AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY REVIEW
FALL 2018
INSIDE
GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER
WHY FARMERS IN EASTERN OHIO SHOULD CARE
TRADE WARS, FALLING CROP PRICES
SOW UNEASE AMONG FARMERS
OHIO’S GREENHOUSES
HELPING PEOPLE EAT LOCAL NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
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FALL 2018 | Volume 05 | Issue 04
Features
06 12 14
04 06 10 12 14
USDA Forest Service Announces
Strategy for Improving Forest Conditions
Trade Wars, Falling Crop Prices Sow Unease Among Farmers
9 of 104 Applicants Make Grade To Process Medical Marijuana
43 Students Participate in Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s ExploreAg Program
Ohio’s Greenhouses Helping
People Eat Local Now and in the Future
In Every Issue
05 22 38
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© 2018 Spectrum Publications – A Division of GateHouse Media 212 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 | 330-264-1125 | 800-686-2958 | spectrum@the-daily-record .com Find us on facebook.com/OhioHarvest Group Publisher – Bill Albrecht | Spectrum Director – Kelly Gearhart | Content Coordinator – Emily Rumes | Designers – Adam Arditi, 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.
2 | Fall 2018
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USDA Forest Service Announces LEFT: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and USDA Forest Service Interim Chief Vicki Christiansen, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Ron Wyden announce a new strategy that delivers on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Vision for Sound Stewardship on America’s Forests. USDA Press
New Strategy for Improving Forest Conditions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and unplanned fire in the right place at the right
Forest Service (USFS) has announced a new strategy for managing catastrophic wildfires and the impacts of invasive species, drought, and insect and disease epidemics. Specifically, a new report titled Toward Shared Stewardship across Landscapes: An Outcomebased investment Strategy outlines the USFS’s plans to work more closely with states to identify landscape-scale priorities for targeted treatments in areas with the highest payoffs. “On my trip to California this week, I saw the devastation that these unprecedented wildfires are having on our neighbors, friends and families,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We commit to work more closely with the states to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires. We commit to strengthening the stewardship of public and private lands. This report outlines our strategy and intent to help one another prevent wildfire from reaching this level.” Both federal and private managers of forest land face a range of urgent challenges, among them catastrophic wildfires, invasive species, degraded watersheds, and epidemics of forest insects and disease. The conditions fueling these circumstances are not improving. Of particular concern are longer fire seasons, the rising size and severity of wildfires, and the expanding risk to communities, natural resources, and firefighters. “The challenges before us require a new approach,” said Interim USFS Chief Vicki Christiansen. “This year Congress has given us new opportunities to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with state leaders mitigate to identify land management priorities that include mitigating wildfire risks. We will use all the tools available to us to reduce hazardous fuels, including mechanical treatments, prescribed fire,
4 | Fall 2018
time, to mitigate them.” A key component of the new strategy is to prioritize investment decisions on forest treatments in direct coordination with states using the most advanced science tools. This allows the USFS to increase the scope and scale of critical forest treatments that protect communities and create resilient forests. The USFS will also build upon the authorities created by the 2018 Omnibus Bill, including new categorical exclusions for land treatments to improve forest conditions, new road maintenance authorities, and longer stewardship contracting in strategic areas. The agency will continue streamlining its internal processes to make environmental analysis more efficient and timber sale contracts more flexible. The Omnibus Bill also includes a long-term “fire funding fix,” starting in FY 2020, that will stop the rise of the 10-year average cost of fighting wildland fire and reduce the likelihood of the disruptive practice of transferring funds from Forest Service non-fire programs to cover firefighting costs. The product of more than a decade of hard work, this bipartisan solution will ultimately stabilize the agency’s operating environment. Finally, because rising rates of firefighter fatalities in recent decades have shifted the USFS’s approach to fire response, the report emphasizes the agency’s commitment to a risk-based response to wildfire. The complete strategy is available at www.fs.fed.us/sites/default/files/toward-sharedstewardship.pdf
The mission of the USFS, an agency of the USDA, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
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Trade Wars, Falling Crop Prices
By | JD Malone THE Columbus Dispatch
Sow Unease Among Farmers
It is no surprise that trade disputes and low commodity prices have farmers worried, but researchers at Purdue University say the worry runs bone deep. The university’s Ag Barometer, a monthly index of data collected from farmers reflecting the health of the agricultural economy, dropped from 143 to 117 from June to July. The 26-point drop is the largest in the index’s three-year history.
6 | Fall 2018
Results over 100 are considered positive, however. More than 70 percent of respondents to the survey expected to report a decline in net income of at least 10 percent this year. More than twothirds of respondents said that trade conflicts, especially the tit-for-tat tariff hikes with China, were to blame. China, the world’s largest soybean market, put
“The U.S. trade dispute with China will weaken the economies of states that are highly dependent on agriculture, and compound already troubled agriculture sectors that have suffered from commodity price declines since 2014.” – MARCIA VAN WAGNER | MOODY’S FINANCIAL SERVICES
a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybeans last month in retaliation for tariffs the Trump administration put on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods. Soybeans are the most valuable U.S. export to China. Because of the tariffs, China canceled future orders for U.S. soybeans, which sent prices into a nosedive. And it’s been a steep nosedive: Soybean prices
have fallen about 20 percent since early June, and about 25 percent from their 52-week high. “We can’t even sell at the price of production,” said Delaware County farmer Bret Davis, who is also a board member of the American Soybean Association. “That means you’ve got one crop you’re not making a dime on.” Financial-services and credit-rating firm Moody’s
LEFT: (Photo by Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch)
TRADE WARS continues on pg. 8
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TRADE WARS continued from pg. 7
is also raising the alarm that the trade war with China will undermine parts of the agricultural sector reliant on exports.t Moody’s highlighted Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska as being especially at-risk. But while Ohio’s economy is less reliant on trade with China, Ohio’s farmers do export about $1 billion worth of soybeans each year.
