Harvest 2015

2015 Fall Farm Supplement

HARVEST

USDA program deadlines

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Smaller dairys turn to robots

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Organic agriculture Lime fields in the fall The Crescent-News

page 17 page 9 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Reminder of USDA program deadlines WAUSEON — The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has many programs for farm producers with several deadlines to meet for participation according to John Gaynor, FSA director for Fulton and Lucas counties.

Fall is a busy season for harvest and fall planting of crops. However, it is a busy season for planning ahead for the next crop year whether it is tillage, purchases, drainage, or USDA programs.

Natural disasters can strike agriculture at any time. USDA has the Federal Crop Insurance (FCI) program with reasonable premiums and is offered through private insurance companies and their affiliated agencies. But, not all crops are insurable.

For that reason, producers can turn to FSA for protection through the Non-insured crop disaster

Assistance Program (NAP).

Just about every agricultural type production crop can be covered for protection with NAP that includes non-insurable crops for food, forage, fish, fiber, or feed, and specialty, sweets or seed.

There are two versions for NAP; basic or “buy-up.”

The basic coverage is with a fee of $250 per crop not to exceed $750 per county.

For higher levels of protection there is the buy-up that is much like the FCI coverage with a premium charged by FSA at the end of the covered crop’s growing season.

The deadlines for some 2016 crops have passed; Aug. 31 for aquaculture (fish), floriculture, Christmas trees, sod grass, and a few other crops; Sept.

4 for nursery; and Oct. 1 for rye, barley and speltz.

However, Nov. 20 is the final date to apply for NAP

coverage on most fall planted or perennial 2016 crops; apples, forage (hay and pasture), peaches, pears, plums, hops, honey, strawberries and maple sap to name a few.

March 15, 2016, is the NAP deadline for almost all other crops which are spring planted.

Eligibility for NAP and most all other USDA programs offered through FSA depends on reporting acreages and, in some cases, reporting production. Two of the most important FSA acreage and production reporting deadlines in Ohio for 2016 are Dec. 15 and July 15, 2016.

The same dates apply for reporting to FCI agents.

Fall planted 2016 crops and most perennials need to be reported to FSA by Dec. 1. A major example crop would be winter wheat. A copy of the FSA acreage report can be provided for

submission to the FCI agent if the wheat is insurable and enrolled in FCI. However, in Ohio, the final planting date for winter wheat is Oct. 20 and, if weather does not cooperate, prevented planting reports need to be filed within 15 days (by Nov. 4). Failure to timely report may result in loss of historical credit or eligibility for NAP, FCI or benefits from many other USDA programs.

Dairy farmers may be interested in that Nov. 20 date for a different reason; the Margin Protection Program (MPP).

The deadline to enroll for the 2016 dairy MPP coverage has been extended to Nov. 20. A $100 administrative fee must be paid with MPP enrollment; however, premiums are not due until Sept. 1, 2016.

As always, more information and more exten• USDA, Page 3

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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Ag officials talk about farm field runoff programs Discuss new fertilizer, manure application laws affecting region

By MARC KOVAC

OhioCapitalBlog mkovac@dixcom.com

COLUMBUS — It will take a lot of money or a lot more regulation and tax consequences to achieve short-term, large-scale reductions in farm field runoff that have contributed to the state’s toxic algae issues, according to one Ohio State University economics professor.

And Brent Sohngen, professor in OSU’s Department Agricultural, Environmental and Development Economics, said existing programs probably are not sufficient to meet the 40 percent phosphorus reduction being sought by some state officials.

“Individual farms are a minuscule part of the problem, even if they happen to apply manure in the middle of winter,” he said. “I think that if you’re going to have some actual regulations that would have an impact, they’d have to dig a lot deeper than that. They’d have to get substantially more extensive in terms of regulating the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen applied every year to have an actual impact.”

Sohngen was one of the speakers featured in a panel discussion on

water quality issues at this year’s Farm Science Review, a large-scale agricultural trade and research show that takes place annually about a half an hour west of Columbus.

One focus of the discussion was this session’s Senate Bill 1, which was passed by state lawmakers in March and signed into law by Gov. John Kasich.

The new law prohibits manure and fertilizer applications onto northwestern Ohio farm fields during soggy weather or freezing temperatures unless the nutrients are injected or incorporated into the soil within 24 hours or applied to growing crops. Farmers who ignore the restrictions could face fines.

Additionally, the legislation requires increased monitoring and testing of phosphorous levels at certain publicly owned treatment facilities and restricts the disposal of dredge material, among numerous other provisions.

Lawmakers have said the legislation is not the final solution to the harmful algal blooms that have hit Lake Erie and other areas of the state, and they are eying additional legislation and policy changes to

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further address the issue.

There’s no silver bullet to fix the situation quickly, said Sam Custer, an OSU Extension educator from Darke County.

“We have a lot of work to do in this area,” he said. “It’s occurred over many, many years, and it’s going to take some time to work through this and try to come up with a solution.”

Custer said heavy rains in the state through July have added to algae issues this year.

“As I looked at the charts this morning, much of Lake Erie has algal blooms in it,” he said, adding that most of the areas are ranked in the medium range, not severe.

Glen Arnold, state field specialist for manure nutrient management systems and an associate professor at OSU Extension, questioned how much of a role livestock farmers are having in the algae situation.

He used northwest Ohio as an example — the manure produced by livestock in that area of the state provide less than 23 percent of the phosphorus needed by corn, soybeans and wheat grown annually in the western Lake Erie basin.

“We don’t have an excess of phosphorus in northwest Ohio by any

USDA

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sive details about USDA

stretch,” he said, adding later, “A lot of times in the media, livestock is the whipping boy of the media.

It’s just important to point out, I think, that we’re a relatively small percentage of all the phosphorus in the watershed.”

Sohngen said, based on his calculations, the recent legislative changes won’t have a huge impact on water quality.

“The state is saying it needs a 40 percent reduction in phosphorus emissions... that’s an enormous threshold to meet,” he said. “I don’t think there’s any (existing) voluntary/subsidy program ... that would actually get us to that 40 percent reduction. ... We could use the programs we have to get a measurable reduction, I don’t doubt that. But it’s not going to be the reduction that everybody says we need to solve the water quality problem we have.”

