chow down on both good

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Gardiner believes there are “a lot of unsung heroes” that work hard to rid our crop rows and flower beds of damaging pests. Tiny wasps (including Pteromalidae, a metallic blue or green wasp, and the itty bitty Trichogrammatidae that is less than 2 mm) attack pest eggs, larvae or pupae.

Spiders, (in the order Araneae, and not insects) also crawl into the underrated pest control category.

“We already have these insects in our area for natural pest control.

Spend money on habitats that attract them and keep them around rather than buying them.”

– Professor Margaret gardiner, chair, Department of entomology and environmental sciences, OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY “It’s very unlikely that you will ever be bitten by have the opportunity to completely switch crops a spider even if you touch it. I hope people will if there are specific pest problems. But if someone become less afraid of them,” said Gardiner. is growing plants for fun or as a food source just for their family, and things aren’t going well, there The entomologist listed her top three most are solutions, said Gardiner. challenging pests to eradicate particularly in smaller growing environments that use natural “If you are getting super frustrated giving up pest control. They include: cucumber beetle plants to insects every year, try something else.

(Chrysomelidae), squash bug (Anasa tristis) and the I gave up on cucumbers. But I planted sweet brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys). potatoes in containers and had no problems,” she The spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris), said. however, is a valuable predatory stink bug to have in residence. The pointy-shouldered insect will (For more information about the webinar, visit help rid gardens of hungry, hungry caterpillars. go.osu.edu/organic-series or contact Cassandra Brown at 330-262-3634 or brown.1844.osu.edu.

To help discourage insects that feed on curcurbits There is no cost or registration for the webinar.) (pumpkins, squash, zucchini), Gardiner suggests planting later in the season, in early June or even after. “Plant these later than your neighbor. Once Cucurbitaceae bugs get settled, they don’t move,” said Gardiner, perhaps setting in motion some clandestine spying on neighbors’ garden patches.

There are many ways to attract beneficial insects, she believes. Forgoing the “neat and tidy” look, leaving some sticks and leaves, helps create welcoming habitats. Those currently popular insect or bee homes that garden centers sell (which are also easily hand built) can attract “good” bugs.

But unwanted tenants may also move in. These houses, often filled with straws, pine cones, twigs, etc.) must be cleaned every couple years with a 10 percent bleach solution, according to Gardiner.

Also, strategically located fruit feeders near plants may help attract “good” insects.

“Spraying veggie plants very early in the season with a very weak sugar solution will also provide food for beneficial insects when there isn’t a lot of food for them,” added Gardiner.

The entomologist believes 2021 will be a productive year for home gardens because people are more interested in where and how their food is grown and they are also curious about natural pesticides. Large commercial growers may not

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HOLMES COUNTY MEMBER RECIEVES

By | Kelli Milligan-Stammen DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS, OHIO FARM BUREAU POSTED DECEMBER 2, 2020

POLLINATOR AWARD THE NATIONAL Association of Conservation Districts and Pollinator Partnership presented Jim Croskey of Dalroy Farms in Holmes County with the 2020 Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award in October.

The award was presented to Croskey and his family during the 20th annual North American Pollinator Protection Campaign meeting.

“Jim Croskey and his family are a testament to holistic stewardship,” said NACD CEO Jeremy Peters. “They work hand-in-hand with the Holmes Soil and Water Conservation District to make knowledgeable decisions about their operation in order to improve their soil health and water quality, while providing much-needed habitat for our hardworking pollinators.”

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Dalroy Farms is a multigenerational dairy farm that also maintains several hundred acres of hay and cropland.

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16 | WINTER 2021

In recent years, Croskey has identified sites on the operation to add honey bee hives, establishing more than 20 since spring 2018.

“The (CROSKEY) family is committed to educating others on the many benefits of pollinators, actively advocating in their local communities for them to become pollinator advocates as well.”

Laurie Davies Adams, PRESIDENT & CEO, National Association of Conservation Districts and Pollinator Partnership “Not only are pollinators a passion of Jim’s, but he’s also recruited his whole family, down to his 5-yearold grandson, to become engaged in caring for honey bees,” said Pollinator Partnership President and CEO Laurie Davies Adams. “The family is committed to educating others on the many benefits of pollinators, actively advocating in their local communities for them to become pollinator advocates as well.”

largely clover stands – to improve their soil health, as chopped forage for their cows, and as fodder for the honey bees. Through the use of these conservation practices, Croskey has been able to reduce pesticide usage, committing to timing his applications to minimize the effects on local pollinators.

Dalroy Farms has been no-till for decades and utilizes cover crops –

Kelli Milligan Stammen is director of publications for the Ohio Farm Bureau.