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“The U.S. trade dispute with China will weaken the economies of states that are highly dependent on agriculture,” said Marcia Van Wagner, Moody’s vice president, in a research note, “and compound already troubled agriculture sectors that have suffered from commodity price declines since 2014.” Although China doesn’t buy much corn from the U.S., the American farm staple hasn’t been much help as profits from soybeans have disappeared. Booming corn harvests the past several years, on top of a lack of growing export markets, has corn trading at well below $4 a bushel, which many consider the break-even mark. In the Purdue research, a lot of farmers believe corn is headed even lower. “Commodity prices dropped sharply in June and July, and there is real concern among producers that those prices will remain low and, possibly, fall even further,” said Jim Minert, director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, in a news
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release. A full 40 percent of the respondents to the Purdue survey think that if the trade war continues, corn will fall below $3.25 a bushel and soybeans below $8 a bushel. Both marks would be devastating. Compounding the issue is that, for most farmers, beans are part of a rotation system in which farmers grow corn in a field one year, then beans the next for better results and soil health. Ohio’s farmers don’t have a ready alternative to soybeans, which they’ll likely lose money on, if the trade war continues. “Beans could just fall right off the map,” Davis said, “and the problem is, in a rotation, you have to put some beans in.” The administration has floated some help for farmers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed $12 billion in aid to farmers affected by the trade war. The details of how the money would be dispersed has not been hashed out, Davis said. “They don’t have a good handle on the payment,” he said. “We thanked them, but this is a Band-aid, and we’re bleeding pretty good right now.” jmalone@dispatch.com @j_d_malone
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9 of 104 Applicants Make Grade
By | Owen Daugherty THE Columbus Dispatch GateHouse Media Ohio
to Process Medical Marijuana
Ohio has approved seven processors to turn marijuana plant material into approved forms such as oils and edibles as the state’s medical marijuana programs quickly approaches a start date. The Ohio Department of Commerce announced Friday that only seven out of the 104 applicants met the requirements to serve as a processor of medical marijuana. Up to 40 licenses for processors could have been awarded by the state, but not nearly enough met the minimum requirements. Another six applicants could still receive licenses to process medical marijuana but are still awaiting background and tax checks. The seven current processors are: • Fire Rock Processing Ltd. in Columbus • Corsa Verde LLC in Columbus • Ohio Grown Therapies, LLC in Johnstown
10 | Fall 2018
• Ohio Green Grow LLC in Toledo • Greenleaf Therapeutics, LLC in either Geauga County or Lake County • Grow Ohio Pharmaceuticals, LLC in Muskingum County • Standard Farms Ohio LLC in Cuyahoga County Processors applied for the licenses in December. Winners were initially expected to be announced in spring, but after errors were found in the agency’s scoring process June became the next target. The state then said it wanted to learn from previous mistakes and decided to take extra time when scoring the processors. Those receiving provisional licenses have six months to build their facilities and meet both state’s requirements and local zoning regulations before receiving an operating license. Rejected applicants will have the chance to submit additional clarifying information with the
have met state minimum standards to process plants into marijuana-infused products for use by people with physician recommendations. The two new processors are Green Investment Partners, of Columbus, and Standard Wellness Company, of Gibsonburg in Sandusky County. Spokeswoman Kerry Francis said four more processor applications are in process. Columbus-based Battelle Memorial Institute and North Coast Testing Laboratories, of Streetsboro in Portage County, bring the number of authorized testing labs to four. Ohio legalized medical marijuana in 2016 but won’t meet a Sept. 8 target for making it available to patients.
Ch
hopes of receiving a license in the next scoring round. The state’s medical marijuana program was initially supposed to be up and running by September, but state officials said in June the program would miss the deadline. Delays in awarding licenses to virtually every component of the program ultimately postponed the start date. With processors now awarded and three cultivators approved to start growing cannabis, the product in theory could be ready for approved medical marijuana patients as early as October, with many involved in the fledgling industry expecting the program to be fully operational at some point this fall.
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43 Students Participate in
Press Release from Ohio Farm Bureau
Ohio
Farm
Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s E xplore A g Program Bureau
Foundation’s are considering careers in science, technology or
ExploreAg program kicked off in June with 43 high school students from across the state learning about the rewarding careers available in the food, fuel and fiber industries. ExploreAg is a signature project of the foundation’s Fisher Fund, named after former Ohio Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Jack Fisher. The foundation has committed $125,000 to the first two years of ExploreAg, which introduces students to the many career opportunities that are in high demand in the agriculture industry. The students stayed a week on Ohio State University’s main campus or at its Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster where they learned from experts about what the agriculture careers of today and tomorrow look like. The students, who
12 | Fall 2018
engineering, visited college labs, farm fields and factories. Subject matter included food science, precision agriculture, animal sciences, natural resources, management skills, technology and agricultural business. “We believe that the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation can serve as a significant catalyst to attract young people to careers in agriculture,” said Chris Baker, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s executive director. “By funding programs like ExploreAg, we hope to connect the younger generation’s passions for science and technology with the tremendous career opportunities that exist in food and agriculture.” Participants in the two ExploreAg camps were Jessie Abke of Shelby County;
“By funding programs like ExploreAg, we hope to connect the younger generation’s passions for science and technology with the tremendous career opportunities that exist in food and agriculture.” – Chris Baker Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s executive director Desirae Allen, Matthew Byler, Lorenzo Szewczyk, Colby Turon and Mattie Wakefield of Trumbull County; Meghan Bhanoo, Francesca Carlo and Jenna Lusk of Cuyahoga County; Cale Bible of Coshocton County; Amina Blount, Evers Brandt, Turner Burns, Aurius Calloway, Gabriela Gant, Luke Jackson and Brianna Pecourt of Franklin County; Graham Carson and Gabe Pickerill of Fayette County; Anna Cox of Tuscarawas County; Anya Demshar of Lake County; Caleb Durheim and Garrett Harsh of Delaware County; Clarence Durliat and Josiah McKeown of Hancock County; Cassian Filbrun, Madeline Kellogg and Mason Weber of
Ashland County; John Gilbert and Ansley Kozarec of Montgomery County; Maci Haitz of Brown County; Von Herron of Columbiana County; Grant Heuing of Mercer County; Sam Hoffman, Korin Johnson, Keegan Lilly and Kora Lilly of Fairfield County; Eliza Jones of Butler County; Victoria Nash and Bryce Schott of Knox County; Sydney Steinke of Auglaize County; Dean Wolfe of Union County, and Zach Zwiebel of Allen County. For more information about the ExploreAg program, visit ExploreAg.org. Questions should be directed to Chris Baker, 614-246-8275 or chbaker@ ofbf.org
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Ohio’s Greenhouses Helping People
By | JD Malone The Columbus Dispatch
Eat Local Now and in the Future
Along the gravel lanes sof rural Clinton County, you can see the past and present of Ohio agriculture. Rolling green fields of soybeans and corn stretch to the horizon. The future of agriculture is here, too. A 170,000-square-foot greenhouse, wrapped in green metal siding and topped with hundreds of glass panels, squats beside a cornfield across from ABOVE: The BrightFarms operation in Wilmington, in Clinton County, grows salad lettuce through hydroponics in huge greenhouses. Salad greens take only two weeks to go from seeds to maturity. (JD Malone/Dispatch)