Accomplishing the latter, he said, will require broader-based programs, different incentives for farmers and regulations on the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen applied to fields.

“Our current regulatory system or our current subsidy system is not leading to any desired reduction,” he said. “If you want to use these less effective methods, it’s just going to cost more.”

FSA farm programs in Ohio can be found online at www.fsa.usda.gov/oh.

Individuals may also con-

tact your local FSA office located in most county Agricultural Service Centers.

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Nutrient Reduction Program continues

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Nutrient Reduction Program is a current nutrient reduction program in certain targeted watersheds that offers cost-share for soil testing, cover crops and an agronomic systems — group combo of soil testing, fertilizer placement and cover crops.

One of the targeted watersheds is the Flatrock Creek Watershed which spans from south of Payne to Defiance. The program will

continue into 2016.

The soil testing should be grid or zone sampling that is no more than 7.5 acres in size.

It is for acres that have not been tested (grid or zone) since 2010, or before.

The soil test should include recommendations for phosphorus, potatssium, CEC (cation-exchange capacity), pH and application maps. The fertilizer placement needs to be applied according to TriState Fertility recommenda-

tions and placed a minimum of 1.5 inches below the surface.

The cover crops require a seed tag for proof of germination and purity of seed along with planting records, seeding date and maps. The cover must be an over-wintering variety and maintained until March 15.

Subsurface fertilizer placement has been proven to be the most effective way to reduce nutrient run-off.

In response to the fertilizer placement needs, Mercer

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To meet the agronomic systems approach, a producer would need to broadcast or drill the cover crop in before using the tool.

For more information about the NRP, contact Deb Hubbard at Paulding County Soil and Water • PROGRAM, Page 5

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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New corn disease — tar spot — found in Midwest

By PAUL PIERCE OSU Extension

A few weeks ago, tar spot, a new disease of corn caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis was reported for the first time in the U.S., first in Indiana and then in Illinois.

It was later found as far east as Allen County, Ind., bordering Paulding County in northwest Ohio.

So, although tar spot has not yet been confirmed in Ohio, it is quite possible that it may be present in the northwestern corner of the state.

What does it look like?

Even though corn is drying down, if tar spot is present, you can still detect it on dry, senescent leaves almost as easily as you can

PROGRAM From Page 4

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on healthy leaves.

So, please check your fields to see if this disease is present.

According to Dr. Wise, my counterpart at Purdue University, “Symptoms of tar spot begin as oval to irregular bleached to brown lesions on leaves in which black spore-producing structures are formed... giving the symptomatic areas of the leaf a rough or bumpy feel to the touch… resembling pustules on Photo courtesy of Purdue Extension Service leaves with rust. Lesions Symptoms and signs of tar spot on Lesions can cause large blighted areas … may coalesce to cause large areas of blighted leaf corn leaves is shown, it includes brown of tissue. Signs of tar spot can resemble tissue. Symptoms may also lesions and black fungal structures. saprophytic growth on leaf tissue. be present on leaf sheaths fungus Phyllachora maydis, loss occurs when P. maydis- Monographella maydis. and husks.” but the greatest impact of infected plants are infected • SPOT, Page 6 What causes tar spot and this disease in terms of yield by a second fungus called how damaging is it?

Tar spot is caused by the

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SPOT

From Page 5

So far, thankfully, only the first fungus has been reported in the U.S. (Ind. and Ill.) In regions such as Mexico where tar spot has been known to cause substantial yield losses, the two fungi act as a team, with Phyllachora maydis first infecting the plants, followed by infection with Monographella maydis.

Damage tends to be most severe under cool, humid conditions at high elevations.

Where did it come from and will it survive and become established?

At this point it is unclear how tar spot got here.

It is not known to be seed-borne or infect other plant species, so corn seeds and weeds are unlikely to be the sources of inoculum.

However, the fungus can survive and be moved around on fresh and dry plant materials such as

leaves and husks.

In addition, since spores of the fungus can be carried by water and wind, there is some speculation as to whether it came in on a tropical storm.

Since tar spot is generally considered a tropical disease (common in Mexico, parts of South America and the Caribbean), it is unlikely that the fungus will survive the harsh Midwest winter and become established here. However, we’ll have to wait and see and do the research to learn more about this disease.

What should I do if I find tar spot?

If you see anything that fits the description of or resembles (the picture on Page 5), tar spot, please inform your state specialist, field specialist, or county extension educator. Most importantly, farmers and field specialists are asked to send samples to my lab (1680 Madison Ave., Wooster) for testing and verification.

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Keeping a close eye on avian flu

Migratory birds potentially bring with them fatal virus

By MARK KOVAC OhioCapitalBlog mkovac@dixco.com

COLUMBUS — State agriculture officials are keeping a close eye on the skies this fall, as migratory birds pass through Ohio — potentially bringing with them a virus that has devastated poultry flocks in a couple of other states.

This is the time of year that avian influenza could find its way into Ohio farmers’ flocks, and the Ohio Department of Agriculture is urging diligence and strict adherence to biosecurity measures to ensure chickens and turkeys and other domesticated fowl aren’t infected.

“Migration has already started, so we’ll see what this virus looks like when it comes back down through from Canada,” Tony Forshey, who heads the Ohio Department of

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Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health, said during a recent question and answer session at Ohio State University’s Farm Science Review.

“We’ve stepped up biosecurity. We’ve had a lot of education outreach on bio-security for our producers and the public in general. We will continue that through this fall," he said.

Poultry is big business in Ohio.

The state is the second largest egg producer in the country, with 28 million laying chickens. The state’s poultry industry employs more than 14,600 people and pumps $2.3 billion into the state’s economy, according to statistics compiled by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Avian flu, which is believed to be spread by migrating birds to domestic flocks, has affected tens of millions U.S. birds, with Iowa and Minnesota hit hard earlier this year.

“This is the worst livestock disaster this country has ever seen financially,” Forshey said.