SoilBiotics OS-46 is a unique formulation of high-quality 46-0-0 urea and SoilBiotics Ultra Boost. This granular fertilizer provides growers with both N and a powerful chelator of nutrients. It is a powerful tool in optimizing nutrient use. OS-46 works in two primary ways: • Increases beneficial bacteria populations.

• Can stabilize multiple forms of nitrogen.

The Croskeys are Farm members in Holmes County.

Bureau

Benefits to the grower are many with OS 46. It helps get crops off to a quick start at planting and emergence by making soil micronutrients and applied nutrients more available to the plants, thereby increasing efficiency and yields. Nitrogen loss due to denitrification, volatilization, and leaching is reduced. OS 46 does not burn in side-dress applications.

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AG EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH Please use the contact information at the end of each event to confirm its scheduling, or any cancellations or postponements.

01 - 03

09 - 12

OHIO WOODLAND WATER AND WILDLIFE CONFERENCE - VIRTUAL

CONSERVATION AND TILLAGE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE - VIRTUAL

When: March 1-3, 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. daily What: The 2021 Ohio Woodland Water and Wildlife Conference will be virtual. Registration will get you access for all 3 days. Continuing education credits will be offered including pesticide credits. Monday March 1st where we will cover our woodland topics.

Tuesday March 2nd will be the day for all things water related. Wednesday March 3rd will wrap up the conference with all things wildlife. Registration: $65 by Feb. 18; $85 after Feb. 21.

Details: 614-688-3421, https://woodlandstewards. osu.edu/events/ohio-woodland-water-and-wildlifeconference

When: March 9-12, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily What: The annual Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference in March 2021 will be virtual. CTC 2021 will be held on FOUR days, March 9-12 (TuesdayFriday). 5 hours of content each day on these topics: • Tuesday-Crop Management • Wednesday-Nutrient Management • Thursday-Pest Management • Friday-Soil & Water Management Registration and exhibitor information: CTC.osu.edu, and on Facebook.com/Conservation Tillage & Technology Conference

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MARCH 18

APRIL 08

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY CFAES PRESENTS GAPS Training Webinar When: March 18, 6 to 9:00 p.m. / VIRTUAL What: This is a 3-hour educational course that covers good agricultural practices or GAPs. GAPs trainings provide growers with the knowledge and tools needed to implement on farm best management practices to reduce food safety hazards and the risk of on-farm produce contamination. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the training. Attending the OSU GAPs class does not equate to being GAPs certified. Hosted by The OSU Fruit and Vegetable Safety Team and OSU Extension Summit County.

The instructors are Jaqueline Kowalski, Ann Chanon, and Sabrina Schirtzinger.

Cost: FREE; but registration required Registration deadline: March 16, 2021 Registration link: https://osu.zoom.us/webinar/ register/WN_PkLwQfFbSqOPfSRC8ylS3Q For more information: Jaqueline Kowalski 330-928-4769, Kowalski.124@osu.edu

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY CFAES PRESENTS Spring 2021 VIRTUAL Seminar Series Practitioner Panel on Pathways When: April 8, 4:10-5:30 p.m.

Where: Via ZOOM: go.osu.edu/sp21senrseminar What: The spring 2021 SENR Virtual Seminar Series hosts a practitioner panel on pathways forward working with environment and natural resources.

The panel includes: • Rebecca Swab, Senior Research Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates LLC • Heather Raymond, Director, CFAES Water Quality Initiative, The Ohio State University • David Wilson, Project Manager at LAND Studio Cost: FREE; no RSVP required information: https://senr.osu.edu/events/spsem4821

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SAVE THE DATE: 2021 ohio Beef expo

MAR. 18 - 21

2021 OHIO BEEF EXPO When: March 18 - 21, 12:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: Ohio Expo Center, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH What: Planning is underway for the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) 2021 Ohio Beef Expo.

Maintaining a safe environment while providing Expo

participants with the critical necessity to continue essential farm income are the objectives driving all decisions for the event. Details regarding the 2021 Ohio Beef Expo are subject to change pending current state health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, email cattle@ohiocattle.org, 614-873-6736 or visit ohiobeefexpo.com.

Farm Insurance Specialists for more than 110 years 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

ATTENTION FARMERS …

Check out our new coverage options!

• Poultry and Hog Confinement Operations • Personal Cyber with Identity Fraud Coverage • Farmowners Cyber and Drone Coverage • Farmowners Advantage Select (offering several new and important coverages rolled into one endorsement!)

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 WO-23074343

20 | WINTER 2021

Contact an Independent Western Reserve Group Agent for details!

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WRG: INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, SUPERIOR SERVICE, AND FINANCIAL STRENGTH SINCE 1906® wrg-ins.com

Don’t Miss the Next Edition of

Find HARVEST inserted in the following papers:

april 14, 2021

COMPLETE TIRE SERVICE FOR 68 YEARS

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