14 | Fall 2018
the Wilmington Air Park. The $10 million project is the fourth greenhouse built by BrightFarms, a New York company that also operates greenhouses near Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Wilmington Mayor John Stanforth, a Clinton County native, pondered the BrightFarms greenhouse. “This is not the agriculture I grew up with.” Inside the building, kale, spinach and a variety of lettuces — romaine, scarlet, cristabel and others — grow on Styrofoam boards floating in ponds that are 50 feet wide and 325 feet long. It takes about two weeks for greens to go from
– Abby Prior BrightFarms vP of marketing seed to salad mix. There also are herbs, such as basil and cilantro. BrightFarms can harvest 2,000 pounds of salad greens a day, and have them in stores across Ohio in 24 hours. The greenhouse in Wilmington celebrated its first harvest Aug. 3. It’s local produce at industrial scale. ‘Local’ is the No. 1 demand driver in produce,� said Abby Prior, BrightFarms vice president of marketing. “At this farm, we will grow the freshest and most sustainable greens in the state.� BrightFarms might have the newest greenhouse in Ohio, but it is far from the first. In the past three years, a handful of enormous greenhouses have risen in Wapakoneta, Delta, Huron and other small towns in Ohio. Those hulking operations, like the $22.5 million, 20-acre spread built by Golden Fresh Farms in Wapakoneta last year, specialize in tomatoes. Ohio isn’t alone, either. The sprouting of mega greenhouses growing produce is happening across the U.S., said Brian Sparks, senior editor of Greenhouse Grower, a trade publication that covers the industry. “This is really taking advantage of the localfood movement,� Sparks said. “They provide yearround local produce, and the demand for that is only going to increase.� Most of the new greenhouses grow tomatoes and peppers, but BrightFarms found its niche in salad greens, which the company finds more profitable than other produce. “We don’t grow tomatoes,� said Josh Norbury, BrightFarms director of operations. The hothouse tomato business is booming and bound to get even bigger, after Wendy’s announced earlier this year that it plans to switch all of its tomato sourcing to greenhouses across the U.S., including at least one in Ohio. Sparks sees this shift happening for several reasons. One is that vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers are very susceptible to weather changes
and storm damage. Greenhouses eliminate those variables and give growers a more reliable harvest. Greenhouses also reduce food-safety concerns — though they do not eliminate them — because almost every element of the production cycle can be controlled and monitored. Ohio’s position at the crossroads of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast has been attractive to greenhouse companies, Sparks said. Big population centers are within easy reach, giving tomatoes grown indoors near Sandusky an advantage over those imported from Mexico. The growth is likely to continue. Marysville-based Scotts Miracle-Gro has invested $1 billion in hydroponics over the past few years. The company aimed its investments at the lucrative and booming medical and recreational cannabis markets, but also sees big potential in greenhouses. “There is a bigger market here, in Canada and GREENHOUSES continues on pg. 16
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GREENHOUSES continued from pg. 15
ABOVE: Inside the BrightFarms greenhouse, kale, spinach and a variety of lettuces – romaine, scarlet, cristabel and others – grow on Styrofoam boards floating in ponds that are 50 feet wide and 325 feet long. (JD Malone/Dispatch) Europe, there is a big market for indoor grown plants, produce,” said James Hagedorn, Scotts CEO. “It isn’t just pot.” No doubt, companies see the potential. Nature Fresh, another tomato operation, has 45 acres under roof in northwest Ohio. Mucci Farms, in Huron, plans to triple its 24 acres of greenhouse in the coming years. Golden Fresh Farms trumps them all with plans to expand its Wapakoneta operation tenfold. Greenhouses growing food on this scale might be new, but Ohio has long been home to a large horticulture industry, with greenhouses supplying
16 | Fall 2018
flowers, shrubs, perennial plants, trees and other nursery products for much of the Midwest. Ohio ranked fifth in horticulture production in 2015, behind California, Florida, Michigan and North Carolina, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The state also soon will be home to greenhouses growing a new crop — cannabis — as the state’s medical marijuana campaign is aiming to have Ohio-grown marijuana available by the end of the year. Ohio grows lots of crops outdoors, of course. The agriculture industry contributes more than $100 billion a year to the state’s economy,
“This is really taking advantage of the local-food movement. They provide year-round local produce, and the demand for that is only going to increase.” – BRIAN SPARKS senior editor of Greenhouse Grower including soybeans, corn, tomatoes and peppers. Greenhouses will never replace traditional agriculture, but they can extend the state’s short growing season. In a greenhouse, all year long it’s California’s central valley, where much of the nation’s produce is grown. It’s also pretty straightforward. “It’s wonderful. We can control every aspect,” said Lee Muhlenkamp, production manager at BrightFarm’s Wilmington operation. “All of this is very high-tech, and we can run the whole thing on a smartphone.” BrightFarms didn’t build its greenhouse with a list of buyers in its back pocket. It liked Ohio’s big
urban markets and the state’s position as a major distribution hub for a host of retailers. BrightFarms thinks its product — a pesticidefree, locally grown salad mix — will find space in stores across the state. Muhlenkamp agrees. Before coming to BrightFarms, he was the produce manager at a local Kroger store. The lettuce coming from California, Mexico or Arizona is, at best, five to seven days old when it reaches the Midwest. “This leaves here in 24 hours,” he said. “In every way, this is a better product. This has to be the future.” If so, the future is now. jmalone@dispatch.com
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17 Selected for AgriPOWER,
Press Release The Ohio Farm Bureau
Ohio Farm Bureau’s Leadership Training Program
Seventeen farmers and agribusiness profes- Doug Franz of Mt. Gilead, Amy Hamilton of Hillsboro, sionals have been selected for the 2018-2019 AgriPOWER Institute, Ohio Farm Bureau’s elite training program designed to help participants become community leaders and advocates for agriculture. The yearlong program consists of multiple two-to-threeday training sessions that focus on public policy issues facing agriculture and the food industry. Class X members are Megan Dresbach of Circleville, Katie Esselburn of Shreve, Kayla Finton of Coshocton,
18 | Fall 2018
Amanda Hill of Marion, Jacob Hoelscher of Osgood, Sarah Ison of Moscow, Bailey Morrell of Wooster, Vicky Popp of Cincinnati, Trish Preston of Canal Winchester, Ashley Rose of New Vienna, Aubry FowlerShaw of Thornville, Sara Tallmadge of Loudonville, Lindsey Walls of Defiance, Laramie Wells of Russellville and Jonathan Zucker of Marion. Throughout the year, Class X participants will learn about public policy matters important to their com-
munities as well as the state of Ohio, nation and world. Participants will develop important skills necessary to become effective leaders and advocates, including spokesperson and media training, etiquette training, social networking, communications and more. One of the sessions will take place in Washington, D.C. to give participants a better understanding of national and global issues and another out of state so they can learn about differences and similarities in agriculture state to state. “What an amazing impact this program has had in developing leaders over the past 10 years who truly make a difference not only in the ag industry but their local communities,” said Melinda Witten, AgriPOWER director. Partnering with Ohio Farm Bureau on AgriPOWER Class X are AgCredit of Mt. Gilead, Brown County Farm Bureau, Certified Angus Beef, Clermont County Farm Bureau, Coshocton County Farm Bureau, Farm Credit Mid-America, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Soybean Council, Pickaway County Farm Bureau, Shoup Brothers Farm, Southern Ohio Agricultural & Community Development Fund and Wayne County Farm Bureau. For additional information about AgriPOWER, visit ofb.ag/agripower. Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, 614-246-8230.