“It’s incredibly expensive. We’ve learned a lot of things now on cleaning and disinfecting and those sorts of things. Those flocks are

repopulating now in Iowa and Minnesota, and we’re just hoping they don’t get hit again.”

No cases of avian flu have been identified in Ohio in domestic or wild bird populations. Earlier this year, the agriculture department banned live bird displays at county fairs as a precaution against spreading highly pathogenic avian flu in Ohio.

Forshey said the state will reevaluate the fair ban at the end of the year to determine whether to continue to bar live bird displays at next year’s events.

“We essentially disappointed 9,000 kids this year by not allowing them to show their birds at the fair,” he said.

“But the positive part of that is I’ve had a lot of contact from fair boards after fairs were over saying they had some really good, positive education opportunities this year. They implemented some things, very creative, and in fact they tell me next year even if they have birds they’re going to still do some of these things.

It’s pretty neat," Forshey added.

The bottom-line message • AVIAN, Page 7

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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AVIAN

From Page 6

to producers, Forshey said, is to make sure they’re keeping their poultry operations secure and free from outside contaminants, with a focus on “enhanced bio-security — have their plans in place so that they establish clean areas and dirty areas and watch as they move back and forth between those.

"Simple things like where do you park your cars as employees... You don’t park in between buildings, you park them out away from that Jenny Derringer/C-N Photo and then walk in. It only takes on little mistake in bio-security and you have an outbreak," he Migratory birds, such as geese, may poten- ing increased biosecurity measures on farms. said. tially have the avian flu. Ohio ag officials are keeping a close eye on flocks and encourag-

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

New opportunities are brewing In accordance with the missions of the organizations, an initiative was launched between the CIFT (Toledo) and the Agricultural Incubator Foundation (Bowling Green) to explore the potential for alternative crops with economic viability for

the region and state.

Ohio beer manufacturers send an estimated $4 million out of Ohio annually by purchasing the flowers of the hop plant, called hop cones, or “hops,” from growers outside the state.

Hops are needed for flavoring and stability in the

brewing of beer and balance the sweetness of the malt with bitterness thereby contributing to a variety of desirable flavors and aromas.

Ohio State University researchers estimate that within the first year, growers can expect a hops yield

OSU Extension photo

Ohio State University researchers estimate that within the first year, growers can expect a hops yield of 200-1,800 pounds per acre, depending on the cultivar, with an estimated value of $2,000-$25,200.

of 200-1,800 pounds per acre, depending on the cultivar, with an estimated value of $2,000-$25,200.

In the second and subsequent production years, yield increases to 500-2,200 pounds per acre valued at $7,000 -$30,800.

Hops are sold on the open market, with the northwest United States supplying the majority of U.S. hops.

Currently in Ohio, hops are primarily grown in gardens and by homeowners on a small scale, but there are some growers increasing to a larger production capacity.

This project is allowing the hops plant to be grown in Ohio and accommodate to Ohio’s conditions and

soil types.

Research has been conducted that evaluated everything from new hop cultivars to different insect and disease control methods.

The ultimate goal of the project is to allow beer manufacturers in Ohio to spend their money in Ohio by purchasing crops such as hops that are grown locally.

A demonstration plot has been established with 240 plants representing 10 different varieties in order to evaluate productivity, operational requirements, disease stresses, processing considerations, and the market potential for this • HOPS, Page 9

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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Fall is perfect time for considering liming fields

By ED LENTZ and STEVE CULMAN OSU Extension

Fall is an excellent time to test soil pH and determine whether any lime needs to be applied for future crops.

Proper soil pH is important for nutrient availability, herbicide activity and crop development.

For most soils, additional lime is not needed every year.

Consider these points before liming your fields:

In many cases their soil pH was fine, but they did not want to pass up a “good deal.”

Without knowing the soil pH, a grower may inadvertently raise their soil pH to the high 7’s.

At this elevated pH, certain nutrients may become limited and the productivity of their crop may be reduced and require special management practices.

Western Ohio has the greatest risk of elevating soil pH from careless applications of lime.

A soil analysis is the best step to determine if a field needs lime.

Do I need lime?

Each year we hear stories of people adding lime to their fields without a What is the pH of my soil test. The grower has a source of free waste-prod- subsoil?

Generally a laboratory uct lime that they pick up and apply to their fields. recommends lime when the

HOPS

From Page 8

crop in northwest Ohio.

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soil pH drops two to three units below the desired value.

The desired value depends upon the crop and the pH of the subsoil. In parts of Ohio where the subsoil pH is less than 6 for mineral soils (eastern Ohio), additional lime is recommended after the soil pH

drops to 6.2 for corn and soybean, and 6.5 for alfalfa.

In other parts of the state (generally western Ohio), the subsoil pH for mineral soils is greater than 6 and lime is not needed until the soil pH drops below 6 for corn and soybeans, and 6.2 for alfalfa.

Private laboratories may

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• LIME, Page 10

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LIME

From Page 9

What is the effective neutralizing power of my lime source?

An important item from a lime analysis report is the effective neutralizing power (ENP) value, which is required for material sold as lime for agricultural purposes in Ohio.

This value allows a producer to compare the quality among lime sources because ENP considers the purity, neutralizing power (including fineness) and moisture content.

In other words, the ENP tells you how much of that

ton of lime actually neutralizes soil acidity. The unit for ENP is pounds a ton (be careful not to use percent ENP, which may also be on a lime analysis report). The ENP allows a producer to compare different lime sources because they can now determine price per pound or ton of actual neutralizing material.

Should I use “hi cal” or dolomitic lime?

In most situations it does not matter, so a producer can select the least expensive of the two lime sources. Transportation is often the largest cost of a lime material, so generally the closest lime source

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

(quarry) is often the most economical.

Several parts of the state are historically low in soil magnesium (eastern and southern Ohio).

Adequate soil magnesium is important to reduce the risk of such problems as grass tetany for grazing animals.

Soil test magnesium levels need to be greater than 50 ppm (100 pounds) for optimal corn, soybean, wheat and alfalfa production.

Often areas low in magnesium also need lime, which has made the application of dolomitic lime an economic solution for both concerns.

