2015
FARM forecast and
The Crescent-News
REVIEW
Thursday, February 26, 2015
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Ag appreciation, hall of fame breakfast set in Defiance Will be held March 18, Frazier to speak The Defiance SWCD, OSU Extension Office and Defiance Chamber of Commerce are hosting the annual Ag Appreciation and Hall of Fame Breakfast on March 18 from 8-10 a.m. at the Defiance Knights of Columbus Hall on Elliott Road. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend with a farmers’ share breakfast being offered for $3
per person. Keynote speaker Randy Frazier will be sharing “What I’ve Learned from 9,000 Years of Farming...” A native of Arkansas, Frazier was raised on a family farm in Arkansas County. In addition to a 30-year leadership/management career with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, he has served as a fully commis-
sioned law enforcement officer, a Mountain Rescue Team member, an EMT instructor, and a certified self-defense instructor. In the 1990s, he became a nationally recognized motivational speaker and trainer and has been a featured speaker in more than 40 states. His unique perspective, combined with humor and a heartfelt message about the resiliency and adaptability of farmers, is guaranteed to change how we all think about agriculture.
Frazier’s message will be followed by the induction of three new members to the Ag Hall of Fame. In addition, a representative from Northwest State Community College will be unveiling the college’s new associate of technical studies in crop and soil management degree in partnership with the OSU Agricultural Technical Institute. Call the OSU Extension Office at 419-782-4771 to register for the event.
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Farm Forecast
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Revenue protection coverage available for farmers The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will help farmers manage the risks of possible low yields or low prices by offering revenue protection coverage and helping producers understand the options with the new Federal Farm Program. The key word is “coverage.” The new five-year farm program is like insurance coverage except that there is no premium charge according to John Gaynor, FSA director for Fulton and Lucas counties. Advertiser index Ag Irrigation LLC....................................6 Archbold Equipment ..............................7 Archbold Radiator, LLC .......................39 Arps Dairy, Inc. ....................................11 Bashore, Reineck, Stoller & Waterman .7 Baughman Tile Co., Inc. ......................23 Beltone Hearing Aid Center ................32 Big C Lumber.......................................19 Brookview Farms ................................. 6 Buckeye Application ..............................9 Burtch Seed Co., Inc ...........................24 Citizens National Bank.........................20 Crop Production Services....................15 Culligan Sales & Service of NW Ohio .36 Custom Agri System ............................10 Dan Limber Auctions ...........................21 Defiance Hearing Aid Center ..............30 Dilly Door................................................8 Estle Chevrolet Cadillac.......................13 Farm Credit Mid America ....................39 Farmers & Merchants State Bank .......22 First Federal Bank ............................... 24 Fitzenrider Inc. .....................................27 Freedom Sales & Rental. .....................11 Gaerte Ag Service ...............................27 Harvest Farm Management .................38 Helena Chemical Co............................27 Hi-Tech Foundations ............................17 Hicksville Grain Co. .............................31 Holgate Implement Sales ....................21 Innovative Ag Management ................ 3 J & B Feed Co. ......................................4 J & J Ag Equipment, LLC ....................20 Jewell Grain ........................................ 39 Kauser Trucking Service......................26 Kenn-feld Group ..................................15 Kohart Recycling, Inc. .........................28 Laurels of Defiance ..............................40 M.W. Concrete .....................................30 Machinery Service Company & Auto.35 Mercer Landmark ................................34 Meyer Building .......................................5 Miller Construction ...............................26 Miller Land Application, Inc.................33 Morton Buiildings .................................28 N & R & G Reclycling Inc. ...................21 Ney Oil Co........................................... 33 Ohio Farm Bureau ...............................31 Ohio Gas Co. ..................................... 12 Progressive Auto Parts ........................25 Ridgeville Elevator ...............................34 Roehrs-McMillen Insurance .................17 Rupp/Rosebrock ............................18, 29 Schwab Builders, Inc.............................4 Scranton Insurance Agency ................20 Sherwood State Bank ..........................19 Sines Excavating .................................14 Slattery Oil Company, Inc. ...................34 Spartan Insurance Co. ........................ 6 Spyker Contracting Inc, .......................37 State Bank. .......................................... 14 Stykemain Buick GMC ...........................2 The Hicksville Bank..............................16 Wagner Farms & Sawmill ....................28 Williamson Insurance Agency .............23 Woolace Electric Corp. ..........................9
Farmers and landowners will be faced with a few decisions that will carry through 2018. There are three steps for participation. First, there is an opportunity to review records on file at the local FSA office for each farm in order to update yields or reallocate base acres by the deadline of Feb. 27. Base acre reallocation can be done without updating yields or updating yields can be done without reallocating base acres. Then a program option may be elected by no later than the election deadline of March 31. And finally, later after the election deadline, the farm must be enrolled in the program annually in order to fully participate. The enrollment period and
enrollment deadline have yet to be announced. Staff members at the local FSA office will go over the federal legislation better known as the Farm Bill with farmers and landowners explaining the details of each option. The federal program is designed to manage economic risk through protection options. The options are titled the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the County Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARCCO), or the Individual Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC-IC). These program options do not have anything to do with Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) policies sold by private agents with one exception. Private agents will offer the one exception known
as Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) but only if the election for the crop is PLC. The first two of the three participation steps are optional and one time events. If a producer does not want to conduct a review and provide a certification to update yields or reallocate the acres between crops, the yields and base acres on record at FSA will automatically carry over from the previous farm bill. If a producer does not want to make a decision on the program options, the farm on record with FSA will automatically default to the PLC option on all crops. However, there is a big drawback with defaulting. Default will not permit participation for 2014. Participation for defaulted
farms will be limited to the years 2015 through 2018 if the farmer enrolls the farm in the program each year. Gaynor asked, “If free insurance was offered on a tractor and a farmer took the offer, why ignore this farm program coverage?” For more information about PLC and ARC, interested parties may go online to www.usda.gov/fsa/arcplc. Farmers and farmland owners should contact their local FSA office without delay. Gaynor added, “It takes a bit of time to go through all the updating, reallocating, and questions about the program options and producers should avoid long lines by not waiting until the last minute before deadlines.”
Ag-LINK applications accepted until March 16 Celebrating its 30th year er lowers the interest rate according to the rate reduc- by the treasurer’s office. of assisting Ohio’s agribusi- on the agribusiness’ loan tion established annually • AG-LINK, Page 4 nesses, Ag-LINK applications will be accepted online at www.OhioTreasurer. gov/agLINK until March 16. “Agriculture is at the heart of Ohio’s strength and farmers work hard to provide the food found on our families’ kitchen tables,” said Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. “Their work helps make Ohio strong.” Through Ag-LINK, now in its 30th year of existence, Ohio’s agribusinesses can apply for an interest rate reduction on new or existing loans or lines Channel Seed • Stine Seed • Emerge Seed • Chemicals of credit up to $150,000. • Custom Application • Dry Fertilizer • Liquid Fertilizer • NH3 Applications are accepted on an annual basis, this • GPS Soil Testing • Consulting • GPS Fertilizer & Lime Application year from Jan. 15-March 16. Lenders must complete and Let us help you build on your success submit applications online Call: Mike Cook, Joe Lucas or Tom Pendleton on behalf of their borrowers at www.ohiotreasurer. gov/AgLINK. When an application is accepted, 05080 Wonderly Rd. the Ohio treasurer’s office Hicksville places an investment with the financial institution for 419-658-8423 one year. In turn, the lend-
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Farm Forecast
AG-LINK
• Ag-LINK applications must be received online by the Economic Development Department at the State Treasurer’s office no later than 5 p.m. March 16. • Once the application process has been completed, notification of the application’s status will be sent to each lender no later than April 2. • The state treasurer’s office is requiring lenders to confirm acceptance or denial of the linked deposit for each application they have submitted by April 10. This is only to confirm that the borrowers will participate in Ag-LINK. • Requests for funding will be accepted from April 20-June 24. Detailed information and eligibility requirements can be at www. OhioTreasurer.gov/ AgLINK or by calling 800-228-1102.
From Page 3
This is the third year in which the Ag-LINK application process is available exclusively online. By leveraging technology, the treasurer’s office is working to better serve both the participants of Ag-LINK and the lenders. In order to participate in Ag-LINK, applicants must be for-profit and be headquartered, along with more than half of their operations maintained, in Ohio. To qualify, an applicant must apply and be approved for an operating loan or line of credit from a farm credit lender or eligible bank. After approval, the applicant may apply for an interest rate reduction from the Ohio Treasury’s Ag-LINK program. Below is the timeline for the 2015 Ag-LINK program:
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Defiance County
Overholt Drainage School slated By TYLER MiLLER Defiance SWCD
If you are a farmer or drainage contractor and would like to learn more about the latest trends and concepts in agricultural drainage, this workshop may be for you. Overholt Drainage School is a hands on and practical drainage course put on by The Ohio State University in connection with OSU Extension Defiance County and Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District from March 16-20. This year’s Overholt Drainage Workshop will held locally at the Defiance County EMA building. Overholt is the premier learning environment, for local and distant contractors, engineers, farmers and researchers. The program was developed by the late Virgil Overholt who spent the better part of his life helping the Ohio drainage industry develop into one of the world’s leading agricultural drainage industries it is today.
The school is a packed full week of information and experience directly pertaining to the installation, concepts and reasoning behind all types of agricultural drainage. This year’s course covers the full gamut of drainage. Sessions include; subsurface drainage design, layout, installation and also drainage water management including controlled drainage system design and installation. The final session includes water table management pertaining to subirrigation and the benefits of such a system. Overholt seems to frequent northwest Ohio due to the fact that our area is full of professionals in the drainage industry. Drainage has always been a necessity in order to farm and live in northwest Ohio, since our entire area was once known as the Black Swamp. Research has shown that agricultural yields have increased 30 percent with improved drainage. With that history in mind
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it makes sense that a cutting edge drainage school would be held in a place like Defiance County. It is extremely important to properly manage soil drainage in order to maintain a highly productive agricultural soil, and also a place where people can live and work. By assembling professionals from all across the United States, North America and other continents it helps develop drainage materials, equipment and ideas for the future to meet an everchanging world. Overholt not only serves as a way to keep a healthy food production but also shows how a proper drainage system can be a benefit to water quality and the environment. People from around the area, the state and the world will come together March 16-20 at Defiance EMA building to learn all about agricultural drainage. If you are interested in attending the Overholt • OVERHOLT, Page 5
Webinar set for March 10 A webinar on the agronomic utilization of manure will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. March 10. The event is part of the 2015 Corn, Soybean and Wheat Connection Webinar program, sponsored by OSU Extension Agronomic Crops Team. Those wishing to take part in the webinar can log-on using the link carmenconnect.osu. edu/cswconnection. The program will be recorded for those who cannot take part and will be available by 5:30 p.m. March 11 at go.osu.edu/cswconnection.
Mi
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Lake Erie CREP continues, but may be discontinued By JOHN RADABAUGH Williams County FSA
CREP is a voluntary program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlife habitat, and safeguard ground and surface water. CREP is an incentive program that combines resources from partners like the Ohio Farm Service Agency (FSA), Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Pheasants Forever and the Conservation Action Project, among others, to promote the enrollment of 67,000 acres of farmland in a variety of conservation practices. The Lake Erie CREP was implemented in year 2000 and continues at the present time but it has been announced that this program may be discontinued either the end of June or at the end of September. For this reason, if you might be interested, time is of essence for action on one’s part to have the opportunity to enroll in this program yet this year. The Lake Erie CREP is focused on improving water quality and soil conservation in the Lake Erie Watershed, with a special emphasis on the Blanchard and Tiffin rivers as important tributaries on the Maumee River.