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Teachers Schooled
By | Linda Hall Daily Record Staff Writer
In April of 2017, Northwestern Local Schools welcomed the public to view its 3,000 square foot greenhouse incorporating a geothermal unit, a biodiesel plant, an aquaponics system, a wind turbine and solar panels to benefit students studying agriculture, environmental sciences, business and other disciplines. A month later, The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute held a formal dedication ceremony showcasing its cuttingedge Greenhouse Grange, featuring a controls corridor and three connected greenhouses — the hydroponic, propagation and light exclusion houses. A greenhouse doesn’t immediately come to mind as the venue for educating students about ABOVE: Far right, Uttara Samarakoon, assistant professor, greenhouse and nursery management at ATI, instructs area educators from a variety of school districts, including (second from left) Heather Tegtmeier, Northwestern, in some of the basics of greenhouse education at a workshop held on the campus of The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute. (Linda Hall, the-daily-record.com)
20 | Fall 2018
IN A GREENHOUSE technology, but Northwestern, like other school districts, including Dalton and Norwayne, are discovering its versatility in hands-on learning not just in agriculture, but in a variety of areas of study. A group of teachers from around the area and the state recently convened at ATI for the purpose of being schooled in a greenhouse. One of them was Northwestern agricultural teacher Heather Tegtmeier, who was instrumental in initiating her district’s greenhouse used in subjects ranging from agricultural education to biology. At ATI’s workshop, Tegtmeier picked up “different technology, lesson plans and tips of the trade” to take back to Northwestern’s own greenhouse program. The association with OSU/ATI and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center “only enhances our curriculum and relationships for agricultural science programs, as well as our biology and clean/renewable energy program,” said Northwestern Superintendent Jeffrey Layton. The concept of using greenhouses as an agricultural tool is sufficiently popular that there
ABOVE: Susan Shultzman, a gifted instructor in the Southeast district, tries her hand at planting pansy seeds during a greenhouse education workshop held at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute. (Linda Hall, the-daily-record.com) “Most participants were from upper (grade) levels,” Grimm said, but “a handful of elementary (school teachers)” were also in attendance.
Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at lhall@thedaily-record.com or 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230. She is @lindahallTDR on Twitter.
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was a waiting list for the recent one-day K-12 workshop, sponsored by OSU’s Wooster Campus Business Training and Educational Services. It “came about as a result of receiving several inquiries from area teachers about taking classes in our greenhouse degree program,” said Kimberly Sayers, ATI’s director of business training and educational services. It was put together specifically for teachers, Sayers said. “Greenhouses seem to be a trend these days,” said Laura Grimm, a Dalton Local Schools science teacher and one of the instructors at ATI’s workshop. “Perhaps that has something to do with the local food movement,” Grimm said. “Perhaps we’re moving back to include agriculture in the curriculum. Many local schools had agricultural programs at one time.” Students can apply lessons learned in the classroom to real-life growing situations, Grimm said. While Grimm thinks agricultural education may be making a comeback in school curriculum, “a lot of technology is used to manage a greenhouse,” she said. “Greenhouses are a perfect place to teach science, technology, engineering and math,” Grimm said. “Heating, cooling, various automatic watering systems, hydroponics, fertilizer systems” are all part of greenhouse operation. Much of the interest in greenhouse technology and operations is a result of teachers receiving grants and “want(ing) to learn how to maximize (it) for STEM education with their students,” Sayers said. “This (was) the first offering, and we limited registration to 30,” she said, adding, “Registration took off right away ....” Segments of the program included basics of the greenhouse environment, fertilizer management, plant propagation and lesson plan sharing, along with integrating greenhouse crop production and STEM into school curriculum. Susan Shultzman, Southeast district gifted coordinator, will be “starting out with “baby steps” in using what she learned about greenhouse education and rejuvenating the greenhouse at Fredericksburg Elementary School. “I’m getting a lot of wonderful ideas,” said Shultzman, looking forward to “a working greenhouse” in Fredericksburg.
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Busch’s No. 7 Corn Sheller! Story & Photos by | Emily Rumes Gatehouse Media
This image is the view looking down into a corn sheller from 1899. It features a shaker-screen system for cleaning the shelled corn. Also of interest are the two small casters that permitted the machine to be moved about like a small cart. The shelled corn kernels, once off the cob, could be used for feeding livestock or various other purposes around the farm. Special thanks to Ralph Smucker and the Pioneer Village of the Smithville Community Historical Society for this image and the information on the tool. You can visit the Pioneer Village and Historical Society in Smithville, which consists of nine main buildings and three smaller structures. This tool was in the LyDo Barn, a “Yankee” style barn originally
Collection of: Ralph Smucker and the Pioneer Village of the Smithville Community Historical Society
built in 1840. The artifacts on display are from the 1800s & early 1900s and many pieces were used on local farms. Visit SOHCHS.org for more information and upcoming events. Their next event will be on Saturday, October 20th. There will be an Open House from 1:30 to 4pm and they will be making Apple Butter at 1:30pm. Located along Main Street in Smithville.
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Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation
Press Release from THE Ohio Farm Bureau
SMETZER’S TIRE CENTERS Family Owned & Operated TIRES FOR ALL REASONS www.smetzertire.com 352 W. Liberty, Wooster • 330-264-9901 238 N. Hilcrest, Wooster • 330-264-1055 WO-10601192
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Awards $34,000 In Scholarships THE OHIO Farm Bureau Foundation recently awarded $34,000 in scholarships to students across the state. The foundation annually recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research.
Cindy Hollingshead Scholarship:
Recipients are Sarah Lehner of Delaware County; Meredith Oglesby of Highland County; Katie Frost of Fayette County; Todd Peterson of Fayette County; Louisa Pullins of Wood County; Sumedha
The foundation annually recognizes Ohio students for their academic effort, community engagement and career interests that link agriculture to community service, education or scientific research. Kappagantula of Butler County; Kady Davis of Carroll County; Kaitlyn Evans of Richland County and Danielle Leeper of Union County. This fund honors Cynthia Anne (Cindy) Hollingshead for her 39 years of service as Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive secretary, as well as a lifetime of volunteer commitment to local government and community service activities. Financial assistance goes to students who are pursuing careers focused on agriculture, community service and association leadership.