The ratio between cal-

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cium and magnesium is important. Soils should contain more calcium than magnesium.

Extensive research has shown that crops yield the same over a wide range of calcium to magnesium ratios and will not affect crop production as long as the calcium to magnesium ratio is larger than 1.

High calcium lime should be used in situations where the soil test calcium to magnesium ratio is less than 1, or in other words, the soil magnesium levels are greater than the soil calcium levels.

We have not observed any Ohio soil tests where the magnesium levels are above the calcium levels.

Also keep in mind that almost all dolomitic lime sources will contain more calcium than magnesium.

Unfortunately, some producers have been led to believe that magnesium levels in dolomitic lime may be undesirable.

The Ohio State University is currently investigating the importance of calcium to magnesium ratios in crop production since the last Ohio research was completed in the early 1980s.

For now, the focus should be selecting lime on its ENP rather than its calcium level.

How about gypsum as a lime source?

Gypsum is not a lime source.

It does not have the right chemical composition to neutralize soil acidity, such as carbonate (gypsum is calcium sulfate).

Gypsum is used as an amendment for soil physical properties and/or as a fertilizer providing calcium and sulfur.

In summary, make sure you take a soil test to determine if lime is needed, determine if magnesium is needed, know the historic pH of your subsoil, and then use the ENP to select the most cost effective lime material.

A soil test every three to four years will determine the lime requirements for your fields.

Additional information on ENP and lime sources and liming rates may be found at the following location: http://agcrops. osu.edu/specialists/fertility/fertility-fact-sheetsand-bulletins/AGF505. pdf.

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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USDA extends dairy margin protection program deadline WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection

Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended to Nov. 20. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides

financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin — the difference between the price of milk and feed costs — falls below

the coverage level selected will ensure that dairy proby the farmer. ducers have more time to “The fall harvest is a busy make their choices,” said time of the year for agri• DAIRY, Page 12 culture, so this extension

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Smaller dairies turn to robotics GRANITEVILLE, Vt. (AP) — Robots have taken up residence at some smalland medium-sized dairy farms across the country, providing reliable and more efficient labor and helping the businesses remain viable. Plus, farmers say, the milking technology makes for happier, more productive cows.

Dairy operations here and abroad have used robotic milkers for more than a decade. But with more manufacturers and dealerships emerging the U.S., the number of smaller farms in Iowa with the technology has doubled over the last

two years, from roughly 20 to more than 40, and family farms in the Northeast also are plugging in.

The cost of not automating the milking process might be greater for some farmers than shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars, experts say. The technology supplants paying for hard-to-find and migrant labor, creates time for other farm duties and collects vital data about the animals. Perhaps most of all, it boosts the number of gallons of milk being produced because cows get milked when and as often as they want, though

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it doesn’t affect consumer milk prices.

The reason robots might make sense for many smalland medium-sized farms in the Northeast is because of the challenge of finding reliable workers and outdated infrastructure that makes the operations inefficient, said Richard Kersbergen, with the University of Maine Extension.

“There’s a lot of farmers that are interested but AP Photo are concerned about the financial costs with it,” In this Sept. 2 photo, a cow voluntarily gets milked noted Kersbergen, who just by a robot at Lambert Farm in Graniteville, Vt. With returned from studying trouble finding reliable labor and technology more farms in the Netherlands, readable available, some family dairy farms from the • ROBOTICS, Page 14 Northeast to the Midwest are turning to robots to milk cows to stay competitive.

DAIRY

From Page 11

Vilsack. “We encourage all operations to examine the protections offered by this program, because despite the very best forecasts, markets can change.”

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Agency Service (FSA) online resource at www.fsa.usda. gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation.

The secure website can be accessed via computer,

smartphone or tablet.

He also reminds producers that were enrolled in 2015 that they need to make a coverage election for 2016 and pay the $100 administration fee. Although any unpaid premium balances for 2015 must be paid in full by the enrollment deadline to remain eligible for higher coverage levels in 2016, premiums for 2016 are not due until Sept. 1, 2016. Also, producers can work with milk marketing companies to remit premiums on their behalf.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for

Dairy, contact your local FSA county office. To find a local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

Payments under the program may be reduced by a certain percentage due to a sequester order required

by Congress and issued pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985.

Should a payment reduction be necessary, FSA will reduce the payment by the required amount.

The Margin Protection Program for Dairy was made possible through the 2014 Farm Bill.

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

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We’ve found our home at GlennPark ~ Testimonials from our residents and staff ~

Tammy Westfall (above, right)- “I love the residents, and I work at GlennPark to ensure that they have the best care possible!”

Dodi Thompson (above) “GlennPark is so special to me because this is the first I have ever worked in long term care. You become so attached and love the residents like you do your family. It is so humbling to think all of these families trust us to care for the most important thing in their lives, their loved ones. We truly feel honored to be trusted with this noble blessing.”

Katilin Thomas (above, left) - “I love my job at GlennPark. I get to work with my best friends every day. The residents are amazing and you get very attached. They become your extended family! The work environment is friendly with open communication on all levels!

John Weible (above) -“It’s our home away from home, it’s the next best thing! We are treated like family and are very well cared for at GlennPark. Thanks to GlennPark, we still have many resources available to us.”

David Grant-“We took our time finding the right assisted living environment for my father.

Thank goodness we did. The care my father received at GlennPark was second to none. I cannot speak highly enough of all the staff, as professional’s and caring individual’s . They cared for Dad like family.”

Tom Hornish- son of Dorothy Hornish- “Our mother was reluctant at first to move in, but after doing so she became aquianted with old friends and made new ones and loved it. The help that she now had made things easier—for her as well as allowing us to sleep easier at night because we now knew she had help. If you are starting to consider such a move, just choose GlennPark.

You and your loved ones will be glad you did.”

Our Values Our Campus and Concept GlennPark is designed to meet the needs of seniors with a variety of lifestyle and residential options, such as independent living in The Bungalows and assisted living in The Inn.