OVERHOLT From Page 4
Drainage School go to the website http://agcrops. osu.edu/specialists/soiland-water-management. On the site, you will find a brochure and registration
The Lake Erie CREP is available in 27 counties including; Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Huron, Lucas, Lorain, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Shelby, Van Wert, Williams, Wood and Wyandot. These conservation practices will target environmentally sensitive areas in the Lake Erie Watershed to reduce sediments and nutrients, prevent water pollution and minimize the risk of flooding and enhance wildlife habitat. Farmers and landowners can choose from a number of practices including grass buffer strips, hardwood tree plantings, wildlife habitat, wetlands and windbreaks that work together to prevent chemicals, soils and other contaminants from running off of cropland and into waterways. Also, participants can earn money on less economically viable land, such as, land along ditch banks, streams and woodlands. Signup for the Lake Erie CREP is going on now. Interested landowners and farmers should contact any of the County FSA office or the SWCD office of the 27 counties identified to learn more about the Lake Erie CREP. form that can be downloaded and completed if you are interested in joining us for this full-week course. For more information about the training feel free to contact Mike Boff or Tyler Miller at 419-7821794.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Conservation Reserve Program available for producers component of USDA Farm Bills since 1985. Through the years interest has waxed The Conservation Reserve and waned right along with Program (CRP) has been a commodity prices and profit levels on farms and farmland in northwest Ohio. The CRP program provides incentives to producers who utilize conservation methods on environmentally-sensitive lands. For example, farmers are monetarily compensated for establishing long-term vegetative species, such as approved grasses, forbs or trees (known as “covers”) to control erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. CRP consists of a “continuous” and “general” signup periods. Continuous signup for the voluntary 02112 County Road C60 program allows eligible Edgerton, OH 43517 By JOHN RADABAUGH Williams County FSA
Andy Farnham Greg Dietsch
419-487-1221
land to be enrolled in CRP at any time with contracts of up to 10-15 years in duration. For continuous signup practices offered, automatic acceptance and approval is provided on the land offered so long as both the land offered and the person or entity making the offer meet all required eligibility requirements to participate and enroll. General sign-up periods are only offered at specific time periods during a given calendar year and will have a specific offer beginning date and a final date for making an offer. General offers are then submitted on a national level and determining parameters are established for either accepting the offer
for enrollment and contract approval or notification that the offer has not been accepted. USDA has announced to field offices (USDA county service centers) that a general sign-up will be conducted in 2015, but the specific dates have yet to be released or determined. For all offers made and accepted, cost sharing is available for establishing the cost to prepare the area for seeding, seed cost, fertilizer and equipment used in the seeding or planting of the cover. The cost share is generally 50 percent of the total combined component costs applicable for the practice being applied on the land. Once offered, accepted, and approved, annual rent-
al payments are then made on the land under contract based on rates comparable to the cash rent expected for the type and quality of the land offered and are issued each October for the current calendar year. For any contract under general sign-ups receive a standard rental rate, which is comparable to the typical cash rent equivalent. For many continuous offers, incentive rental payments are built into the annual rental payment rates as an incentive to implement practices on the more fragile and sensitive areas of a farm that are being enrolled. Typically these rates can be 55 percent, 75 percent or even up to 125 percent of the standard rental rates.
Programs, funds promote sustainable agriculture By LAUREN KETCHAM
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Despite the increasing opportunities it creates, demand for local, healthy many business ideas are not food and the economic pursued because of a lack of financing. By helping to mobilize additional sources of capital, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) hopes to build the supply and availability of local, sustainably grown fresh food in Ohio, enhance farm and farm-related busi-
ness viability, and encourage expansion of ecological agricultural practices. OEFFA operates two programs that help member farmers and others working in sustainable food enterprises access the capital they need to grow their business. The OEFFA Investment • FUNDS, Page 7
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
FUNDS From Page 6
Fund promotes sustainable agriculture in Ohio by making flexible and affordable capital available to farmers and farm-related businesses. The fund is only open to
Ohio-based OEFFA members, who will be required to submit an application package, be a farm or a related business supporting the supply chain of agricultural products from farm to consumer, and commit to support sustainable agricultural practices
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throughout the life of the investment. Applications will be approved by the fund’s investment committee on a continuing basis. OEFFA has also partnered with Kiva Zip and is able to serve as a trustee to endorse zero percent interest loan requests from indi-
7
vidual borrowers to Kiva’s community of lenders. The purpose of this program is to help entrepreneurs access the financial services, and lower fees and interest rates they need to make borrowing affordable, and cultivate community between borrow-
ers and lenders. For more information, or to apply, go to www.oeffa.org/invest or contact Carol Goland at 614-421-2022 ext. 202 or oifinfo@oeffa.org. If you’re not an OEFFA member, but would like to join, go to http://www.oeffa.org/ membership.php.
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Archbold Equipment Co. in Sherwood has completed its 9,000-square-foot shop expansion. Ray Mendenhall, general manager at the Sherwood dealership, said the expansion “increased efficiencies. We have space now to bring in a combine and tear it apart to fix it. If it needs a part, we can bring in another combine beside it and work on that until the part comes in. It’s much nicer than before.” He said staff can “push a higher volume of service work through our shop to better serve our customers.” The Sherwood dealership is located at 00310 Ohio 18.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Crop residues are valuable resource By Staci miller Paulding SWCD
Crop residues remaining after harvest can serve as a valuable resource for your field and future yield potential. They are no longer considered a product of waste by producers, but a valuable resource with economic value. As the crop residue remains on the field during the winter it will help reduce or prevent soil erosion. As the residue starts to decompose, it will serve as an additional source of organic matter to help build
the soil structure. The residue is contributing nutrients back to the soil that may have been lost if the field was baled after harvest. An important factor to consider before harvesting crop residue is the impact on soil organic matter. Soil organic matter contributes directly to the soil’s performance: its nutrient availability, nutrient holding capacity and water holding capacity. It also plays a significant role in the formation of aggregates or clusters of soil particles. Based on data from the Agricultural Research
Service’s (ARS) National Soil Tilth Lab, a ton of corn residue contains about 37 lbs. of nitrogen (N), 3.5 lbs. of phosphorous (P2O5), 33 lbs. of potassium (K2O). Based on research from Iowa State University Extension, the estimated cost of nutrients removed would be about $52 per ton. If you remove three to four tons of residue per acre (five or six round bales) the value of the nutrients removed would be $156-$208 per acre. These figures reflect the value of the nutrients removed by baling residue. The cost of replacing them
As the crop residue remains on the field during the winter it will help reduce or prevent soil erosion.
will vary based on crop needs, soil types and other agronomic conditions. The economic benefits of crop residues can add up quickly for many producers. By
leaving the crop residue in the field, producers are able to save their soil, nutrients and money by taking advantage of the benefits of crop residues.
Soybean group urges EU to accept U.S. soybean sustainability protocol ST. LOUIS — The approval of U.S. soybeans certified by the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) as meeting the Dutch Feed Industry Association’s (Nederlandse Vereniging Diervoederindustrie or NEVEDI)
need for sustainable feedstuffs is a significant step forward, and should serve as a model for how the program could satisfy the same requirements under the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED), according to the
American Soybean Association (ASA). NEVEDI maintains sustainability standards for imported feedstuffs to be used for Dutch-manufactured feed for import throughout Europe. “NEVEDI’s announcement is a
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Get the facts about phosphorus runoff By JAMES HOORMAN OSU Extension
Ohio legislators are considering a number of rules and regulation regarding phosphorus (P) fertilizer and manure. The following article outlines some facts about P runoff. Weather is one of the biggest culprits in P runoff. Over the last several decades, precipitation has changed with more numerous precipitation events occurring with higher amounts, longer duration and increased intensity. Due to weather, the key facts are that 90 percent of P runoff comes from one to two major runoff events each year and 80 percent of P runoff comes from 20 percent of the soil (Dr. Andrew Sharpley). Location and transport are key factors. Fields close to a creek, stream or river contribute a considerable amount of P in surface runoff. Most soil P is stratified and P is located in the top 2-3 inches of the topsoil and subject to soil erosion and surface runoff. On measuring P runoff, the P concentration (usually measured in parts per million) times the transport factor (volume of water runoff) equals P lost in surface water. Many researchers concentrate too much on P concentration and sometimes ignore the P transport. For example, no-till and cover crops typically have 10 percent to 50 percent higher P concentrations in the surface water, however; they also have a 10-100 times less runoff (Dr. Kevin King Research). A Coshocton study on long-term (of more than 50 years) conventional fields had more than 1,500 inches of runoff compared to longterm no-till with less than 7
inches. A major focus should be on reducing water runoff volume and reducing the energy in moving water by slowing it down because less runoff reduces the amount of P lost from farm fields. Reducing the speed that water runoffs off the soil surface reduces nutrient loss. A doubling of the speed of water in a ditch or creek increases expediently the amount of water and nutrients that can be carried away. So water moving at 16 mph in a stream carries 512 times more nutrients and at 32 mph 1,024 times more nutrients than water flowing at 1 mph. Slowing water runoff reduces the flashiness of our streams and reduces the amount of nutrients lost from a field. Cover crops and no-till protect soil from erosion, increase water infiltration, and reduce the speed and flow of water so that less nutrients are lost in the surface runoff. How is soil P stored? Organic P (humus, active organic matter) tie up 50-80 percent of soil P in a stable form that can be made plant available. Aluminum (Al3+), iron (Fe3+, Fe2+), calcium (Ca2+), and dissolved reactive P (DRP) are inorganic forms of P associated with the soil mineralogy. There are two forms of P that are plant and algae available, exchangeable P (ExP) from active organic matter and DRP which is an inorganic form. The ExP has a longer carbon chain and is less likely to be lost from the soil profile. Active organic matter in the ExP comes from live root exudates and mucilage, microbial wastes and other carbon sources (ExP is greater than DRP in soil storage).
Farm Forecast
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When you see standing water in a field, iron is releasing dissolved reactive phosphorus, which can go into creeks,
ditches and streams. Saturated soils are common because of poor soil structure and soil compaction.