Darwin Bryan Scholarship:
Licking County received this award, which honors Kenny Walter, a long-time Farm Bureau staff member, leader and advocate for rural Ohio. The fund provides scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in agriculture who come from the 29 northeastern counties Walter served as a regional supervisor and organization director.
Ohio
Farm
Bureau
Foundation
Scholar
Award:
Receiving this award are Clare Sollars of Fayette County; Todd Peterson of Fayette County; Garrett Stanfield of Adams County and Meredith Oglesby of Highland County. This award recognizes students for academic effort, community service and career interests that use agriculture to enhance the partnership between producers and consumers in rural, suburban and/or urban settings.
Recipients are Kristen Eisenhauer of Richland County; Katie Frost of Fayette County; Melanie Fuhrmann of Scioto County; Sarah Lehner of Delaware County and Todd Peterson of Fayette County. This fund was established in 1985 in honor of Darwin R. Bryan whose enthusiastic leadership during his 37 years of service to Ohio Farm Bureau has been an inspiration to rural youth throughout Women’s Leadership in Agriculture Ohio. The fund assists students who have been active in Farm Bureau’s youth program and/or Scholarship: whose parents are Farm Bureau members. Receiving the scholarship are Sarah Lehner of Delaware County; Melanie Fuhrmann of Scioto Jack Fisher Scholarship: County; Katie Frost of Fayette County; Meredith Recipients are Cora Dorman of Licking County; Oglesby of Highland County; Holly Schmenk of Kady Davis of Carroll County; Mary Baker of Wayne Putnam County; Olivia Blay of Portage County and County; Garrett Stanfield of Adams County; Todd Courtney Heiser of Seneca County. This scholarship Peterson of Fayette County; Meredith Oglesby of is for students who have chosen a career path that Highland County; Savannah Ireland of Jackson benefits agricultural or community development County; Kayla Walls of Mercer County; Abigail such as food production, scientific research, Durheim of Delaware County, and Sarah Lehner of education/outreach or leadership development. Delaware County. This fund is named after John The program was established by an endowment C. “Jack” Fisher, Ohio Farm Bureau’s executive from the Charlotte R. Schmidlapp Fund, Fifth Third vice president for 20 years. His vision for this Bank, Trustee. scholarship is to enable people to acquire the For more information about Ohio Farm Bureau necessary tools for a more fulfilling life. Foundation and its mission, visit ofbf.org/ foundation. Kenny Walter Scholarship Fund: Questions should be directed to Joe Cornely, Kady Davis of Carroll County and Cora Dorman of 614-246-8230. harvest
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Farmers Must Prepare
Story by | Sherrie Whaley OSU CFAES NEWS
FOR THE UNTHINKABLE
Tony Nye is a man on a mission. A serious heart-related illness in late 2017 shook him to his core. It also convinced him that many farmers, both small-scale and large-scale, need to hear what he has to say. “I was as close to knocking on the Pearly Gates as possible before I turned the corner,” he recalled. After surgery, he lost both weight and strength and spent a month in the hospital. “I wasn’t able to return to the barns for almost six months.” Those barns are on his 50-acre Fayette County farm, where Nye raises meat goats and artificially breeds purebred swine. The swine herd consists of 20 sows and a boar stud that he lightheartedly refers to as “boar in a bottle.” The farm also
26 | Fall 2018
includes some grain production, plus pasture ground for the goats. Luckily for the family, his then 17-year-old son was able to step in and care for the livestock during his Dad’s illness. That care included not only feeding and watering during the bitter winter weather, but also farrowing numerous pig litters and making important decisions related to animal health, finances and marketing. But Nye realizes that things could have ended up much differently. He plans to discuss the “what ifs” and the impacts it had on his family farm on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Farm Science Review, an agricultural trade show held yearly at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London and sponsored by the College
“Fortunately I am still among the living and our farm is still operating. Lots of decisions had to be made quickly and, honestly, we were not prepared.” – TONY NYE HEART SURGERY SURVIVOR
of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. His presentation on “Be Prepared if Tragedy Strikes on the Farm,” is set for 11 a.m. at the Small Farms Center tent. In addition to farming, Nye also works as the agricultural and natural resources Extension educator in Clinton County and is the statewide small farm coordinator for OSU Extension, the outreach arm of The Ohio State University and its College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Now eight months after his heart scare, he still has only returned to the office on a parttime basis. “Fortunately I am still among the living and our farm is still operating. Lots of decisions had to be made quickly and, honestly, we were not prepared,” he said. Nye wants farmers to realize that they aren’t invincible and to recognize the importance of family communication and contingency plans. “Tragedy can mean many things on a farm— everything from a barn fire and severe illness to a car accident, death or lost crop due to hail or a windstorm,” he said. “Any of these things can create financial and physical stress for the family.” When it comes to estate planning, farmers often only think about retirement and who to pass the farm to. Much more should be addressed, Nye noted. “Written directives are so very important,” he said. “They require communication and transparency among all family members.” “If you don’t talk about it ahead of time, how can you plan for it?” Nye said. “I will discuss the whole thought process around ‘what if’ and preparing for the unthinkable.” Among the recommendations he will discuss are that families should:
Recognize the critical importance of communication. Talk openly about the “what ifs.” Share with all family members the need for a plan in the event of a tragedy. Identify who will make the day-to-day decisions and other key people that should be involved. Is there someone who wants to keep the farm going? Understand each other’s role and performance expectations. Evaluate the situation from the standpoint of both financial and physical labor challenges. Have written goals and objectives to help guide necessary decisions. Draw up a will to help the family know what to do in the event of death. Consider a lawyer or tax preparer to discuss financial and legal decisions. Compile a list of the farm’s support network including individuals such as an attorney, veterinarian, insurance agent, seed and fertilizer dealer, neighbors, and even the local Extension educator. For more information about the three-day Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 18-20, visit fsr.osu. edu.
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Agile Part of Rural
Canton Repository Staff Report
BROADBAND PROJECT AGILE NETWORKS will partner with Microsoft Corp. on a project to extend broadband internet access to unserved areas of Ohio.