The GlennPark Senior Living Community is the residents’ home. We are here by invitation to serve, to care, to nurture and protect. Residents should participate in life as much as they are able and will be encouraged to be independent and self sufficient. We will provide the options, opportunites, and care we expect our own loved ones to recieve. We believe enjoying well balanced, home cooked meals with friends in pleasant surroundings can enliven lives. When needed, each resident will recieve superior health care privately and discreetly. Each resident has personal worth. We will not allow this dignity to be diminished. We beleive humor can help us all and should enrich our time together.

Harold and Joan McPherson (above)- “Due to failing health, we moved into GlennPark shortly after having back surgery. I received super professional care around the clock. I was greeted with very friendly smiles and tender loving care. I also received some super therapy! After I fully recovered, we moved into one of the bungalows, which is now our “HOME”. We continue to receive some care, good meals, and nursing service available 24 hours per day. We have NO regrets! “

Entertainment We offer a vast array of opportunities and events for entertainment. Residents can choose to participate in as much or as little as they wish. Our menu of activities is ever changing and includes card games, exercises, classes, outings, book clubs, shopping trips, cookouts, golfing outings, barbecues, crafts, fashion shows, and antique care shows to list just a few activities.

For more information, call 419-782-3000 2429 William A Diehl Ct. • Defiance, OH 43512

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2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Looking at cover crops for winter manure application

By JIM HOORMAN OSU Extension

A major goal of farmers is keeping manure and fertilizer out of surface water and Lake Erie.

Farmers are busy harvesting soybeans and corn and they will need to get their cover crops planted soon to have a live crop for winter application. The “new” rules state that farmers may apply manure and fertilizer {nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)} in a granular form to a growing crop in the winter.

This article will discuss options for growing cover crops.

The goal with cover crops is to mimic natural processes and to keep soil nutrients recycling rather than running off in surface water.

For example, in the early 1800s about 60 million bison (buffalo) roamed the U.S. These bison did not stop eating or pooping in the winter. So we need to learn some lessons from the bison.

First, spread your manure and fertilizer nutrients thin and second apply it to a live crop. Some of the best

crops to apply manure nutrients are grasses that survive the winter because they have a fibrous root system and these plants are good scavengers of N amd P. The biggest problem is getting the cover crop planted in time so that it grows and survives the winter, has enough density, and has enough height. All cover crops should be planted as early as possible (August-September) to get as much growth as possible before winter. A general rule is that plants have roughly 50 percent of

ROBOTICS From Page 12

where he said more than half used robotic milkers because of high labor costs.

But the price can be a high obstacle to clear.

Jennifer and Jesse Lambert took out seven-year loans for about $380,000 last year to install two robots and retrofit a barn at their organic dairy farm in Graniteville.

They were looking for a more consistent way to milk their cows, more time to spend with their newborn son and more money in their pockets.

They are saving $60,000 per year that used to go to paying one full-time and one part-time employee,

their growth above ground and 50 percent below ground at maturity. Grasses, however, spend a lot of energy on root production in the winter, taking in nutrients and water all winter long.

The following characteristics are needed for a good cover crop if nutrients are applied in the winter.

First, the plant needs to survive the winter and have an adequate root system to absorb N and P. Second, a fibrous root system (grasses) is

and their cows are producing 20 percent more milk.

“No one wants to milk cows,” Jennifer Lambert said.

“Even when we had employees, the last thing they wanted to do was milk cows, especially on the weekend.”

Plus, cows thrive on consistency, she said, something farmworkers can’t always provide but robots do, which she says leads to more relaxed cows.

Ron Lawfer’s cows have produced about 20 percent more milk since two robots were installed in December 2014. The 55-year-old figures he, his wife and son would have been out of the milk business in a couple of years if they hadn’t built a new $2 million facility near the northern Illinois town

• COVER, Page 15

of Kent to accommodate a growing herd and the milking technology. They spent $400,000 of that on robots and accessories.

“We weren’t large enough to support two families ... basically that’s what it boils down to, we were not efficient,” he said.

But robots aren’t for everyone, said Larry Tranel, a dairy specialist with the Iowa State University Extension.

“It’s a technology that it’s kind of scale-neutral in a sense because every robot can handle about 60 cows,” he said, “and when you start going larger than that people figure out pretty quick that it’s probably cheaper to hire the labor and put in a big parlor.

It really becomes a money game.”

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

COVER

From Page 14

generally better than a tap root (legumes like alfalfa and brassicas like radish) that may leach nutrients to surface water. Third, the cover crop needs to hold up equipment in the winter, be easy to kill in the spring, and not cause problems for the next growing crop. If it can be utilized as a forage crop for livestock feed, that is a bonus.

Grass cover crops that fit this description include cereal rye (1-1.5 bushel/ acre), triticale (1.5 to 2 bushel/acre because of bigger seeds), barley (75-100 pounds/acre), wheat (1-2 bushel/acre), and annual ryegrass (18-25 pounds/ acre). Generally, wheat is a little harder to kill in the spring and annual ryegrass takes more management to kill it and keep it from becoming a weed. Seeding

rates should be 25-50 percent higher than normal rates if you want to winter apply manure or fertilizer. The goal is to have a good dense population of live plants, a tall growing plant, and a healthy root system to absorb nutrients.

While oats is a great cover crop, it is not recommended because it dies out in early winter.

Many farmers like to use cover crop mixtures that include brassicas, legumes, or clovers. For brassicas, kale may be seeded by itself at 2-5 pounds an acre or rape by itself at 3-5 pounds an acre. These brassicas generally survive the winter if planted before midOctober.

If using brassicas in a three-way mixture, keep a winter growing grass as the main cover crop and add 1-2 pounds an acre maximum brassica seed to the mixture. Plant no more than 1-2 pounds/

acre radish in a mixture but this is not really recommended because the radish may get a large taproot, they die in the winter, and they leach nutrients.

For legumes and clovers, plant crimson clover at 12-15 pounds an acre by itself or 5-6 pounds an acre in a three-way mixture. True Winter Peas (Windham, Lynn but not Austrian Winter peas) may be planted at 12-18 pounds an acre in a mixture and red clover at 8-12 pounds an acre are all good cover crops (grasses are better).