How often do you see Soil organic matter (SOM) converts back to Fe3+ tying ties up a majority of soil P up DRP. • RUNOFF, Page 10 in a stable form compared to the inorganic sources however SOM levels have decreased 50-60 percent in the last 50-100 years due to excessive tillage. The aluminum, iron, and calcium P is not considered plant available however they can become plant available slowly over time unless the soil becomes saturated. Iron is a major element in our soils and a major problem in northwest Ohio soils because it releases the P to 17852 St Rt 613, Continental, OH 45831 • 419-596-3883 17852 St Rt 613 8254 W 300 N, Andrews, IN 46702 • 260-786-3442 surface water. Under satuContinental, OH 45831 rated soil conditions, Fe3+ 419-596-3883 releases DRP quickly and converts to Fe2+ and when www.buckeyeapplication.com the soil dries out, the Fe2+
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
A solution to keep phosphorus in fields By JAMES HOORMAN OSU Extension
An ecological solution to keeping phosphorus (P) in the soil profile is to mimic natural ecosystems by keeping live plants and live roots recycling soil nutrients. P stratification in the topsoil is natural in forests and prairie systems and occurs from decomposing vegetation. Live plants absorb soluble nutrients and keep both nitrogen (N), P, and other micronutrients recycling. The soluble nutrients accumulate at the soil surface, but with good soil structure, the nutrients are washed slowly into the soil, where either the plant roots or the soil mineralogy tie up dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP). Our natural ecosystem has been broken from excessive tillage, a loss of SOM (Soil organic matter), and plow pans 7-9 inches deep, causing soils to become hard and saturated with water. Vertical tillage (3-4 inches deep) has become popular and is creating new soil layers that restrict the downward movement of water into the soil profile. Under saturated conditions, iron is releasing DRP and is subject to P runoff, either over the surface (0.5 pounds per acre) or directly to tile lines through preferential flow (1.2 pounds per acre) without being treated (Dr. Kevin King). In natural systems, the micropores generated by live roots and earthworms slow the water down, allowing the DRP to be absorbed. Eco farming using no-till and cover crops mimics the natural cycles and restores the soil so that the P stays in the soil profile. All farmers should obtain a soil test to know how much P fertilizer or manure to apply and the soil tests should follow university recommendations for P fertilization. No fertilizer should be applied over
the critical level needed for crop production. The goal is to get farmers to use less P and to use it more efficiently. Current P use efficiency is only 10-30 percent. P fertilizer is expected to become more expensive as USA phosphorus reserves are used up by the year 2040. Farmers should be encouraged to inject P fertilizer, not incorporate fertilizer. Incorporation implies tillage (plowing or disking) which is causing poor soil structure and soil compaction, and increased soil erosion. The bioavailable P in sediment is 30 percent available to algae and plants and is a significant source of P runoff. Farmers are banding less P with their starter fertilizer because it slows down planting but fall surface applied P fertilizer may be lost with snow melt or spring rains. Technology needs to be developed that encourages P injection without excessively tilling the soil for our conventional
tillage farmers. For no-till farmers, encourage cover crops and allow applying surface P fertilizer since improved soil structure, increased water infiltration, and higher water storage allows P to be tied up by plant roots or the soil mineralogy. High levels of active organic matter (ExP) and humus bind soil P. The P in the residue remains plant available and improves P use efficiency so that less P fertilizer is needed. A total ban on Ohio winter application of manure will be difficult because of numerous small dairies that do not have adequate manure storage. The banning of manure to snow covered soils on conventional tilled fields (especially soybeans) may be justified but not on pasture, hay fields or grass cover crops (2-4 inches of dense growth). Grass cover crops like cereal rye, annual rye, barley, triticale and wheat have live roots that soak up
soluble manure nutrients. The soil is not frozen solid because the live roots cause the soil to honey comb. Bare soils are not insulated and tend to freeze deeper and denser. When conventional soils melt, they melt quickly and water runs off, taking soluble nutrients with the flowing water. With pastures, hay fields and cover crops, the soil melts earlier and slower, allowing manure nutrients to be slowly absorbed, reducing nutrient runoff. In some areas, legacy P is a major issue where soil tests P levels are so high that the soil is super saturated with P. These soils are constantly releasing DRP whether it is in the sediment, waterways, filter strips, stream beds or in the soil profile. Some soils are so saturated, they just may not be able to hold any more P. Legacy P is a major reason why most of our best management practices appear to be slow to • PHOSPHORUS, Page 11
RUNOFF From Page 9
saturated soils after a rain in northwest Ohio? When water is standing on your field, iron is the bad boy releasing DRP to our creeks, ditches, and streams. Saturated soils are a common problem due to poor soil structure and soil compaction caused by excess tillage. In an article found on this page, looking at possible solutions, I discuss how no-till and cover crops improve soil structure, reduce soil compaction, increase water infiltration, improve water storage and result in less water and P runoff. Increased active carbon from live roots improves soil structure and results in longterm SOM. All these soil health benefits can save the farmer money through reduced fertilizer inputs and increase crop yields over time resulting in improved long-term profits.
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
Breakfast on the Farm set in Swanton WAUSEON — The agriculture community of Fulton County will host the inaugural Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) in northwest Ohio on June 13. Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District, the Ohio Farm Bureau Fulton County and Ohio State University Extension Fulton County Office, along with Sandland Dairy Farm is hosting this event, which will be free to the public. The event will be held at Sandland Dairy Farm, in Swanton from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. approximately 2,000 guests are expected to attend this event. BOTF is a free familyfriendly event that gives the general public a firsthand look at modern food production. Participants will be able to enjoy a breakfast featuring an Ohio-grown and produced menu of items as well as a self-guided tour.
The tour will include opportunities to meet the Brehm Family, the owners and operators of Sandland Dairy farm, as well as learn about bio-security, animal well-being, grain bin safety, cow nutrition, milk quality and safety, and nutrient management. Others stations to visit will be the calf area, milking parlor, breeding barn and cow housing. Tractors and farm equipment will be on hand and crop tours will be available. There will be children’s activities and the opportunity to interact with commodity groups. Volunteers will be available to answer any questions that participants may have. BOTF lets the community visit local farming operations, have a close-to-home agriculture experience, and interact with the farm families who provide a whole-
PHOSPHORUS
before P is tied up (250-300 years in some cases). The best way to manage legacy P is to tie it up into a stable form including SOM and aluminum (alum/aluminum sulfate).
From Page A10
respond. The legacy P is so high in the system, that it takes a long period of time
Do you know where your milk comes from?
some food supply for Ohio and the world. Farmers are instrumental in providing food that is shipped over the entire world. They believe in practicing good environmental stewardship and conservation, and they make a difference in the community and the world. BOTF was first started at Michigan State University in 2009 in which more than 61,259 children and adults have attended events throughout Michigan. Sandland Dairy Farm, dba Sandland Farms Inc., is a family-owned and operated dairy farm. In 1940, Harold and Stella Brehm moved to Swanton from the Wauseon area to begin the family farm. They began their operation with chickens, hogs and 15 cows. In 1960, Lowell and Barbara Brehm purchased the farm and built a loaf-
11
Sandland Dairy Farm in Swanton will be the location of the inaugural Breakfast on the Farm on June 13. The event is open to the public and will give the general public a firsthand look at modern food production.
ing area for the milk cows. a new parlor, free stall bar, In 1981, Lowell, Gary and three cement silos, feed Hal, incorporated Sandland • BREAKFAST, Page 12 Farms. Soon after, they built
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Farm Forecast
Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference set ADA — The Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference will be held March 3-4 at the McIntosh Center at Ohio Northern University in Ada. The conference will have 60 presenters with 10 hours of nutrient management and 10 hours of soil and water programs during the event. There will be speakers from eight universities as well as farmer and industry speakers. Admission to the event is $80 per day or $105 for both days. Individuals may register at ctc.osu.edu. Programs on March 3 include: Cover Crops and Soil Health, 8 a.m.; App for Farmers, 8-9:30 a.m.; concurrent sessions start from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. in Corn University, Advanced Scouting and Precision Seeding and Placement. Wednesday’s programs include concurrent sessions from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. of Soybean School, Nutrient Management, Solving the P and N Problem and Big Data. Certified Crop Adviser credits will be available with an emphasis on soil and water and nutrient management hours.
Limited sign-in sheets will be available. Preferred signin during each presentation will be by an app, available at ctc.osu.edu. Prior to the event, on March 2 will be a special 51⁄2 hour session on biofuels and bioproducts. Those interested in attending should contact Sarah Strausbaugh at 740-289-2071 ext. 112 or via email at strausbaugh.54@ osu.edu. Then on March 5 from 9 a.m.-noon, there will be a three-hour training for fertilizer applicator certification. Individuals may register at nutrienteducation.osu.edu. The certification is limited to 400 people. For those with an Ohio Pesticide Applicator license, the training is free. There is a $30 fee for those without the license.
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
BREAKFAST From Page 11
room, treatment room and manure storage. The dairy operation now has over 500 dairy cows. The event is free to the public and registration is required. To register, go to www.fultonohbreakfastonthefarm.com. Tickets will be printable after web registration. You can also register by contacting the following offices: Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District, Lucas County Soil and Water Conservation District, OSU Extension Fulton County Office, OSU Extension Lucas County Office or the Farm Bureau offices in Pettisville and Woodville. Also follow BOTF on Facebook (Fulton County Breakfast on the Farm).
As part of Breakfast on the Farm, visitors can meet the Brehm family, the owners and operators of Sandland Dairy Farm, as well as learn about bio-security, animal well-being, grain bin safety, cow nutrition, milk quality and safety and nutrient management. Other stations to visit will be the calf area, milking parlor, breeding barn and cow housing.
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Livestock producers meeting March 18 PAULDING — A Northwest Ohio Livestock Producers' meeting will be held from noon-3:30 p.m. March 18 at the OSU Extension building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds. Lunch will be provided. Kevin Elder of the Ohio Department of Agriculture will speak. Two hours CLM credits are available. The event is free, but registrations are required by calling 419-399-8225 or via email at noggle.17@osu. edu.
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
13
Land to Lake: A look at impacting water quality By STEPHANiE SiNGER and JEN ENGLiSH Land to Lake Initiative
Land to Lake.
What does the phrase “Land to Lake” mean? Everything that happens on our land, our yards, roads, farm fields… impacts the quality of water. For example, a drop of rain
falling on a recently fertilized lawn will carry that fertilizer to the sidewalk, into the nearest road ditch, then to a smaller stream, next to the • LAKE, Page 14
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Farm Forecast
LAKE
From Page A13
Maumee River, and eventually this drop of water carrying fertilizer will end up in Lake Erie. Does what we do here in Defiance really impact Lake Erie? Yes. The small streams, ditches, and drains flowing near our homes all eventually make their way to Lake Erie. There are many things that you can do to help. Land to Lake is an effort to get Defiance County more familiar and comfortable with ways they can help. Why is Land to Lake important? We are living in an area once known as the Great Black Swamp. This swamp, or wetland, functioned as a giant filter. Since much of this filtering capacity no longer exists, it is easy for pollutants, such as fertilizer, to enter into our waterways. Land to Lake promotes increasing our land’s ability to filter by installing rain barrels, rain gardens, bioswales, green infrastructure and restoring natural areas. Free upcoming rain garden and rain barrel workshops are: • March 3, 6-7:30 p.m. at Johnson Memorial Library, Hicksville • March 7, 10:30 a.m.–noon at Sherwood Library • March 10, 6:30–8 p.m. at Defiance Library Sign up for workshops and receive discounts on rain barrel and rain garden kits by calling 419-782-1794 or emailing ssinger@defiance-county.com. Land to Lake is a partnership between the city of Defiance and Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District. Learn more at: landtolake.com.
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Remember right source, right rate, right time, right place
By DEB HUBBARD Paulding SWCD
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship is an innovative and science-based approach to environmental concerns with fertilizer. It was introduced a few years ago and deserves another mention. 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program is a voluntary program targeted at those who provide nutrient services to farmers. The 4R’s imply there are four aspects to every fertilizer application. The concept was to use the right source or fertilizer type for the crop’s need at the right rate at the right time, when crops need it with the right placement, only where it is needed. Following the 4R Nutrient Stewardship can improve productivity with this type of management. It improves efficiency of the dollars spent on fertilizer while minimizing environmental impact.
The reduction of nutrient loss means there is money saved. Placing nutrients only where they are needed reduces the energy use per harvest. Phosphorus (P) loss from any field is possible, especially fields that have poorly drained soils, sloping fields and those with less than 30 percent residue cover (or a cover crop) on the surface. The following recommendations are noted for 4R Nutrient Stewardship: Inject or band P, lightly incorporate applications, follow setbacks, use variable rate application, avoid applying more P than needed for the crop, apply at Tri-State recommendations, soil test at least every three years and plant cover crops. Training and certifications are available for businesses so that the employees will not over-apply nutrients in the watershed. In creating a 4R Certification Program, the 4R Advisory Committee in
s e Sin
Western Lake Erie Basin sought to provide guidance and direction for a consistent, recognized program for agricultural retailers, service providers, and certified professionals to help ensure that 4R nutrient sustainability goals are adopted and that in turn can lead to long term positive impacts on water quality in the Western Lake Erie Basin. The group felt a responsible commitment to a cleaner Lake Erie. The 4R Nutrient Stewardship program has approximately 45 criteria that a nutrient service provider must successfully meet through an audit process to attain certification. http://4rcertified.org/ There is a new program for the Flat Rock Creek Watershed that addresses many of the same recommendations. It is a cost share for land that is not already in a • 4RS, Page 15
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
4RS
From Page 14
conservation program. The watershed spans from where Ohio 500 intersects the state line in Paulding County, northeast to where Ohio 111 enters the city of Defiance. The program includes precision soil sampling, subsurface fertilizer placement and cover crops. It also includes practices such as controlled drainage structures and manure structures. Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for more information on the 4R program. And thank you for conserving resources.