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The partnership is part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative and is expected to reach 110,000 currently unserved people and expand access in underserved rural areas. The Microsoft Airband Initiative is focused on extending broadband access to 2 million unserved people in rural areas around the county by 2022. Kyle Quillen, founder and chief executive officer of Agile Networks, said the company is excited to partner with Microsoft on a national initiative. “We have a global technology powerhouse based on the West Coast who is committing resources and efforts and their brand to a ccompany in Canton, Ohio, in the innovation district, to help address a critical problem that we face from an economic development perspective, and that’s broadband access in rural areas,” Quillen said. The partnership will leverage Agile’s telecommunications infrastructure around Ohio and technology to provide rural residents with broadband internet access. Microsoft Airband Initiative is focused on bringing
“In today’s digital economy, broadband access has become a necessity across industries including healthcare, agriculture, business and education.” – Shelley McKinley head of technology and corporate responsibility AT MICROSOFT
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broadband coverage to rural Americans through commercial partnerships and investment in digital skills training for people in the newly connected communities. The company said proceeds from Airband connectivity projects will be reinvested into the program to expand broadband to more rural areas. “In today’s digital economy, broadband access has become a necessity across industries including healthcare, agriculture, business and education,” Shelley McKinley, Microsoft’s head of technology and corporate responsibility, said in a press release. “Our partnership with Agile will help deliver broadband internet access to rural communities across Ohio so that they can take advantage of today’s and tomorrow’s opportunities and the latest cloud technologies.” Around the state there are critical functions — medical clinics and rural hospitals, schools, farms and households, for example — that need reliable, high-speed connectivity. By equipping its towers with innovative TV white spaces equipment, Agile’s efforts with Microsoft, will enhance public safety, while providing competitive, affordable broadband access options. Microsoft officials believe the project will serve as a catalyst for economic development and rural broadband deployment. Quillen said the project will cover more than two-thirds of the state and impact close to 1 million people. “From our perspective, it’s a giant leap forward and another tool in the toolkit of addressing a critical economic development and lifestyle need in rural areas,” he said. Ultimately the project will bring Canton and the surrounding area benefits that wouldn’t exist without the relationship between Agile and Microsoft, Quillen said. Reach The Canton Repository at 330-580-8300 or newsroom@cantonrep.com harvest
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ATI’s iPad Distribution
Story and Photos by | Dan Starcher Staff Writer
Like ‘Christmas in August’
When Palmer Steiner sto be a freshman at Ohio State University or any of its branches. More specifically, it’s a great time to be a firstyear student because of a perk introduced this fall for traditional or non-traditional students at the main campus or any OSU branch. So said Angela Davis, from the Digital Flagship, OSU’s initiative to develop digital literacy, who was on hand as the Agricultural Technical Institute’s incoming students lined up outside of the Skou Hall Lounge to pick up and get assistance with setting up their own new iPad and accessories. The iPads provided for students have been funded by a partnership between OSU and
Apple, said Jeanne Osborne, assistant director of academic affairs at ATI. “As long as they graduate from the university, they are theirs to keep,” said Frances Whited, marketing and communications coordinator. “We finished deploying them on the Columbus campus and at Newark,” said Davis on Tuesday, when Flagship team members, sent out to all the first-year students at all of the branches, were in Mansfield, Lima and Wooster showing students how to get started using their new iPad and its tools. It’s one thing to have an iPad and another to make optimum use of it, according to Davis. Used as part of curriculum, “it creates synergy between education and technology,” ABOVE: Ian Kear of ATI signs his tech agreement as Steven Davis said. Brenneman, endpoint engineer with OSU, watches. After signing Apps, managed by the university, will be his agreement, Kear will receive his complimentary iPad as a first- deployed throughout the system, she said. year student at OSU. (Mike Schenk, The-Daily-Record.com) “The tools will help them do their work
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better,” Davis said. “We make the assumption everybody knows how to use them” just because they apply to social media. But students aren’t always “adequately prepared” for employing them in an academic setting. Training on the iPads is part of the firstyear students’ General Studies orientation class, said Whited, which teaches study skills and how to use resources, as well as helping students adjust to college. It is graded, Osborne said. The new initiative providing all incoming freshmen with a new Apple iPad was unveiled this year, said Sherrie R. Whaley, media relations coordinator for the College of Food, Agricultural, & Environmental Sciences. “Main campus freshmen received their iPads in June during summer orientation,” Whaley said. “Additionally, 42 main campus fall courses have been designated as ‘iPad required.’” Laura Deeter, professor and coordinator of landscape horticulture and horticultural science at ATI, has big plans for student use of iPads in her courses. She’ll be “gamifying” her plant ID class in “Plants vs. Zombies,” in which students may earn “leaf points” as “bonus points.” For example, a video game called Skyrim features plants, some of which are actually real, Deeter said. Students will have to research which of them are actual plants and check out the accuracy of their purported medicinal use. In “Explain Everything” during her ecology class, students will create a movie about the properties of photosynthesis as they begin to understand the chemical principles of it and how it is manipulated in agronomic fields. They’ll also be putting together a movie on a controversial topic, evaluating the impact of “a disturbance” on a particular field of study. “The whole point (behind using the iPads) is that they’re not just content absorbers, but content creators,” Deeter said. Along with the distribution and set-up of iPads being “a pretty visual and exciting time as they receive the boxes, open them up and learn how to set them up and log in,” Whaley said, “library staff members will also
ABOVE: Digital team member Mitchell Bartholomew helps first-year ATI student Shelby Helm of Montezuma, Iowa set up her iPad, provided by OSU for all first-year students, for use at school. (Mike Schenk, The-Daily-Record.com)
show students all the cool things they can do with the iPads. It will be just like Christmas in August.” Reporter Linda Hall can be reached at lhall@ the-daily-record.com or 330-264-1125, Ext. 2230. She is @lindahallTDR on Twitter.
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USDA Partners to Improve Rural Water
Press Release from | USDA Jay Fletcher (202) 690-0498 & Weldon Freeman (202) 690-1384
and Wastewater Infrastructure in 23 States
ASSISTANT TO the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett visited the state on August 14th to announce that USDA is investing more than $124 million to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure in 23 states. “Modern, reliable water infrastructure provides a foundation for economic growth and prosperity,” Hazlett said. “USDA’s partnerships with rural communities
5963 Fountain Nook Rd. Apple Creek, OH 44606 WO-10597368
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underscore Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s commitment to ensuring that rural places have the infrastructure needed to thrive.” USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Below are examples of some of the infrastructure projects across the nation that USDA is helping to support. In Nettleton, Miss., the Cason Water District is receiving a $2.1 million loan and a $1.9 million grant to install surface water transmission lines from the Northeast Mississippi Water Supply District to the Cason Water District. A booster station, an elevated storage tank and larger distribution lines will also be installed. This project will correct water supply loss and accommodate future growth. The improvements will provide improved water
“Modern, reliable water infrastructure provides a foundation for economic growth and prosperity.” – ANNE HAZLETT Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development
modernize or build water and wastewater systems. They can visit the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices. In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB). USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www. rd.usda.gov.