Avoid applying manure or fertilizer to old pastures with short grass (no roots) or old alfalfa hay fields (fourth-fifth year) due to thin stands and deep tap roots that tend to leach nutrients. Just remember, your liability still exists for manure or nutrient runoff, even if it is applied to a live crop.

Harvest & Farm Tab

Floodplains have an important purpose

By STACI MILLER Education specialist Paulding SWCD

As Mother Nature continues to dump many inches of rain on Paulding County and surrounding areas, flooding is becoming a frequent event.

Once the rivers, creeks and streams reach maximum capacity the excess water must go somewhere.

The excess water goes into a designated floodplain.

Floodplains are low, flat, periodically flooded lands adjacent to rivers, creeks and streams. They provide temporary storage space for floodwaters and sediment produced by the

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watershed. Floodplains serve many different purposes.

When left undisturbed in a natural state, floodplains store water and dissipate floods without adverse impacts on humans, buildings, roads and other infrastructure.

Without floodplain access, which serves the essential purposes of slowing floodwaters and storing sediment, stream banks are subjected to the full power of flood flows, leading to extensive damage and erosion.

Water quality is improved in areas where natural floodplain cover • PLAINS, Page 16

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PLAINS From Page 15

acts as a filter to remove impurities from runoff and overbank flows.

Natural floodplains moderate water temperature, reducing the possibility of adverse impacts on aquatic plants and animals.

Floodplains provide habitat for diverse species of plants and animals, some of which cannot live anywhere else.

They are particularly important as mating and feeding areas.

Floodplain management is a continuous process of making decisions about

whether and how floodplain lands and waters are to be used.

It encompasses the choices made by owners of floodplain homes and businesses, decisions made by officials at all levels of government, development plans made by owners of commercial flood prone land, and the judgment of farmers with pastures and fields stretching to the riverbanks.

There are many different programs and options available to landowners in floodplains. Feel free to contact the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation with any questions about floodplain land and the

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Blue Creek is shown out of its bank west of U.S. 127 in Paulding County. early this year. Floodplains are low, flat, periodically flooded lands adjacent to

options for this land by developing a conservation plan.

It’s very important for people to understand how important floodplains are and use caution when

rivers, creeks and streams. They provide temporary storage space for floodwaters and sediment produced by the watershed.

building in a floodplain as well as using it for agricultural land.

If you want more information about flood hazards in our area go to www.fema.gov or www.

floodplain.org.

Flooding can happen at any time and this year has proven to be a wet summer, it’s important to be aware of floodplains and understand their functions.

Marketing assistance loans are available NAPOLEON — The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the availability of Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs).

The Agricultural Act

of 2014 authorized 20142018 crop year Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), with a few minor policy changes.

Among the changes, farm-stored MAL collateral

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transferred to warehouse storage will retain the original loan rate, be allowed to transfer only the outstanding farm-stored quantity with no additional quantity • LOANS, Page 17

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

Harvest & Farm Tab

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Study highlights opportunities for organic agriculture COLUMBUS —A government survey of U.S. organic farms shows Ohio’s growth in organic sales follow the national trend, and while the number of organic farms in Ohio fell slightly over the past five years, Ohio farmland in organic production has increased by more than 10,000 acres since 2008.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistics Service (USDA NASS) released results from the 2014 Organic Production Survey recently, revealing a 72 percent increase in organic sales since 2008,

as well as a slight decrease in the number of organic farmers and total organic acreage in the U.S. “While the decrease in the number of organic farms nationally and in Ohio is a concern, Ohio remains in the top 10 of states in the number of organic farms in operation,” said Amalie Lipstreu, Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) policy program coordinator.

More than 40 percent of Ohio organic farmers earn between 75 and 100 percent of their income from organic farming.

“The data show that organic farming provides

a full-time occupation for many farmers and there is a future in organic production as demand outpaces supply for organic food in the U.S.,” said Lipstreu.

These results also show a strong commitment to the organic market as more than 40 percent of Ohio’s organic farmers plan to increase organic production.

In 2015, OEFFA has also seen an increase in the number of farmers seeking certification for the first time.

While 78 percent of organic sales are to wholesale markets, the first point of sale for 80 percent of all U.S. organic products was

LOANS

the loan, may obtain an LDP if such a payment is available.

FSA is now accepting requests for 2015 MALs and LDPs for all eligible commodities after harvest.

To be eligible, a producer must maintain continual beneficial interest in the eligible commodity.

Before MAL repayments and LDP disbursements can be made, producers must meet the requirements of actively engaged in farming, cash rent tenant and member contribution.

Commodity loan eligibility also requires compliance with conservation and wetland protection requirements, acreage reporting requirements, and ensuring that the commodity meets Commodity

Credit Corporation minimum grade and quality standards.

The interest rate for commodity loans approved in September will be charged 1.375 percent per annum until Jan. 1, at which time the interest rate will adjusted to the interest rate in effect for January 2016.

For more information and additional eligibility requirements, call or visit a local FSA county office.

Area Farm Service Agencies can be reached at the following numbers: Defiance County, 419-7824781; Henry County, 419592-2926 ext. 2; Paulding County, 419-399-3841; Williams County, 419636-2057; Putnam County, 419-523-4871; and Fulton County, 800-877-4691.

From Page 16

allowed and will no longer require producers to have a paid for measurement service when moving or commingling loan collateral.

MALs and LDPs provide financing and marketing assistance for wheat, corn, and other feed grains, soybeans, and other oilseeds, pulse crops, wool and honey.

MALs provide producers interim financing after harvest to help them meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. A producer who is eligible to obtain a loan, but agrees to forgo

less than 500 miles from the farm.

“The growth of local and regional food systems as well as access to large wholesale markets provide huge growth opportunities for organic farmers,” said Lipstreu.

This study represents the second comprehensive survey of organic agriculture in the U.S. “The ability to have trend data and analysis of organic agriculture in Ohio and the U.S. provides information critical to the organic industry and the farming community,” said Lipstreu.