Forecast
15
Defiance County watersheds eligible for Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program
By JASON ROEHRiG Defiance SWCD
Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water Resources has a new conservation program for local farms and landowners to participate in that will help improve water quality in Lake Erie. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under its Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), has approved $5,940,000 in funding to help combat the recent harmful algal blooms (HAB) in the west-
ern basin of Lake Erie. The recent HABs were a factor in the drinking water scare in Toledo on Aug. 2, 2014. The program aims at reducing the phosphorus loading from agricultural landscapes in the Maumee River into the western basin of the lake. The program will utilize a systems approach that uses a combination of management practices such as soil testing cover crops, drainage water management, precision soil sampling with fertilizer placement and manure storage. The program will be tar-
geted to four specific subwatersheds in the western basin that lie within parts of nine counties. The selected watersheds
are: South Turkeyfoot Creek, Flat Rock CreekAuglaize River, Bad CreekSwan Creek and Rock • WATERSHEDS, Page 17
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16
Montpelier
Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Maple Syrup Festival set for March MONTPELIER — It’s time for some real maple syrup. The Maple Syrup Festival will be held from 8 a.m.-noon March 28 at the Williams County Fairgrounds in Montpelier. The event begins with a pancake and sausage breakfast. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 7-12. Breakfast starts at 7 a.m., and there will be two serving lines. There will be several events going on through out the festival. There will be horse drawn wagon rides, weather permitting, from 9-11:30 a.m.
Ohio Sensitive Crops Registry training set PAULDING — An Ohio Sensitive Crops Registry training will be held from 9-11 a.m. March 17 at the Youth Leadership Building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds in Paulding. This is a crash course on how to navigate and register with the Ohio Sensitive Crops database via the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Wi-Fi enabled laptop is required. The Ohio Sensitive Crop Registry is a free and secure web map showing locations in Ohio which are susceptible to damage by pesticide drift or off-target applications. Cost is $5 pre-register for those who register before March 12, after that $15. This training is for beekeepers, aqua-culturists, nursery and sensitive crop growers and pesticide applicators. To register, contact Sarah Noggle at 419-399-8225 or via email at noggle.17@osu. edu.
and tractor rides from 8 a.m.-noon. Individuals can see a working sugar shack, tree tapping and collection process. There will be several displays including wildlife belts from Joe Blosser, the National Turkey Federation, Ohio Division of Forestry, OSU Williams County Master Gardeners, Montpelier Tree Commission and local beekeeper Bethany Carlson. There will be a tree raffle and raffle for a garden basket of goodies as well during the event. The Williams County Soil
and Water Conservation District will be having its tree seedling sale and there will be maple syrup items for sale from the Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Producers as well. The Maple Syrup Festival is sponsored by the Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Producers, Williams County Fair Foundation, Williams County Senior Fair Board, Williams Soil & Water Conservation District and OSU Extension Office of Williams County. For more information on the Maple Syrup Festival, An individual works in the sugar shack during last visit northwestohiomaple- year's Maple Syrup Festival in Montpelier. syrupproducers.com.
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Planning for the future: Clean water is essential By STEPHANiE SiNGER Defiance SWCD
When is the last time that you set out for vacation by getting in your car with no plans, itinerary or reservations? This approach probably wouldn’t result in the most fun or relaxing vacation. Typically, we plan our vacations to allow family input, get the best prices, and explore different options. Hence, planning creates more opportunities for successful outcomes. For larger issues that affect whole communities, planning becomes essential to avoid and address problems. To tackle the issue of water quality in the Maumee River, a group has been working on this specific planning for over four years. The Upper Maumee Watershed Partnership, in cooperation with the Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District and Allen County SWCD (Ind.), initiated this process. The factors affecting water quality across the landscape
were identified and more importantly, a detailed plan was created to change practices contributing to water pollution. The end result is the Upper Maumee Watershed Action Plan, a more than 400-page document, which has been endorsed by Ohio, Indiana and the U.S. Environmental Protection agencies. These endorsements have opened up large funding opportunities for our area. The plan makes one thing very clear, there is a lot of work to be done to get water quality to meet standards for a clean river and Lake Erie. Because a watershed approach was used, all land draining to the Upper Maumee River was evaluated. Therefore, anyone living, working and driving on the land can make a difference in improving water quality. The plan calls for replacing faulty septic systems, reducing stormwater runoff by increasing practices such as rain gardens, rain bar• WATER, Page 18
Farm Forecast
WATERSHEDS From Page 15
Creek-Sandusky River. The goals of the program are to complete 40,000 acres of nutrient soils tests; 60,000 acres of cover crops; 500 drainage control structures; 20,000 acres of fertilizer systems with cover crops; and 25 manure storage facilities. Here is a look at the best management practices and cost-share information: • controlled drainage structures — installations will be eligible to receive a maximum payment of $1,500 on a structure based upon the actual costs. The site needs to drain a minimum of 15 acres within 2.5 feet of elevation change. • soil testing —soil sam-
pling will be for acres that do not have a current soil test or any samples that are four years or older at $9 an acre. Grid or zone samples will be a maximum of 7.5 acres. Soil tests must include fertilizer recommendations that are based on the Tri-State Fertility Recommendation Guide. • cover crops — a flat rate of $25 per acre will be used for this practice. The minimum number of acres a producer can enroll is 25 acres. Cover must be established and maintained until March 15 and be an over-wintering variety. • precision soil sampling and placement with cover crop — precision soil sampling done in grids or zones of a maximum grid or zone size
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of 7.5 acres; soil testing will be reimbursed at a rate of $15 per acre and will be used in a systems approach that includes fertilizer placement below the surface along with a cover crop. All fertilizer must be placed 1.5 inches below the surface and will be reimbursed at a rate of $20 per acre; cover crop must be established with a reimbursement rate of $30 per acre. Total system will be reimbursed at a rate of $65 per acre. Fertilizer recommendations will be at the TriState Fertility Level of 80 pounds per acre. • manure storage and roofing — reach storage system will be required to have a comprehensive nutrient management plan with cost to be based on engineer’s estimate.
Comments sought for dietary guidelines WASHINGTON, D.C. – The 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a group of prestigious outside experts, submitted its recommendations to Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in order to inform the 2015 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The secretaries have released the advisory committee’s recommendations report online, making it available for public review and comment. The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) will consider this report, along with input from other federal agencies and comments from the public as they devel-
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op the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015, to be released later this year. The public is encouraged to view the independent advisory group’s report and provide written comments at www. DietaryGuidelines.gov. The public will also have an opportunity to offer oral comments at a public meeting in Bethesda, Md., on March 24.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Location, soil quality driving current land values By JONI WILLIAMS
Farmers National Company
As 2014 came to a close, land values had stabilized from the double digit increases of the past few years, according to Farmers National Co., the nation’s leading farm and ranch real estate company. Location and quality of land continue to be main drivers of prices for a given tract of land. The lower supply of land for sale and the continued demand for agricultural land is maintaining general stability of the land market. “While lower grade land has seen drops in value near 15 percent from recent highs, top quality crop and grazing land still bring
solid prices as owner operators and investors seek to expand their operations with the most productive land,” said Randy Dickhut, vice president of real estate operations of Farmers National Co. According to Farmers National Co., the supply of land for sale is less than in the past few years as there is no tax policy change driving sales and landowners remain tight holders of the asset. “Land is viewed as a longterm asset and owners consider agricultural land a stable investment in a changing world,” said Dickhut. Demand for cropland and grazing land from owner operators remains good, but buyers are being more
realistic in what they will pay given lower grain prices. Sellers are having to be realistic in evaluating the quality of their land and the expected selling price in order to have a successful sale. Despite leveling or moderately decreasing land values overall, Farmers National Co. has seen strong prices paid for specific properties within the last 60 days based on local competition and the desire for quality. According to Dickhut, farmland seldom comes up for sale in many locations, therefore local producers are willing to pay top dollar to grow their operation and asset base. Recent value adjustments
in the land market still leave land values at historically high levels in the longer term view. Price softening is happening, but at different rates depending on the region, prices for major commodities in that region and quality of the land. Profitability from record crop incomes supported by insurance coverage, has kept farm operations in the black and producers interested in adding land. “Buyers are being more realistic when considering land purchases which has reduced the fervor of rapidly escalating prices seen at land auctions in recent years,” said Dickhut. “Owner operators continue to be the main purchasers
of agricultural land comprising nearly 90 percent of buyers in many areas.” Investors are showing up in the market to purchase land, but are also being realistic in the timing of their purchases and the longterm outlook for agricultural land. Profitability in recent years has left many farm owners cash rich and opting for land purchases for personal and business investments. The tangibility of land and the ability to grow their operation makes land a preferred investment for the owner operator. Producers are being more realistic with their land purchases
• VALUES, Page 19 shed is roughly 80 percent agricul- easier said than done as there are ter strips and saturated buffers can WATER ture, farmers are also asked to con- many factors cannot be controlled drastically reduce fertilizer run sider how they can help improve including weather. But farmers off. Anyone interested in learning water quality. can use best management prac- more about farming best manage• and rels, bioswales green roofs, In fact, the plan calls for farmtices such as soil testing, variable ment practices and funding oppor • the and decreasing use of fertil- ers to take strong measures to rate fertilizer application, grassed tunities should contact Defiance • izer. Overall, to help the ensure fertilizers that they are waterways, gypsum application, Soil & Water Conservation District ••anything water slow down, spread out, and using do not leave their fields, drainage water management and at 419-782-1794. • soak in will help. Every positive action can make enter into waterways and con- cover crops. Techniques such as • Because the land in the water- tribute to this problem. This is • these used in conjunction with fil- a difference. • • From Page 17
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
19
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From Page A18
as they give more attention to the economics of the asset and seek increased financing. Even with lower grain prices, record grain harvests will keep net farm income quite positive in 2015. This factor should keep the current market fairly stable for the time being. “As we forecast further out into late 2015 and 2016, circumstances could shift,” said Dickhut. One of the factors that could impact values moving into 2015 is the potential for rising interest rates. If rates increase gradually, as predicted, market
impact should be minimal in the short term. Longer term, world demand for water, food, fuel and fiber will determine commodity prices which will affect future land values. As long as the supply of land for sale remains low and demand continues to be present, land values will be supported, according to Dickhut. Farmland investment is still a positive long-term opportunity for most producers and investors. Despite slight downward shifts, the land market remains stable and supports business expansion for farm operators looking to grow their businesses and investors wanting a long-term asset.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Ohio State lab to start soil fertility on-farm projects The Ohio State Soil Fertility Lab will be starting a number of projects this year that will only be successful with participation from farmer cooperators across the state. We are asking for your help with the projects out-
lined below. 1) Revising Fertilizer Recommendations in Corn, Soybean and Wheat We are in the process of updating the Tri-State Recommendations, looking specifically at nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
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in corn, soybean and wheat. This is a major undertaking that will require a collective effort from numerous OSU extension personnel, crop consultants and farmer cooperators. We will cast a broad net to collect data from a large number of farms across the state and determine economically-optimum fertilization rates to maximize farmer profitability. Experiments will involve either applying additional fertilizer or no fertilizer to replicated strip plots. Farmers can choose which nutrient they’d like to work with and will have a large degree of flexibility in the plot layout and applied rates. We are ideally looking for farms that capture a diversity of soil types, and are especially interested in fields that test low in phosphorus and potassium. For a limited number of
sites, the soil fertility lab can come in after planting and impose treatments and handle all the data collection. Farmers will be paid for their time and effort. Data to be collected: • Soil sample before planting • Leaf nutrient analysis at early reproductive stage • Grain yields at harvest and nutrient analysis of grain • Short questionnaire about soil management 2) Soil Active Organic Matter Testing Active organic matter is only a small fraction (5-20 percent) of the soil’s total organic matter, but is very important to crop nutrition since nutrients in this fraction are rapidly cycled and taken up by crops. This project’s goal is to better understand active organic matter and develop a robust farmer-test to compliment traditional soil
testing. We are looking for farms of all types of crops and sizes — both conventional and certified organic. Farmers will mail in soil from their fields with a short questionnaire. A full standard soil test (total OM, pH, CEC, extractable base cations and micronutrients) will be run, as well as three new soil tests of active organic matter with no charge to the farmer. Individual soil results will only be shared with the farmer, while summarized results from across the state will be shared with all cooperators. Farmer participation in this project requires a relatively small commitment. 3) Soil Amendment and Foliar Application Evaluations Finally, it is worth mentioning a new service start• FERTILITY, Page 21
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
21
2014 northwest Ohio corn silage test results available By RICH MINYO, ALLEN GEYER, PETER THOMISON OSU Extension
In 2014, 53 corn silage hybrids representing 16 commercial brands were evaluated in a joint trial with Michigan State University (MSU). One Ohio location is combined with Michigan’s two southern (Zone 1) silage locations. The Ohio test site was
located in our northwest region at Hoytville (Wood County). The two MSU sites are located in Branch and Lenawee counties, which are on the Ohio/Michigan state line. The test results from the three 2014 locations are treated as one region. The plots were planted with 4-row air type planters and maintained by each respective state utilizing standard production prac-
tices. The center two rows were harvested with MSU’s selfpropelled forage harvester. Silage tests were harvested uniformly as close to half milk line as possible. Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) Quality Analysis was performed by MSU using the updated 2014 equation established for silage quality. Silage results present the percent dry matter of each hybrid plus green weight
and dry weight as tons per acre. Other data presented include percent stand, the percentage of in vitro digestible dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber digestibility, crude protein and starch. Milk production in pounds per ton and pounds per acre were estimated using MILK2006 (UW-Madison Dairy Science Department). A complete summary
of the Ohio results will be available online at: http:// www.oardc.ohio-state. edu/silagetrials. More information on procedures and additional 2014 MSU silage test data can be viewed on the web at http://www.css.msu.edu/ varietytrials/corn/corntrials.htm. For more information on Ohio States crop variety testing around the state, visit: http://www.ag.ohiostate.edu/~perf.
