Beef Briefs

IN MEMORY OF... ROGER BONHAM Roger Bonham, 86, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away on July 16, 2022. He was born in 1936 on a farm in Ross County, moved to Fayette County when he was two years old and graduated high school in 1954. He was married in 1959 and served in the United States Army from 1958-1960 and then in the Ohio National Guard until 1962. Bonham was a crane operator at Armco for 17 years while also farming part-time. He became a full-time farmer in 1976, and was a pioneer and promoter of no-till cropping in the early 1970’s. He was closely involved in many Ohio State University Cooperative Extension Service programs, such as the Marketing Club and the Agronomy Club, of which he was a past president. In addition, Bonham was active in many local farm organizations. He was past chairman of the Fayette County Agriculture Hall of Fame committee and was inducted into the Fayette County Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2003. He was a member and past president of the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association and was recognized as the Distinguished Cattleman of 2002. For over 20 years, he was active in Corn Growers Associations on the local, state and national levels. He was past president of the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Association and in 2005, was inducted into the National Corn Growers Association Recruiter Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, two sons, Doug and Barry Bonham of Washington Court House; five grandchildren, including Gus Bonham, president of the Fayette County Cattle Feeders Association; four great grandchildren and an extended network of family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association (earmarked for their scholarships), 4731 Bloomingburg-New Holland Road, New Holland, Ohio 43145 and Ohio’s Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

MURRAYS AWARDED HONORARY BENCH FOR SERVICE TO BEEF INDUSTRY

Jim and Jackie Murray owned and operated the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association’s (OCA) Steak Barn for nearly three decades until their retirement in 2021. The Murrays served and promoted beef at the Ohio Beef Expo, the Ohio State Fair, the Farm Science Review and more. Because of their dedication to Ohio’s beef industry, the Ohio Beef Council (OBC) presented the Murrays with an honorary bench next to the Steak Barn at the 2022 Ohio State Fair. “Jim and Jackie have been a staple for ag industry events for many years,” said Elizabeth Harsh, OCA and OBC executive director. “We can’t thank them enough for their tremendous support of the beef industry through the years and wish them a happy retirement.”

OHIO’S NEW STATUTORY TERMINATION DATE FOR FARM CROP LEASES By: Peggy Kirk Hall, associate professor OSU Extension Agricultural & Resource Law Program A new Ohio law became effective on July 21, 2022 that will impact some landlords who want to terminate their farm crop leases. If the farm lease does not establish a date or method for terminating the lease, the law requires a landlord who wants to terminate the lease to do so in writing by Sept. 1. The law’s goal is to prevent “late” terminations that can harm tenant operators who have made investments for the next crop season.

What farm leases are subject to the new law?

The law applies to both written and verbal “agricultural lease agreements” that address the planting, growing and harvesting of agricultural crops. The law does not apply to leases for pasture, timber, farm buildings, horticultural buildings or equipment.

What if a lease already addresses termination?

The new law only applies when a leasing arrangement has not provided for a termination date or a method for giving notice of termination. If the landlord and tenant operator have addressed these provisions in their leasing situation, the provisions are unchanged by the law and continue to be effective.

When is the termination effective?

If a landlord gives notice of termination in writing by Sept. 1, the lease is terminated either upon the date harvest is complete or Dec. 31, whichever is earlier. The law allows the parties to establish a different termination date if agreed to in writing.

How must a landlord give notice of termination?

The landlord must give the notice in writing and deliver it to the tenant operator by hand, mail, facsimile or email by Sept. 1. The law does not require using specific language for the notice, but we recom-

mend including the date of the notice, an identification of the lease property, and a statement that the lease will terminate at the end of harvest or Dec. 31, 20____ unless the parties agree in writing to a different date.

What if a landlord terminates after Sept. 1?

Unless the leasing arrangement provides otherwise, a termination delivered by the landlord after Sept. is not effective and the lease would continue for another period. However, the tenant operator could agree to accept the late termination. If so, the parties should both sign a termination date agreement.

The value of a written farm lease

The new law arose because many farm leases aren’t in writing, creating uncertainty over termination rights. A written lease is invaluable for agreeing to important farm lease terms like termination. If you need legal assistance getting your lease in writing, check out our farm lease resources and contact us for a referral to an agricultural attorney. It’s money well spent.

Where to find the law

The new farm crop lease statutory termination law is in Ohio Revised Code Section 5301.71. For more information visit www. farmoffice.osu.edu.

COLLEGE STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR NCBA CONVENTION INTERNSHIPS The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is offering college students a unique behind-thescenes experience through its annual convention internship program. The 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, the largest annual meeting of the U.S. beef cattle industry, will take place Feb. 1-3, 2023, in New Orleans. Up to 18 interns will be selected and will be responsible for setting up the demonstration arena, assisting at committee meetings and Cattlemen’s College, participating in the NCBA booth, and posting on social media. NCBA will strive to provide students time to maximize industry networking. Student interns must be able to work Jan. 29 - Feb. 4, 2023, provide their own transportation to New Orleans, and be at least a junior-level college student at an accredited university at the time of the event. More information can be found at NCBA.org.

FallShowcase Ohio Shorthorn Sale

October 23, 2022 • 2 PM

Paint Valley Farms, Millersburg, OH

Sponsored by Ohio

SHORTHORN

Breeders’ Association