“Continuing to collect and analyze this informa-

tion will help current producers as well as those considering a transition to organic agriculture understand the growing demand, price premiums, and production challenges.”

OEFFA is one of the oldest and largest organic certification agencies in the country, and offers educational programming and support to organic farmers and businesses, and those looking to transition to organic. For more information, visit http://www. oeffa.org.

The complete report can be accessed at the USDA Census of Agriculture website.

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2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Women in agriculture mentoring network set WASHINGTON, D.C. (USDA) — From the classroom to the farm to the boardroom, women in agriculture are helping to pave the way for a better future.

As leaders, it is our responsibility to make sure the next generation of women are educated, encouraged and empowered to take on the challenges of meeting

the world’s growing food, fuel and fiber needs.

To help women in Ohio connect with other women leaders in agriculture all across the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has established a women in ag mentoring network. Join the conversation by emailing AgWomenLead@usda. gov or check out #womeni-

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

Meeting scheduled on Senate Bill 1 nutrient application restrictions

By JASON ROEHRIG District administrator Defiance SWCD

The Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District, OSU Extension, NRCS, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will be hosting an informational meeting on Senate Bill 1 regulations on Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the Evergreen Lane Office Complex at 06879 Evansport Road, Defiance. Matthew Lane, with ODNR Division of Soil and Water Resources; Bruce Clevenger, OSU Extension Educator; and SWCD staff will review the new law and answer specific questions that producers may have about manure and fertilizer applications.

Having become effective on July 3, Senate Bill 1 places restrictions on agricultural nutrients, addresses dredging and disposal of dredged material in Lake Erie, and provides additional restrictions on waste water treatment plants throughout the Western Lake Erie Basin in an effort to curb the transport of algalfueling dissolved reactive phosphorus to Lake Erie.

This watershed encompasses nearly 5 million acres throughout 24 counties.

Understandably, the District has received many inquiries about the restrictions that this law will place on the application of fertilizer and manure.

Although the details are spelled out below, it is imperative to keep in mind that this law restricts the application of fertilizer and manure under specific conditions, such as frozen and snow covered ground, saturated soils, and before significant pre-

cipitation events. In addition, the law also provides a few exemptions such as when nutrients are injected into the soil, incorporated within 24 hours, or are applied to a growing crop. Remember that any exemption to Senate Bill 1 is strictly an exemption on the ability to apply manure or fertilizer. The NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard still applies regardless of Senate Bill 1 exemption status.

This standard includes guidance on nutrient application rates in addition to specific application setbacks from residences, wells, ditches, and other features. The 590 standard can be found at: http://efotg.sc.egov. usda.gov/references/ public/OH/11-01-2012_ Ohio_590_Standard.pdf.

Also, Ag Pollution

Abatement rules continue to be applicable, with or without exemptions, prohibiting the discharge of manure and sediment to waters of the state. Be aware that the precipitation and soil saturation stipulations under Senate Bill 1 are applicable 365 days a year; therefore, it is important to check and print off a copy of the weather forecast prior to applying any nutrients.

So, what specifically does Senate Bill 1 restrict?

Under the law, no person in the Western Lake Erie Basin (see map Page 21) shall surface apply manure under any of the following circumstances: • On snow-covered or frozen soil • When the top two • BILL, Page 21

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BREAKFAST From Page 18

his 100 percent voting and attendance record in both the Senate and House.

Arrive early, as breakfast and informal networking will start at 8 a.m., with the program to follow. The cost is just $10 per person (cash or check at the door) which includes breakfast and networking opportunities.

The Northwest Ohio Ag-Business Breakfast Forum is an educational networking opportunity to provide information on current issues, trends and programs available to the agricultural community and those who support its advancement.

The Agricultural Incubator Foundation is located at 13737 Middleton Pike (Ohio 582) in Bowling Green. Walk-ins are welcome, but guests are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance by contacting rsvp@ciftinnovation. org The Center for Innovative Food Technology is a

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2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

Nutrients targeted in Platter Creek

By STEPHANIE SINGER Watershed coordinator Defiance SWCD

Defiance SWCD has recently been awarded a 319 Nonpoint Source grant for $366,492 to implement best management practices in the Platter Creek watershed.

The goal of this grant is to establish 6,000 acres of cover crops, 4,000 acres of variable rate fertilizer application, 4,000 acres of gypsum with no till, 10 grade stabilization structures, and three saturated buffers. Although these goals

PRACTICE

are very ambitious for a small watershed over a three-year period, we look forward to seeing measurable water quality and soil improvements when the practices are accomplished.

It is estimated that with these practices installed there will be a reduction of about 34,554 pounds of nitrogen, 11,633 pounds of phosphorus, and 4,065 tons of sediment entering into the Maumee River every year! That is a lot of expensive fertilizer and valuable soil that can be saved! This will be a significant contribution as the entire Western

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 COST SHARE

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Cover crops

Up to $30 an acre

Erosion Control. Adds organic matter, improves soil tilth and productivity. Improves infiltration and water holding capacity.

Facilitates nutrient recycling, crop emergence and root development.

Gypsum with no till

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Gypsum has been shown to reduce the amount of fertilizer and soil particles leaving the field. No-till improves soil structure and builds organic matter.

Variable rate fertilizer

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Additional sampling locations may be considered to measure improvements.

Interested landowners and operators should call the Defiance SWCD to apply. Acres enrolled in another cost share program for the same practice are not eligible. Currently, this program is only available for acres within the Platter Creek watershed.

The cost share rate for each practice will be 50-75 percent of the bills submitted with the maximum amount of reimbursement listed in the chart below. It is not too late to consider cereal rye as a cover crop this year as long as you sign up and plant before Nov. 1.

Contact Stephanie Singer at 419-782-1794 for more program information.

Students learn about stream water

By STEPHANIE SINGER Watershed coordinator Defiance SWCD

Students in Jacob Panico’s Fairview High School Chemistry class received some first-hand experience using their chemistry skills.