Pesticide recertification, fertilizer classes set KALIDA — A pesticide recertification class and Ohio ag fertilizer application certification class will be held from 4-9 p.m. March 17 at the Kalida Nights of Columbus. At this recertification, training class participants will also receive training to obtain an Ohio Ag Fertilizer
Applicator Certification. Only farmers who have an Ohio Pesticide License can receive their Ohio Ag Fertilizer Applicator Certification at this training class. This certification process supports responsible agricultural practices and promotes the 4R program while allowing Ohio
FERTILITY
and/or chemical function. Similar to variety trials conducted at OSU, yearly reports will be generated and posted online to help guide farmers’ decisions about product use on their farms. If you have questions or would like to participate, contact OSU Extension Defiance County at 419782-4771 or email Bruce Clevenger clevenger.10@ osu.edu.
From Page 20
ing in 2015: independent evaluations of proprietary soil amendments and foliar applications aimed at improving the mineral nutrition and productivity of crops. The goal of this service is to provide farmers with timely and valuable information on products that enhance soil biological
to continue to grow its vital agriculture industry. To register or for more information on the classes, contact James Hoorman at the Putnam County OSU Extension office at 419-5236294 or via email at hoorman.1@osu.edu.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Taking a look at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen Center for innovative Food Technology Ohio has a rich history in fruit and vegetable production and food processing, the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) focuses on the development and production of specialty, value-added foods. Managed by the Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), the NOCK is a nonprofit commercial kitchen facility designed to assist entrepreneurial efforts and expand current food-related businesses. The facility assists new and growing businesses by providing access to a commercially-licensed kitchen, networking opportunities with other like entities and technical assistance. The kitchen incubator’s services and resources bridge the gap between an idea and reality. While it is costly to begin a new business, the NOCK provides an affordable venue in which to develop a concept into a commercially viable food product. The ability to network with other entrepreneurs, access information
and take advantage of production capacity — all in one spot — minimizes the risk for a new food business venture. “CIFT has worked with small and start-up companies since the center’s inception in 1995,” noted Rebecca Singer, vice president and director of agricultural programs at CIFT. “In conjunction with the NOCK, CIFT provides product development guidelines, resources and marketing direction to entrepreneurs involved in the production of value-added food products. Technical capabilities, including nutritional analysis and shelf-life stability testing, ensure that the products are produced safely and properly.” CIFT hosts numerous educational programs at the NOCK facility that show participants how to establish a commercially viable food business. The center also helps food-based entrepreneurs with regulatory compliance involving local health departments and the Ohio Department of Agriculture. • NOCK, Page 23
Individuals stir ingredients at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen, which focuses on the development and production of specialty, value-added foods. It is managed by the Center for Innovative Food Technology.
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Forecast
Conservation Stewardship rewards good practices
NOCK
From Page A22
Information on packaging options, sourcing of ingredients, and labeling offers a portfolio of knowledge to start up enterprises. One-on-one consultations with CIFT business advisors provide help with defining a viable plan to establish a profitable food business venture. At present time, more than 38 businesses have generated 33,593 containers of food products for local distribution and market growth at the NOCK. One tenant has manufactured over 150,000 lbs. of salsa for distribution to nine states in stores like Kroger, Riesbeck’s Food Markets, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Giant Eagle Market District and many more. CIFT also manages a state-of-the-art freezer located at the NOCK, along with a blanching/freezing process, which helps explore the benefits for freezing produce. This allows for testing of the process variations associated with different crops. The information is then provided to growers to assist with crop selection, as well as potential buyers searching for locallyproduced product in the off season. “The available resources are designed to further assist and stimulate economic activity while strengthening our local food system,” stated Singer. The NOCK is located at 13737 Middleton Pike,
23
By AMALIE LIPSTREU
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
Individuals package food items at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK) in Bowling Green. The facility assists new and growing businesses by providing access to a commercially-licensed kitchen, networking opportunities with other like entities, and technical assistance.
Bowling Green. For more information, contact the Center for Innovative Food Technology at 419-5356000, visit ciftinnovation. org or like Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen – NOCK on Facebook.
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The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps farmers improve their farm’s soil, air, water, wildlife habitat, and energy resources. Farmers earn payments for conservation performance; the bigger the impact, the higher the payment. There are two types of payments offered through five year contracts. Annual payments help farmers adopt new practices, and improve, maintain and manage existing activities on agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land. Supplemental payments assist farmers in adopting a resource-conserving crop rotation. Producers can apply to renew a contract if they have successfully fulfilled the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts CSP applications at local service centers on a continuous basis. The entire farm operation must be enrolled and include all eligible land that will be under the applicant’s control for the term of the proposed contract. There will be more money available through the Conservation Stewardship Program than through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) in 2015 according to the Ohio NRCS office. Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association member Kyle Sharp of Sharp Family Farms in Fairfield County currently participates in the CSP. According to Sharp, “Participating in CSP was a no-brainer. The program basically rewards us for practices we wanted to implement anyway to improve the farm.” He cites the flexibility of the program as important. “The more practices you implement, the more your annual payment grows,” he said. • STEWARDSHIP, Page 24
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Funding available for renewable, energy efficiency projects WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements. These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other small business owners save money on their energy bills, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, support America’s clean energy economy, and cut carbon pollution. The resources announced are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. “Developing renewable
energy presents an enormous economic opportunity for rural America,” Vilsack said. “The funding we are making available will help farmers, ranchers, business owners, tribal organizations and other entities incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into their operations. Doing so can help a business reduce energy use and costs while improving its bottom line. While saving producers money and creating jobs, these investments reduce dependence on foreign oil and cut carbon pollution as well.” USDA is making more than $280 million available to eligible applicants
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renewable energy from wind, solar, ocean, small hydropower, hydrogen, geothermal and renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters). The maximum grant amount is $500,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant. Energy efficiency improvement projects eligible for REAP funding include lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, fans, automated controls and insulation upgrades that reduce energy consumption. The maximum grant amount is $250,000, and the maximum loan amount is $25 million per applicant. USDA is offering a second type of grant to support organizations that help farmers, ranchers and small businesses conduct energy audits and operate
STEWARDSHIP From Page 23
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through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested. Details on how to apply are on page 78029 of the Dec. 29, 2014, Federal Register or are available by contacting state Rural Development offices. USDA is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. The REAP application window has been expanded. USDA will now accept and review loan and grant applications year-round. Eligible renewable energy projects must incorporate commercially available technology. This includes
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renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include: units of state, tribal or local governments; colleges, universities and other institutions of higher learning; rural electric cooperatives and public power entities, and conservation and development districts. The maximum grant is $100,000. Applications for these particular grants have been available since Dec. 29 of last year. The REAP program was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. Because of the success of the program, Congress reauthorized it in the 2014 Farm Bill with guaranteed funding of no less than $50 million in annual funding for the duration of the fiveyear bill. The 2014 Farm Bill builds on historic economic gains • ENERGY, Page 25
that I never would have thought of on my own,” he added. Start taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity. To find your local NRCS office, go to http://1.usa.gov/12Ca1so or call 614255-2472.
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
ENERGY From Page 24
in rural America over the past six years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. This includes $361 million in REAP grants and loans for more than 2,900 renewable energy systems. When fully operational, these systems are expected to generate more than 6 billion kilowatt hours annually – enough to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year. In 2013, owners of the Ideal Dairy restaurant in Richfield, Utah, used REAP funding to install 80 solar modules and two 10-kilowatt invert-
ers, which convert energy from solar panels to electricity. The owners have saved, on average, $400 per month. These savings have helped them preserve their restaurant and livelihood. President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the president’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
Forecast
25
Paulding County Farm Bureau offering college scholarships PAULDING — The Paulding County Farm Bureau will award up to three $500 scholarships for the college year 2015-16. The scholarship(s) awarded will be presented at the Paulding County Farm Bureau 2015 annual meeting. The Paulding County Farm Bureau will select recipients from the applications that meet the mandatory criteria. A scholarship selection committee, appointed by the Paulding County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees, will evaluate the scholarship applications and present their recommendations for the awards to the board for approval. From the applications, the
committee will evaluate each candidate’s academic performance, agriculture and Farm Bureau involvement and activities. The purpose of the scholarship program is: • To financially assist and reward a college-bound high school senior and/ or college enrolled student who intends to further their education. • To recognize the present and future scholastic ability of young adults. • To invest in the postsecondary education and career planning of young adults. • To select recipients based upon merit, abilities and accomplishments. Financial need does not
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enter into the selection process and financial information is not requested for the scholarship application. The complete scholarship application, certified transcript, and one recommendation letter should be delivered or mailed no later than May 1 to: Paulding County Farm Bureau, 1206 E Second St., Suite 1, Ottawa 45875. To apply, visit http://ofbf. org/uploads/Paulding_ Scholarship_2015-16.pdf. You can also email the county office at paulding@ ofbf.org to receive a copy. For more information, contact the Paulding County Farm Bureau office at 419-523-5874 or 800-2603499.
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Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
2014 corn and soybean yields released in region By WM. BRUCE CLEVENGER OSU Extension
On Feb. 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) released county level yields for the 2014 harvested corn and soybean crops. NASS provides agricultural commodity producers with unbiased and reliable data that is used by farm organizations, agribusiness and transportation firms, state and national policy makers, and foreign buyers of agricultural products. The 2014 corn yields in six northwest Ohio counties of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams, were all above the 2010-
2014 five year average yields by 12-31 percent. Of the six counties, Putnam County recorded the highest 2014 corn yield at 196.2 bushels per acre and Paulding County recording the highest percentage increase over the five year average at 31 percent. The highest county corn yield in Ohio for 2014 was in Clinton County at 200 bushels per acre. The 2014 soybean yields in six northwest Ohio counties of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, Williams, were also all above the 2010-14 five year average yields by 2-25 percent. Of the six counties, Paulding
County recorded the highest 2014 soybean yield at 55.7 bushels per acre and Defiance County recording the highest percentage increase over the five year average at 25 percent. The highest county soybean yield in Ohio for 2014 was in Mercer County at 62.2 bushels per acre. One of the direct uses of county level yield data is the current 2014 Farm Bill Commodity Programs. The Farm Bill is federal legislation that provides risk management options for farmers to elect programs related to economic losses associated with national commodity prices, county yields or farm (individual) yields.