service to 1,657 customers. McLouth, Kan., is receiving a $1.3 million loan to improve the city’s water infrastructure. The project will replace approximately 9,400 feet of pipe and 4,100 feet of antiquated service line. In addition, 420 old water meters will be replaced with automatic meter readers and control panels at the water treatment facility. The upgrade will serve more than 860 residents. The town of Black Oak, Ark., will use a $687,000 loan and a $1.9 million grant to construct a wastewater collection system for the town and the surrounding rural area. The new collection system will serve 135 residents. Most of the individual septic systems are malfunctioning. A public wastewater system that meets current health and sanitary standards also will be constructed. The funding that USDA is announcing will benefit communities in Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, USDA is an equal opportunity provider, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, employer and lender. South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and West Virginia. Maysville Elevator, Inc 10583 Harrison Rd. In FY 2018, Congress provided a historic 330-695-4413 Apple Creek, OH 44606 level of funding for water and wastewater infrastructure. The 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.8 billion in FY 2017. The bill also directs Agriculture Secretary Swift Start Swift Start Swift Start Sonny Perdue to make investments in rural 25/18 22/20 18/20 High Gain is for can be fed at tradiis an all milk communities with the greatest infrastructure the producer that tional intake levels, formulation with wants to maximize but has the quality extra amino acids. needs. calf rate of gain. to allow feeding at Swift Start 18/20 higher levels when provides excellent Eligible rural communities and water districts conditions demand nutrition at a real extra nutrition. value. can apply online for funding to maintain, WO-10635937
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The Governor’s Executive Order
Story by | Lindsay Shoup OHIO FARM BUREAU
and Why Farmers in Eastern Ohio Should Care
The Background iOn July 11, 2018 Gov. John Kasich issued an executive order that gives the state government control over farming practices for over 7,000 farmers and 2 million acres of farmland in northwest Ohio. Despite touting a Common Sense Initiative during his campaign, which included a transparent and inclusive approach to policy making, the governor left agriculture stakeholders out of the conversation. The executive order instructs the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission to consider classifying eight watersheds in northwest Ohio as distressed. If these watersheds are classified as distressed, the following requirements are made of every farmer: 1) Nutrient management requirements for all nutrient sources (includes manure and synthetic fertilizer); 2) Development of associated management plans for agricultural lands and operations within the designated watershed boundaries; 3) Requirements for the storage, handling, land application and control of residual farm products,
34 | Fall 2018
manure and erosion of sediment and substances attached thereto within the designated watershed boundaries. On July 19, the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commissioners voted 4-2 to establish a subcommittee to review whether or not eight watersheds should be designated Watersheds in Distress per the request of the executive order. The commission’s decision gives stakeholders an opportunity to study and weigh in on the designation process itself as well as seek answers to the questions of timing and resource allocation. Farmers have many questions and concerns on how the designation and subsequent rules could impact them. They also want to show that the various mandatory and voluntary practices of farmers in the western Lake Erie watershed already in place are working. Ultimately, the decision allows agriculture to be a part of the process, which was not the case before the executive order was issued. Relevance to eastern Ohio farmers For counties outside of the Western Lake Erie
ABOVE: The graphic above shows the Ohio portion of the 4 digit hydrologic units (watersheds). The actual boundaries cross state lines. you are not already a member. Our membership amplifies the voice of agriculture to our elected officials to ensure that the interests of farmers are not forgotten.
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Basin, it’s easy to look at this action, shrug it off and breathe a sigh of relief that this isn’t the case in our neck of the woods. But to not consider these types of regulatory implications to this area would be unwise. Because the fact of the matter is, algal blooms are a concern all over Ohio (examples include Chippewa Lake in Medina County and Portage Lakes in Summit County). Whether deserved or not, agriculture across Ohio will continue to be scrutinized as nutrient contributors to these issues. So how are farmers to respond? Well, it can start with reviewing the practices on your own farm. Are you testing your soil for nutrient concentrations? Are you following the fertilizer application guidelines as you are instructed to in your fertilizer certification classes? Are you careful not to overapply manure? Do you try not to apply manure on saturated or frozen ground? If regulations like these were to ever go statewide, would you be able to meet manure storage requirements (at least six months of storage)? We hear from our members that answers to some of these questions are tough. Some of the dairies in Wayne County, for example, do not have six months of manure storage. At a time when milk prices and the farm economy is at an extreme low, it’s also not a topic that one wants to consider. But given the statewide concerns about water quality, it is one that we have to because our members believe everyone should have access to clean water. What is Farm Bureau doing The members of the county Farm Bureaus, Ohio Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations are working hard to be heard in Columbus. We are thankful that the Soil and Water Conservation Commission heard the concerns from the agricultural industry and recognized the work that Ohio Farm Bureau, OSU Extension and others are doing to research the most effective practices to reduce phosphorus runoff. County Farm Bureaus and Ohio Farm Bureau continue to stay engaged in conversations with legislators about this issue and calling for transparent and informed conversations that shape policy development. What can you do? First and foremost, it starts with responsible nutrient management practices on your farm. If you have questions about who to ask, call your County Farm Bureau office and we can get you connected to your OSU Extension agent or SWCD. Then, share your story. Your legislators, neighbors, friends and family need to hear that farmers want clean water for Ohio and that you are doing your part. Finally, join your County Farm Bureau if
518 West Prospect Street Smithville, Ohio 44677 330-669-7000 www.wcscc.org
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West Nile Virus Found
IN STARK COUNTY HORSE
Canton Repository Staff Report
State agriculture officials re warning owners to ensure their horses are vaccinated after animals in Stark and Holmes County tested positive for the West Nile virus. A horse in Baltic in Holmes County fell sick Aug. 6, followed by a horse on a farm near Beach City. Tests came back