The Farm Bill program that uses county level yields is Agricultural Risk Coverage – County (ARCCO). ARC-CO provides support to enrolled farms when the actual county revenue for a given year falls below 86 percent of the county ARC-CO Guarantee. The county guarantee is a moving average of recent county yields and a market year average (MYA) price. When the MYA price of corn at $3.65 per bushel (current projection) is used with the above average 2014 county corn yields, higher 2014 county revenue will • YIELDS, Page 27
Grain, seed task force publishes new commercial trade info Washington, DC — The Canada-U.S .Grain and Seed Trade Task Group has published new information that will help commercial grain
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sanitary certificate for U.S., Canadian or commingled grain shipments to third countries loaded at elevators in either country. The website now provides four trade modules, covering U.S. producer deliveries, Canadian producer deliveries, seed trade and the new commercial mod-
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ule as well as industry news updates. The task group formed after the Canadian Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act of 2011 ended the mandatory marketing requirement for western Canadian farmers and changed several aspects of the commercial trade, including the elimination of end-use certificates. The open-market changes provide new opportunities for U.S. and Canadian producers and traders to move wheat, durum, or barley across the border but that grain is still subject to the respective and applicable customs and import regulations, such as phytosanitary requirements. Some of that grain may also be exported to a third country. “U.S. and Canadian government agencies in both countries clarified the requirements governing how phytosanitary certificates are issued for commodities transshipped through either country,” said Tyler Bjornson, interim executive director of the Canadian Grains Council. “The new rules provide • TRADE, Page 27
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
27
YIELDS
From Page 26
likely lower the estimated ARC-CO payments for 2014 corn for some Ohio counties. It is estimated that above average 2014 county soybean yields will not impact ARC-CO payments for 2014 soybean crop because the MYA price of soybeans is currently projected at 10.20 per bushel resulting in county revenue above the 86 percent guarantee level. Farmers can obtain a downloadable spread-
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sheet calculator for ARCCO and the Price Loss Coverage program from the University of Illinois at http://farmdoc.illinois. edu.
Question can also be directed to Wm. Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Educator Defiance County at 419-782-4771 or clevenger.10@osu.edu
der trade opportunities in both countries,” said Gary Martin, president and chief executive officer of the North American Export Grain Association. “We are very pleased to provide this kind of support that has only been possible because so many grower and industry stakeholders on both sides of the border have been willing to work together.” Task Group members will continue their efforts to improve transparency and recommend policies
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jor elements–NPK–plus Boron, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Cobalt and Molybdenum. MEGAFOL is a highly specialized and useful foliar fertilizer that helps a crop recover from stress more quickly by increasing plant metabolism and nutrient uptake.
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28
Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Nutrient management, stewardship meeting set By ANNE MARiE MiCHAELS Williams County SWCD
The Williams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites you to attend a meeting on “What is the Latest Ag News for 2015 regarding Nutrient Management, Stewardship, Programs, 4Rs & What Does It All Mean to You.” The meeting will be held March 5, in the Williams SWCD meeting room in Bryan starting at 5:30 p.m. with a meal followed by the program. Come hear Ohio’s 2014 certified crop adviser of the year Joe Nester.
Nester will share many insights on the use of no-till, conservation tillage, cover crops and nutrient management practices. This information and the knowledge he has gained from working on local farms will be very useful to all of us. His experiences and observations of the changes and challenges coming to agriculture can impact any size farm. Nester will update us on nutrient management regulations from Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 61, and his discussions with the Ohio House Ag Committee. Nester owns Nester Ag, LLC, an independent crop consulting busi-
ness in Bryan. They provide nutrient management services to farmers throughout northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and south central Michigan. Nester has been an agronomist in this area for 38 years, is currently the chairman of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program, and is a past chairman of the Ohio Certified Crop Advisers. Ed Crawford, Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) project manager, will explain the latest on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The multi-state RCPP project includes more than 40 collabo-
rating public and private sector organizations that have committed resources to leverage $17.5 million in federal funds for the reduction of phosphorus and sediment loading and harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie. Project partners will use NRCS conservation practices and innovative demonstration practices that farmers can implement with EQIP and ACEP funds to protect soil health, water quality and quantity, and prevent fish and wildlife habitat degradation. Crawford was the local program • MEETING, Page 29
Nationwide USDA organic survey currently underway WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is conducting an organic survey to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture
production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning to certified organic
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production. “Total organic product sales by farms and ranches in the United States have continued to grow over the last few years, increas-
ing by 83 percent between 2007 and 2012,” said USDA deputy secretary Krysta Harden. “These latest census results show the continued interest in organic agriculture among consumers, producers and businesses. As we look to the future, the important information we gather will be crucial to capturing the strong pri-
vate and public sector support to sustain the continued growth of this industry.” Conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the organic survey is a result of this growing demand for organic agricultural products and data. The survey • SURVEY, Page 29
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
MEETING From Page 28
specialist to 20 SWCD’s in northwest Ohio through the ODNR-Division of Soil and Water Resources. He served as the state coordinator on the Lake Erie CREP program for 12 years and currently works for the DSWR as a project manager for Ohio’s Clean Lakes Initiative in the Western Basin of Lake Erie. Since 1988, Crawford has served as the state coordinator for the Conservation Action Project (CAP). Brian Barclay, Williams County NRCS district conservationist, will explain the latest Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and updates for 2015. He will also discuss the latest changes regarding Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and wetland determinations. Barclay will
Forecast
answer what the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is and how one applies. EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat. The evening meal is sponsored by the Williams Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Ohio Federation of Soil & Water Conservation districts. The meeting will be held at the Williams SWCD meeting room at 1120 W. High St. and starts at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested for the meal. For reservations, contact the Williams County SWCD at 419-636-2349 ext. 3 by Feb. 27.
29
USDA has plan to help beginning farmers The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognizes that new and beginning farmers and ranchers are as diverse as American agriculture itself. New farmers are growing traditional crops and new varieties, organic produce and heirloom products. They are part of row-crop farms — employing cutting-edge technology and equipment — and community supported agriculture programs that deliver fresh products directly to their neighbors. They are raising beef, pork, dairy cattle, poultry, and fish on operations of every size. Diversity, youth engagement, and types of agriculture are all increasing, and growing the next generation of agriculture has never been more exciting or more urgent than it is right now. And as the average age of farmers and ranchers in America continues to rise, the question of how we
build our bench in agriculture becomes ever more important. USDA is working hard to make sure we are ready to meet the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow. Please visit www.usda. gov/newfarmers to find information important to today’s beginning farmers. The website will be useful for locating market news, commodity projections, census data on agriculture, and Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan programs that fit the needs of beginning farmers. In addition to Farm Loans, FSA offers a waiver on Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program service fees and a 50 percent reduction in buy-up premiums for beginning farmers. Beginning farmers receive a 90 percent payment factor in comparison to the traditional 60 percent payment factor for use in livestock grazing and feed loss programs, livestock death loss
Producers who receive ers can fill out the sur the organic survey are vey online via a secure encouraged to respond. website, www.agcensus. The responses will usda.gov, or return their looks at many aspects of provide important and form by mail. Federal organic agriculture dur- detailed information to law (Title 7, U.S. Code) ing the 2014 calendar year help determine the eco- requires all produc — from production and nomic impact of organic ers who receive a form marketing • practices, to production, and this inforto respond and requires income and expenses. It mation will help USDA NASS to keep all individ• the also focuses on future officials develop pro- ual information confiden • of organic •production grams and services for tial. by including• producers organic crop and livestock Recipients are required • transitioning to certified producers. to respond to the survey • organic agriculture. • NEW, Page 30 Farmers and ranch- online by April 3. •
SURVEY From Page 28
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Farm Forecast
Compost course to focus on large-scale facilities By KURT KNEBUSCH OSU Extension
WOOSTER — Keep organic material such as yard waste, food waste and manure out of landfills. Compost it instead. So said scientist Fred Michel in the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at the Ohio State University. An associate biosystems engineering professor, he is co-organizer of an event next month on breaking down waste in big volumes. “Composting allows the valuable nutrients and car-
bon that organic materials contain to be used again, reduces fossil fuel use for fertilizers, reduces greenhouse gas emissions from landfills and can be done economically,” he said. The Ohio Compost Operator Education Course takes place March 24-25 at the college’s research arm, the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, in Wooster in northeast Ohio. Its content focuses on running centralized, largescale composting facilities. Examples include those for farms, businesses and
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
An Ohio Compost Operator Education Course will be held March 24-25 in
Wooster. It will focus on running centralized, large-scale composting facilities.
municipalities. The aim is to further the knowledge of compost producers, solid waste managers, farmers and others as more and more organic materials get diverted from landfills, Michel said. Nursery operators, public health officials and environ-
mental regulators, among others, also may gain by attending, he said. The course covers a range of scientific, engineering and business topics, including site design, mix preparation, compost testing, state regulations, contaminant issues, how to
manage compost piles and windrows for peak aerobic conversion and the fewest odors, and how to use composts to naturally reduce plant diseases and create value from waste. “We’ll also touch on
NEW
Beginning farmers must submit form CCC-860, Socially Disadvantage, Limited Resource and Beginning Farmer or Rancher Certification, to the Farm Service Agency
Office. Generally, to be considered a beginning farmer or farm operator, an individual must have operated or owned a farm for less than 10 years.
From Page 29
programs, and emergency livestock assistance programs including honeybee feed and colony losses.
• COMPOST, Page 31
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
Annie’s Project workshops set PAULDING — The Paulding County OSU Extension Office will be presenting Annie’s Project in March and April. The mission of Annie’s Project is “to empower farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing information.” Annie Project participants have said they find answers, strength and friendship — and also grow in confidence, business skills and community prestige through this program. Cost is $100 per person. Registration is limited to 24 women. For more information, contact Sarah Noggle, 419-399-8225 or noggle.17@ osu.edu. Annie’s Project provides
education and a support network to enhance business skills of women involved in all aspects of agriculture. Through the program, you will gain insight and knowledge about: • Your personality temperament and how it affects communication. • The importance of organizational skills and goal setting. • How to find resources and work with professionals to meet your goals. Since 2000, more than 5,000 women have completed the workshop. Classes in Paulding County will be held at the Paulding Youth Leadership Center, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding. The class schedule is as follows:
• March 15 — Communication, introduction and mission/goal setting. • March 23 — Financial management, financial statements, credit scores, introduction to business plan development. • March 30 —Retirement and transition, retirement issues, farm transition and taxes. • April 6 —Marketing and management, commodity marketing basics, marketing panel and direct marketing basics. • April 13 — Farm planning, crop insurance, local resource people, contracts that farmers sign. • April 20 — Risk management, general farm liability issues, farm family business communications, meetings and stress.
COMPOST
202-3533, wicks.14@osu. edu. Participants wishing to join ORAO and receive the discount rate should email Marcie Kress, mkress@ summitreworks.com. Continuing education units are pending approv-
al for OEPA wastewater operator certification and for Ohio registered sanitarians. Funding support to develop the course came from Ohio EPA’s Ohio Environmental Education Fund.
From Page 30
important issues such as persistent herbicides and biodegradable plastics,” Michel said. The course will have classroom and laboratory components. The instructors will be from the college, from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and from industry, including CLC Labs, Barnes Nursery, KB BioEnergy and URS Corporation. Registration is $175 for members of the Organics Recycling Association of Ohio and $225 for nonmembers. Registration includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. The course schedule, a registration form, and lodging and other details can be downloaded at go.osu. edu/2015CompostCourse. The course schedule, a registration form, and lodging and other details can be downloaded at go.osu. edu/2015CompostCourse. For more information, contact Mary Wicks, 330-
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31
Join Ohio Women in Ag network By GIGI NEAL OSU Extension
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, 30 percent of operators are women on the national level. In Ohio, 28 percent of operators are female: 31,413 women of 113,624 total operators. The goal of the Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network (OWIALN) is to help women in agriculture improve their quality of life by providing them with resources to make better business decisions, while maintaining a balance with family and personal obligations.
This national initiative is developing a new portal for education, technical assistance and support of women farmers, ranchers and producers. The OWIALN shares the same goals and collaborates on programs with the Extension Women in Agriculture Community of Practice at extension. org/womeninag. To join the network, contact Gigi Neal at 513732-7070 or neal.331@ osu.edu or Heather Neikirk at 330-830-7700 or neikirk.2@osu.edu. Like us at Ohio Women in Agriculture Learning Network on Facebook.
WHY JOINJOIN FARMFARM BUREAU WHY Farm Bureau wants to help you grow. Whether it’s your farming operation, business, garden, personal skills, or even dinner options, Farm Bureau will help with the information you need.
BUREAU?
➘ Keeping you informed - Farmer members receive Buckeye Farm News and all members receive an Our Ohio magazine subscription and county newsletters. Members gain access to informational seminars and workshops, learn where to buy and sell local foods, and enjoy agricultural experiences like farm tours, cooking and dining events and more.
➘ Shaping good government - as a grassroots organization, Farm Bureau is your legislative voice. ➘
Protecting you and your property - Property Protection Program, which includes a $2,500 reward.
➘ Stretching your budget - dozens of discounts and savings through member benefit providers. ➘ Local programs – District legislative conferences, Safety workshops, Youth activities, Young Farmer conferences, Ag in the Classroom, Estate Planning, Marketing Outlooks, Health Screenings, and more! Hicksville Grain Agronomy offers full service fertilizer, chemicals, and custom application of dry and liquid, VRT, Mycogen seed and Dekalb/Asgrow seed.
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Thank you for all your business patronage you have given Hicksville Grain Co.
VISIT FARM BUREAU TODAY ON THE WEB, www.ofbf.org or www.ourohio.org or at the office of FULTON, HENRY, WILLIAMS, DEFIANCE COUNTY FARM BUREAU 362 MAIN STREET, PO BOX 53099, PETTISVILLE, OH 43553 E-MAIL: fhwd@ofbf.org PHONE: (419) 445-0723 Website: www.ofbf/org/counties
32
Farm Forecast
Black Swamp Nature Center is a hidden treasure in Paulding By STACi MiLLER
Paulding County SWCD
PAULDING — A true piece of natural wonder exists at the Black Swamp Nature Center. The nature center wasn’t always a wildlife area, the land use to be part of the sugar beet factory. There were four ponds constructed by the beet factory to aid in the production process of the beets. Three ponds still exist today as part of the Black Swamp Nature Center. There was also a dam built for water retention that still exists today. The sugar beet factory closed down in 1948, it wasn’t until 1958 that the wildlife area was established. From 1958-90, the Ohio Department of
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Natural Resources (ODNR) spent monies on turning the wetlands, wooded areas, and ponds into fish stocked, wildlife refuge park with a driveway and parking lot that exists as what we know today at the Black Swamp Nature Center. In 1990, the Paulding Ponds Wildlife Area was offered and approved for sale to the Paulding County commissioners from ODNR. Today the Black Swamp Nature Center is maintained by the Paulding Soil and Water District (SWCD) with the ownership of the property being the Paulding County commissioners. The Black Swamp Nature Center • CENTER, Page 33
The Black Swamp Nature Center is one of the few designated wildlife areas in Paulding County.
HEALTH NOTIFICATION
Farmers & Folks (Who Work Around Noise)
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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Farm Forecast
33
Ohio group works to expand ethanol infrastructure Corn Marketing Program, associations help fund new grant for fuel retailers The Ohio Corn Marketing Program, in partnership with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest and the American Lung Association of the Midland States, has announced, the Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program, a new grant funding opportunity for petroleum marketers to significantly expand the reach of ethanol compatible fuel in the Ohio marketplace. The Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program will provide funding to fuel retailers to aid in the purchase and installation of necessary dispensing equipment that is compatible with ethanol-blended fuels.
CENTER From Page 32
The Black Swamp Nature Center is one of the few designated wildlife areas in Paulding County. The nature center consists of 51 acres of land. There are 24 acres of woodland, 14 acres of wetlands and 6 acres of old meadow as well as the nature center building. The nature center building offers a picturesque view of nature for many different events such as meetings, trainings and field trips for local schools and rental for personal events. There are four nature trails available to the public for daily walkers or those who truly want to enjoy the wonders of nature. Year around the nature center is home many different species of wildlife and birds. There have been over 175 species of birds documented at the Black Swamp Nature Center. The Black Swamp Nature Center is a prized piece of history and natural wonder in Paulding County. The Paulding SWCD would
E85 and ethanol-blended fuels contain a percentage of ethyl alcohol and gasoline. E85 is a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. There are over 16 million flex fuel vehicles on the road today, creating a great opportunity to reduce life-cycle carbon dioxide emissions through the use of E85 fuel. Using ethanol-blended fuels can reduce ozone-forming pollutants and air toxics. “Motor vehicle emissions are a major source of environmental pollution. We are pleased to be a part of this program in Ohio,” said Barry Gottschalk, president
invite you to come visit the nature center and explore the many wonders of nature and wildlife. If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Black Swamp
and chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of the Midland States. “The use of alternative fuels, like E85, benefit air quality which is important in our mission to save lives to improve lung health and prevent lung disease," he continued. The Ethanol Infrastructure Grant Program details include: • Funding structure to aid in the purchase of ethanol compatible fuel dispensing equipment and site-work (i.e. tanks) to accommodate installation. • Priority given to petroleummarketers looking to install in multiple locations. • Simple application process with assistance available for completing appropriate paperwork. • Quick reimbursement when projects are completed.
Nature Center, visit the Paulding SWCD office at the fairgrounds for a copy of the history. Go walk, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Black Swamp Nature Center
Farmers’ Edge & Ney Oil Co. Supplying gasoline and diesel with dependable service and competitive pricing • Propane for your home, farm or corn dryer.
Attention Farmers Hi-Calcium Liquid Lime from Campbell Soup Supply Company is available to Henry and surrounding counties. To schedule your required soil test for the 2015 application season, contact:
MILLER
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Land appLication, inc. Duane Miller 937-603-1811 mlai55@yahoo.com
BIoLIME AnALYSIS (average of 2014 sampling) NUTRIENT ANALYSIS
• Quality Chevron oil by the case, pail or drum.
• Application process started Feb. 1. “Over 722,000 Ohio motorists are driving flex fuel vehicles and they deserve access to efficient and clean burning ethanol,” said Tadd Nicholson, executive director of the Ohio Corn Marketing Program. “The new grants will help Ohio fuel retailers offer more choices at the pump, with fuel that is produced in Ohio by our seven ethanol plants with corn grown by our farmers.” For questions on the grant application process or to apply , contact John DeRosa, environmental programs director for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest at 217-787-5864 or John. DeRosa@lung.org. Information is also available online at www.CleanAirChoice. org.
lbs/1000 gal
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4.64
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nutrient Loading 5,000 gal/acre)
CalCiuM (Ca) 25.79 MagNesiuM (Mg) 2.35 e.C.C. % 72%
6.03 0.54
% sOliDs
23.41%
lbs/acre 2755
2.18
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tons hiCalcium lime
34
Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Changes for check-off programs for organic farmers
By RENEE HUNT
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
All organic farmers and businesses will be able to say “good-bye” to federal conventional check-off programs, thanks to changes approved in the 2014 Farm Bill. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued proposed rules in December, which will allow certified organ-
ic farmers and businesses paying into federal checkoff programs to get their money back. The USDA estimates certified organic operations currently pay into 12 of the 22 federally-mandated programs. More than $13.6 million could be pulled out of conventional check-off funds; beef, dairy and fluid milk represent almost 85 percent of that projected amount. A previous Farm Bill
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allowed 100 percent organic operations to request their assessed monies back. The 2014 Farm Bill clarified that an entire operation does not have to be organic to be refunded an assessment. Instead, any assessment based on organic sales can be requested back. Check-offs, formally known as Mandatory Federal Research and Promotion Programs, are assessments made on sales of commodities, such as pork, soybeans and cotton, which are used to fund promotion and research. The benefit of these check-off programs to organic farmers has been questioned for years. In fact, since most checkoff funds are used for commodity promotion and research that serves conventional production, organic farmers and businesses have been paying into programs that often
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work against their interests. While withdrawal from the conventional checkoffs will be welcomed, will organic operations support a federally mandated organic check-off? The Organic Trade Association (OTA) hopes so. OTA is expected to submit a federal organic checkoff program application in early 2015. The trade association projects more than $40 million will be collected annually, since this assessment would cut across the organic industry. In 2014, OTA sent out educational materials to more than 18,000 U.S. organic certificate holders, and conducted phone surveys to gauge support for an organic check-off. An August survey of organic farmers and businesses conducted by the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) found outright support for an organic check-off is low. Those open to the idea of a mandatory check-off were not confident the program would be run properly or benefit them. Further, there was a strong distrust in government’s involvement in the program. At press time, farms and businesses earning $250,000 or less per year in organic sales would be exempted from the checkoff program. The OEFFA survey revealed that 58 percent of respondents did not sup-
port an exemption. Farmers and businesses earning less than $250,000 — approximately twothirds of all organic certificate holders — will not be allowed to vote in the referendum to establish an organic check-off if the sales threshold stands. OEFFA and other farm organizations question the need for the exemption, given OTA’s proposal to make the assessment “broad and shallow” with a 1/10 of one percent assessment on net organic sales. A farmer with $50,000 in organic sales per year would pay $50, less than the $100 voluntary membership OTA is proposing for exempt certificate holders. It’s also questionable whether it’s legal to have a check-off that excludes a super-majority of those in the industry. The Commodity, Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 states generic promotion activities need to be of “particular benefit to small producers who lack resources or market power to advertise on their own.” OEFFA presented its survey results to OTA, and encouraged, at minimum, a change to allow every organic certificate holder to vote on the check-off referendum. Following the Organic Trade Association’s submission, the USDA is expected to take several months to review the application.
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
35
Buzzards: A pleasant sight to see throughout northwest Ohio By STACI MILLER Paulding SWCD
Buzzards or turkey vultures being called a pleasant sight? The groundhog may be able to predict how much longer winter will last, but buzzards have their own day to welcome spring. Buzzard Day is a long standing history for the city of Hinckley since 1957. Buzzard Day takes place on March 15, where many people eagerly await the return of the buzzards at “Buzzards’ Roost” at the Hinckley Reservation, part of the Cleveland Metroparks. The annual Return of the Buzzard celebration starts at 6:30 a.m. at the Hinckley Reservation. Many people gather to compete for the first sighting of the buzzards. The event has become a fun way to gather people together and witness a sure sign that spring is on the way. The buzzards are famous in Hinckley, but many people view them as gross creatures of the world. Vultures are scaven-
gers and they feed almost exclusively on carrion (dead animals). However, many people do not see the importance of vultures as scavengers, and they are, in fact, very beneficial. These vultures play a very important role in the ecosystem by disposing of carrion that would otherwise be a breeding ground for disease. Just think of what it would be like without vultures to dispose of dead animal carcasses. All of the animals that are killed by cars would just remain on the side of the road for weeks until they either decomposed completely or are disposed of by someone. The truth is, vultures make our world a much cleaner place and should be appreciated for doing so. Turkey vultures find their food using their keen eyesight and sense of smell. They fly low enough to detect the gases that are produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. Their keen sense of smell is a trait that is very uncom-
Jenny Derringer/C-N Photo
Buzzards or turkey vultures are very beneficial as they play an important role in the eco-system of disposing of carrion that would otherwise be a breeding ground for diseases.
mon to the avian (bird) world. This ability allows turkey vultures to search for carrion. They prefer to feed on animals that are recently dead, and tend to avoid carcasses that have reached the point of decomposition. There are three species of vultures in North America; the turkey vulture, the black vulture, and the California
condor. The two most common species are the turkey vulture and the black vulture. The turkey vulture has the largest area range
that spans from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Turkey vultures have a wingspan of six feet. The turkey vulture’s primary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digested meat, a foul-smelling substance which deters most creatures. The turkey vulture’s life expectancy in the wild ranges upward of 16 years. A captive life span of over 30 years. Information about the turkey vulture was provided by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It’s has been a long and cold winter, but with Buzzard Day just around the counter, this means that winter is almost over. Springtime is near….so when you spot a buzzard know that they are scavengers, but they are helping to keep our environment clean.