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positive for West Nile on Aug. 17, said Mark Bruce, communications director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Neither horse had been vaccinated. West Nile is endemic in Ohio and is regularly found in animals, Bruce said. The two horses are the first confirmed cases in Ohio this year. Last year, 14 horses tested positive for the virus. Like humans, horses contract West Nile through mosquito bites. Infected horses can’t spread the disease to other animals or humans. “My message to horse owners is simple: vaccinate your animals and you can protect against West Nile Virus,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Forshey said in a news release. “Vaccines are a proven and effective prevention tool and I encourage all owners to talk to their veterinarian to learn how they can easily keep their animals healthy.” According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, signs of West Nile in horses include flu-like symptoms, where the horse seems mildly anorexic and depressed. Changes in mentality, drowsiness, driving or pushing forward (often without control) and asymmetrical weakness may be observed. The disease does not always lead to signs of illness in animals or people. West Nile can have a mortality rate as high as 30 to 40 percent in horses. Owners are also encouraged to take steps to reduce mosquito populations and limit breeding grounds. Recommendations include: removing stagnant water sources; keeping animals inside during the bugs’ feeding times, which are typically early in the morning and evening; and using mosquito repellents. Reach The Canton Repository at 330-580-8300 or newsroom@cantonrep.com
Produce Safety Consultations
Press Release from The Ohio Department of Agriculture
Now Available for Ohio Growers
THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF agriculture (ODA) is now offering produce growers FREE,
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved consultations to help farmers comply with the upcoming Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety rule. ODA’s Division of Food Safety, through a cooperative agreement with the FDA, is responsible for enforcing the Produce Safety rule in Ohio. Farm inspections will begin in the spring of 2019, but prior to inspections, ODA staff is offering these voluntary consultation visits to help growers identify what steps they may need to take to comply with the Produce Safety rule before regulatory inspections begin. Farms can request a farm consultation visit to determine specific requirements to their farm. This service is offered as a one-on-one consult in which trained and certified ODA staff will visit farms and walk growers through what will be expected with new federal regulations on their farm. In addition
to the consultation, farms will also receive resource materials that will help aid in compliance. Growers unsure if their farm is subject to the Produce Safety rule, can review FDA’s FSMA regulation document or contact ODA for additional assistance. Produce farms that are exempt from the rule are welcome to schedule consultation visits, as some of the requirements are similar to those required by third party food safety auditors. FSMA, which was signed into law on January 4, 2011, is the most comprehensive reform of the nation’s food safety laws since 1938. Its goal is to better protect public health by shifting U.S. food supply safety efforts from a response approach to one of prevention. FSMA is comprised of seven rules that span the entire food supply chain. Of these rules, the one most likely to impact produce growers is the Produce Safety rule. For more information on FSMA, the Produce Safety rule or to schedule your on-farm consultation visit agri.ohio.gov or call (614) 600-4272. harvest
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fall HARVEST EVENTS September Hope For Ohio Events Planned for This Fall (Sept. - Nov.) Helping young people fight the opioid epidemic is the goal of Hope for Ohio, a project of the Ohio Farm Bureau and other supporting organizations. The program works with 4-H and FFA members to encourage peer-to-peer prevention measures. Five regional Hope for Ohio events will welcome youth, parents, advisers and others. At each event, speakers will share stories and information that will provide youth with tools needed to be prevention leaders in their communities. • Sept. 29: Beck’s research farm facility, London, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. • Oct. 20: Ohio Christian University, Circleville, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Nov. 3: FFA Camp Muskingum, Carrollton, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Nov. 10: Spencerville High School, Spencerville, Noon to 3 p.m. • Nov. 17, Clermont County, time and location to be determined. For more information, email OFBF Policy Outreach Fellow Marissa Mulligan at mmulligan@ofbf.org.
18 - 20 FAR SCIENCE REVIEW Visitors to the 56th annual Farm Science Review, the premier outdoor agricultural education and industry trade show, will walk away with advice they can use to improve their farm operation, large or small. Tickets are $7 online, at OSU Extension county offices and participating agribusinesses, and $10 at the gate. Children ages 5 and under are free. Details on event hours, buying tickets online and more are on the Review’s website at fsr.osu.edu. Open Tuesday and Wednesday 8am-5pm and Thursday 8am-4pm.
22 Apple Festival Days at Bauman Orchards Enjoy wagon rides into the orchard to pick your own apples. Petting zoo and hay maze. Bauman Orchards 8am-5pm 330-925-6861 www.baumanorchards.com *Check online for additional dates.
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Marshallville Antique Tractor Pull One of the oldest pulls in the area. Marshallville Park 1pm 330-855-2212 www.facebook.com/ marshallvillepullersofficial
Lehman’s Fall Festival Kick off your fall season with the best of family fun at this annual event. Lehman’s Hardware 10 AM-3 PM 800-438-5346 www.Lehmans.com
Fall Festival at Ramseyer Farms Visit Ramseyer Farm’s two giant corn mazes, corn slides, farm animals, scenic hayrides, pedal cart track, Hide & Slide Hill, and thousands of pumpkins! Ramseyer Farms Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 1-6 PM 330-2640264 www.ramseyerfarms.com *Check online for additional dates.
25 Guided Autumn Walk Come view fall foliage and autumn highlights in the arboretum. Dress for the weather. Seaman Orientation Plaza-Secrest Arboretum 2pm 740-4850129 http://secrest.osu.edu
28 - 29 Apple Dumpling Festival Enjoy this family fun weekend in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country featuring Ruth’s famous apple dumplings! Whispering Hills Jellystone RV Park Fri 5-9 PM & Sat 9AM-6 PM 330-567-2137 www. whisperinghillsrvpark.com
The Ohio Swiss Festival Every fall since 1953, downtown Sugarcreek, Ohio transforms into a lively Swiss village, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Switzerland. From wine and cheese samplings to races, contests, and parades, the Swiss Festival offers something for everyone. Sponsored by the Ohio Swiss Cheese Association, Sugarcreek Business Association, and the Village of Sugarcreek. Music, food, and entertainment each day of the festival, and parking can be found in various locations downtown. Visit OhioSwissFestival.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER 29 - 30 Ashland County Farm Tour oin Ashland County Farm Bureau on a tour of six farms throughout northern Ashland County. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. There is no cost to attend and no RSVP is required. Food will be available throughout the tour for donation or purchase. Booklets detailing the host stops and route map will be beginning the week of Sept 10.
NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER 23 Christmas on the Farm-Opening Day TwinsBerry Tree Farm Weekdays NOON-6pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun Noon-6pm 330-201-6471 www. twinsberrytreefarm.com
Fall Festival Weekends at Rittman Orchards Come celebrate fall with us! Apple and pumpkin picking, homemade caramel apples, bakery items, live music and food trucks. Rittman Orchards and Farm Market Sat 9am & Sun 11am 330-9254152 www.rittmanorchards.com *Check online for additional dates.
OCTOBER 13 Troutman Vineyards Winery Harvest Festival Come join us for our annual Harvest Festival! With grape stomping, cellar tours, live music all day, and lots of wine. Troutman Vineyards 11 AM-8 PM 330263-4345 www.troutmanvineyards.com
13 - 14 Wayne County Farm Tour Join Wayne County Farm Bureau on a tour of eight farms and agribusinesses in northwest Wayne County! Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday is 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend and no RSVP is required. Food will be available for purchase throughout the tour. Booklets detailing each stop and the route map will be available starting Sept 8. They can be found at the Wayne County Fair, RKO Wooster, online and at various agribusinesses throughout the county.
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