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Vilsack to visit Commodity Classic show U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will make his sixth visit to Commodity Classic, the annual convention and trade show for soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum growers. The secretary will deliver a keynote address to several thousand farmers and agriculture allies during the event’s general session, to be held Feb. 27 in Phoenix, Ariz. “Secretary Vilsack has been a strong voice and advocate for agriculture, and we’re looking forward to his joining us once again at Commodity Classic, where he can not only speak to growers but hear
from them as he visits our trade show,” said American Soybean Association president Wade Cowan. “We’re grateful for his support on the recent farm bill and his leadership on other policy actions that affect our members. Secretary Vilsack understands and appreciates our role in making America great.” Vilsack was appointed by President Barack Obama as the 30th secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and took office in January 2009. He was reappointed soon after the president’s reelection in 2012. Previously, Vilsack served two terms as
governor of Iowa. The 20th annual Commodity Classic convention and show takes place Feb. 26-28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Established in 1996, Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmerled, farmer-focused convention and trade show, produced by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers. Starting in 2016, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and many of its members will be joining the event.
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Young biotech firm chases the next cash crop 36
Farm Forecast
By TiM BAKER
St. Louis Post-Dispatch TNS
CREVE COEUR, Mo. — A biotech startup here is trying to accomplish something that hasn’t been done since the middle of the last century. Researchers are trying to turn what currently amounts to a weed — in this case, pennycress — into a viable commodity crop for farmers. And they hope to do it before the end of this decade. “It’s been a long time since a wild strain was domesticated,” said Dennis Plummer, one of the founders of Arvegenix. “Even for some of the recent domestications, it took decades.” Indeed, the last plant to make a similar jump was the soybean, which originated several thousand years ago in China. Outside of China, the plant spent the vast majority of its life as little more than a novelty. It wasn’t until the 1920s that it began its ascent to its current position as one of the world’s largest grain crops. And even then, it didn’t become a staple of U.S. farms until the 1950s. It would be asking a lot to expect pennycress to enjoy the same level of success. Still, this member of the mustard seed family does have a lot working in its favor.
The plant’s seeds have the potential to be solid oil producers, while leftover meal can be used to make livestock feed. But its strongest trait may be the fact that it grows in the winter, when most Midwestern fields are empty. Arvegenix envisions a crop rotation where pennycress fits in between a typical corn/soybean rotation, giving farmers an extra growing season. “If we can fit into that window when nothing else is growing, that’s the definition of sustainability,” said Jerry Steiner, the new chief executive of the twoyear-old biotech startup, which has 11 employees, with more than half working for equity in the company in lieu of salaries. The sustainability feature is one of things that helped the company in snagging a $100,000 investment by Yield Lab, an accelerator for agribusinesses. Yield Lab, founded last year, recently named Arvegenix among the five companies in its initial investment program, which includes mentoring and a business development program. “There aren’t many crops that can grow in the winter,” said Matt Plummer, Yield Lab program manager and son of the Arvegenix founder. “We’re not increasing land acres to grow any-
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
A biotech startup in Missouri is trying to turn the weed pennycress into a viable commodity crop. The plant's seeds
thing. And we aren’t taking anything away from the food supply.” This is also why the crop has been pushed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in its quest for new biofuel sources. All, however, is not perfect with this spindly plant and the tiny seeds it produces. The biggest problem is that farmers can’t make money growing it. At least
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may be sold to oil producers while its meal can be used for feed.
not yet. That’s where Arvegenix has its focus at the moment, using advanced breeding technology to nudge the plant toward something better than it is today. A plant needs to be more predictable, more consistent and one that produces a higher oil yield. Within four years, researchers hope to have a version that could break even. From there, it should have no trouble attracting the attention of farmers, said Dennis Plummer, a former Monsanto executive. “I’m sure not every farmer will want to plant it,” he said. “But they’re all interested.” That Arvegenix has taken up the pennycress cause is welcome news to Winthrop Phippen, professor of plant breeding and genetics at Western Illinois University. Phippen has been working with pennycress since 2009. He’s traveled across the country, collecting samples for a seed collec-
tion and cataloging various traits. He’s found it growing as far south as the MissouriArkansas border and as far north as Anchorage, Alaska. He’s been doing his own breeding but says traditional breeding — without the aid of molecular technologies — is considerably slower than what Arvegenix should be able to accomplish. “They’ll be able to speed up the process,” Phippen said. He sees other obstacles down the line, including the inevitable pest and disease issues faced by all crops. And there’s the fact that some states, including Michigan — a likely hotbed of pennycress farming — still classify the plant as a weed. That would have to change if the plant is going to be grown and sold as a crop, he said. But having a company dedicate itself to the plant should bode well for its future. “Every crop needs a champion,” Phippen said.
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015 Farm
Forecast
37
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38
Farm Forecast
Value-Added Producer Grants are available
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
added operation. Daniel and Ann have created a variety of raspberry jams, a Brussels sprout relDaniel and Ann Trudel ish, Hungarian hot pepper met in college. They never mustard and a hot pepthought they’d be farmers. per jelly, all from produce But one day, when visit- they raise themselves. In ing a friend in Ohio, they fact, their preserves have drove down Blair Road in garnered them six Good Fredricktown and saw a Food Awards since 2011 house for sale. When they and their savory Brussels drove up the driveway, got sprout relish and petite out of the car, and took in pickled Brussels sprouts the beautiful view, they are finalists for the 2015 knew this would be their Good Food Awards. new home. After attending their Fast forward 10 years first food show in and Ann’s Raspberry Farm Cincinnati, they started has three high tunnels that to consider applying for are home to 300 raspberry the U.S. Department of plants each. In response Agriculture’s Value-Added to growing demand, they Producer Grant (VAPG). now have 7,000 Brussels Daniel realized that the sprout plants as well. The VAPG could help offset Daniel and Ann Trudel of Ann's Added Producer grant in 2014 from the farm is “Certified Naturally the costs of participating in Raspberry Farm is the only Ohio pro- U.S. Department of Agriculture. They Grown” but what really sets food shows so they could ducer who was awarded a Value- received almost $20,000 in funds. them apart is their value- maximize attendance and help their diversified busi- “You must be able to show opportunity for more Ohio ness reach new markets. that you are going to grow producers to tap into this BUYER OF What is the key to success your business,” said Daniel. funding and grow their with a VAPG? Daniel said “The benefits are definitely value-added businesses. you really have to invest worth the time investment.” Now is the time to start Sorry - We Cannot Accept - YARD TREES the time in completing a Daniel’s 80 hour invest- asking questions and planthorough and compelling ment paid off in almost ning to submit your appliManufacturers of Hardwood Lumber application. He wrote 25 $20,000 in grant funds. cation. The announcement Firewood & Mulch revisions and estimates that Ann’s Raspberry Farm was for new VAPG applications MULCH he spent at least 80 hours on the only Ohio producer is expected soon. For more the grant application and awarded a VAPG grant in information, visit http:// Shredded Hardwood Tree Bark - All natural, no pallets developing sales forecasts 2014. www.rurdev.usda.gov/ Color Enhanced Mulch - Black, Chocolate or red, no pallets for attending the shows. There is tremendous BCP_VAPG.html.
By AMALIE LIPSTREU
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
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Ag businesses sought for Good Earth directory By LAUREN KETCHAM
Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
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Thousands of conscientious consumers and companies in Ohio and surrounding states use the Good Earth Guide, the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s local farm and business product and services directory. In 2014, the guide listed 450 farms and businesses that sell directly to the public, including 193 certified organic farms and businesses and more than 100 community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs. The directory identifies
sources for locally grown vegetables; fruits; herbs; honey; maple syrup; dairy products; grass-fed beef, pork, and lamb; free-range chicken and eggs; fiber; flour and grains; cut flowers; plants; hay and straw; seed and feed, and other local farm products. Each farm listing includes name and contact information, products sold, a farm description, and whether the farm is certified organic. The searchable database • EARTH, Page 39
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
Farm Forecast
39
Tractor Supply offers FFA scholarship through foundation Coming off the heels of a successful second year in 2014, Tractor Supply Co. has announced the third annual Growing Scholars program in partnership with the National FFA Foundation. Last year, Tractor Supply customers donated $447,671, resulting in 334 scholarships awarded to FFA members in their pursuit of a college degree. The Growing Scholars program will be supported nationally by each of the more than 1,400 Tractor Supply and Del’s Feed & Farm Supply stores Feb. 20-March 1, which includes National FFA Week. Tractor Supply customers can donate $1 or more at store registers during the
checkout process to support local FFA chapters and their members. Ninety percent of funds raised through Tractor Supply’s Growing Scholars program will be utilized to fund scholarships for FFA members. The remaining 10 percent of donations will benefit state FFA organizations. “The funding we received from our customers last year was tremendous,” said Tractor Supply president and chief executive officer Greg Sandfort. “We’re honored to be able to provide critical funding to FFA members who intend to pursue a college degree. Many of these students go on to be agriculture educators – and we know how
important ag. ed. is to our communities, customers, and the lifestyle they value. Local FFA chapters enrich the lives of young members by teaching life skills, citizenship and leadership qualities. Giving back to our 1,300-plus communities that we serve is very important, and the Growing Scholars program is one of the ways that we support our current and future customers and future team members.” To be eligible for the scholarship program, students must be current FFA members and either high school seniors or a freshman, sophomore or junior college student seeking a two- or four-year degree or other specialized train-
ing program. Major areas of study will also be considered when determining scholarship recipients. “We can’t thank Tractor Supply and its customers enough for supporting FFA, student and alumni members and agriculture education in general,” said National FFA Foundation president Molly A. Ball. “The Growing Scholars program truly makes a difference in the lives of our youth.” In addition to the Growing Scholars program, Tractor Supply and the National FFA Foundation have many other joint initiatives, including the FFA horse evaluation career development
event, National FFA Week and the annual National Association of Agricultural Educators Conference. At an individual store level, Tractor Supply continually hosts fundraising events and works closely with local FFA chapters and high school agriculture advisors to provide resources and leverage synergies.
You know farming. We know farm financing. Farm Credit offers loans, leases and crop insurance.
New private pesticide applicator training to be held PAULDING — A new private pesticide applicator training session will be held from 9-11 a.m. March 11 at the OSU Extension office building at the Paulding County Fairgrounds in Paulding. The session is a crash
course of how and what to study in preparation for CORE and Category 1 (grain/cereal crops) private pesticide applicator testing. Additional personal preparation and study time is suggested. Study materials should be
EARTH
at 614-421-2022 ext. 205 or renee@oeffa.org to request a form to complete a listing by mail. Listings in the Good Earth Guide are open only to Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association members. If you’re not a
From Page 38
includes tools that make it easy to search the listings for a specific product, farm or farmer, by county, or by sales method. Many profiles have location listings and maps for where the farm’s products are sold. Now’s a great time to promote your farm or business through the Good Earth Guide by creating or updating your online profile. There are two ways to get listed in the guide: • Create a profile online at http://www.oeffa.org/ search-geg • Contact Renee Hunt
purchased prior to this date Paulding County, at 419or upon registering via OSU 399-8225 or noggle.17@osu. Extension Paulding County. edu. Cost is $35 and can be paid prior to the event or at the door. To register or for more information, contact Sara Noggle, ag educator for
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member, but would like to join, go to http://www. oeffa.org/membership. php. Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association members must opt-in to participate in the guide and are not automatically included.
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40
Farm Forecast
The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Thursday, February, 26, 2015
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