The class met with the • WATER, Page 23

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

BILL

From Page 19

inches of the soil are saturated from precipitation • When the local weather forecast for the application area contains greater than fifty percent chance of precipitation exceeding one-half inch in a 24-hour period As mentioned above, restrictions on the surface application of manure do not apply under any of the following circumstances: • The manure is injected into the ground • The manure is incorporated within 24 hours of surface application • The manure is applied onto a growing crop In the event of an emergency, the Chief of the Division of Soil and Water Resources or the Chief’s designee provides written consent and the manure application is made in accordance with procedures established in the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service practice standard code 590 prepared for Ohio.

Senate Bill 1 does not prohibit the stockpiling of solid manure provided stockpiling is performed in compliance with Standards for Stockpiling in NRCS Job Sheet 634.

Small and medium sized livestock operations may also apply for an exemp-

tion through local SWCDs with small operations potentially being eligible for an exemption through July 3, 2017, and medium sized operations potentially qualifying for an exemption through July 3, 2016.

Also, for those receiving manure from an ODA permitted livestock facility, all recipients must either be a Certified Livestock Manager or have completed the Fertilizer Applicator Certification program.

In addition to restrictions on manure, Senate Bill 1 also restricts the application of fertilizer. These restrictions are identical to the above manure application restrictions with the exception of the local weather forecast.

Fertilizer application is

prohibited when the local weather forecast for the application contains greater than fifty percent chance of precipitation exceeding one inch in a 12-hour period.

As with manure, the fertilizer application restrictions do not apply if: • The fertilizer is injected into the ground • The fertilizer is incorporated within 24 hours of surface application • The fertilizer is applied onto a growing crop It is important to note the difference between the local forecast requirements for manure and fertilizer applications and plan applications accordingly.

A weather prediction can be obtained from the National Weather Service

Harvest & Farm Tab

at http://weather.gov.

The local forecast can be found by entering the zip code for the area where the manure application will occur. Before applying nutrients, an applicator should check this weather forecast and print a copy to keep with his or her records.

As producers prepare for next year’s crop nutrient applications, it is important to understand Senate Bill 1 restrictions and make nutrient applications accordingly.

Be sure to read up on the law, attend meetings, and reach out to your local SWCD for guidance.

 21

Corn and Soybean Day set in Archbold ARCHBOLD — Corn and Soybean Day has been scheduled for Jan. 22 at Sauder Village's Founders Hall in Archbold. The annual event has a variety of speakers as well as exhibitors that share information on management practices for the upcoming crop production season. The event is open to the public. Contact an area OSU Extension office for information.

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2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

It’s not too late for cover crops

By TYLER MILLER

Defiance SCWD technician

It has been a long, tough and exhausting year for farming. Remember way back when April showers brought May floods and let’s not talk about the rain in June. I’m not sure what those brought.

One thing I am confident in is that your soil spent a significant part of the spring and early summer under saturated conditions which was not good for your crops or for all the biology in your soil. All of that biology is what allows your crops to flourish in the growing season, so it

is vitally important to give our soil a jump start for next crop season. One of the best ways to do this is by planting a cover crop.

Some people may think that it is too late for cover crops to be planted and that is not true. There are species that can be planted at this time of year that will get some growth and be able to survive the winter. At this point in the year cereal rye is your best option.

Cereal rye can be planted as late as November as it has a low germination temperature. Although, I would encourage planting cereal rye as soon as possible to get the most ben-

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efit from the rye allowing it to put down soil-building roots this fall.

If at all possible I would also recommend either drilling the rye in the soil or incorporating the cover crop in the soil to get a better stand. If you have a standing corn crop there are highboy applicators and aerial services in the area that can seed your cover crop, but we have seen mixed results with the lack of seed to soil contact that this form of seeding provides. Wheat and triticale are also some options for cover crop seeding at this time in the year. Most of the other cover crops will frost kill and at this point would not provide enough benefit to outweigh the cost of planting.

Cover crops provide many benefits to your future crop and your soil.

Those benefits vary by species. In general, cover crops scavenge nutrients or are a nutrient source for your coming crop, helping to hold your fertilizer in your field and keep it out of Lake Erie. Having a growing crop in your field also makes an ideal time to apply nutrients for the coming cash crop that will give those nutrients the greatest opportunity to be utilized instead of being lost off the

Photo courtesy of Purdue University Extension

Cereal rye can be planted as late as November because it has a low germination temperature. Frost may kill other cover crops at that point in time.

farm.

They can also build soil structure as well as loosen soil compaction either caused by weather conditions or man-made compaction, which will help those fields dry out faster in the spring and hold more moisture during the summer months. Most cover crops prevent erosion and provide lasting residue to help manage soil temperature and moisture for your future crop. They can also help prevent weed pressure possibly resulting in reduced herbicide cost.

This plant diversity growing on your farm will also help the soil micro and macro biology to flourish helping your cash crop to earn you more cash.

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Like anything that is new to your operation, there are always questions and concerns. I would encourage you to try a field and see what you think. I would also tell you to leave a test strip to visually see what that cover crop is doing for you.

One place to go for help on selecting a species and planting dates would be the Midwest Cover Crops Council website http:// mcccdev.anr.msu.edu/ VertIndex.php.

It has a wonderful cover crop selector and it will tell you what each species will accomplish and when to plant that specific cover crop. That site has a number of articles and resources to look at in order to make an informed decision about cover crops in order to benefit your land. Also, the Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide is a handheld book full of cover crop information to help you make decisions about cover crops.

I have a few copies here at the office if you are in need of one and they can also be found at Purdue’s website https://ag.purdue. edu/agry/dtc/Pages/ CCFG.aspx, for $5.

Purchasing cover crops can be done at a number of local elevators and seed dealers in the area. I would encourage you to be cau• CROPS, Page 23

Mi

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

WATER

From Page 20

Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District Watershed coordinator Stephanie Singer to perform water quality tests on Platter Creek and Sulphur Creek. The water sampling is part of an effort to collect monthly data on local streams. Panico’s students participated in the fall and spring last school year and plan to help again this spring.

The students used a hand held meter to measure the water’s pH and temperature, and a sediment stick to determine the total suspended solids, or the clarity of the water.

In a more complicated test, they measured the dissolved oxygen in the

water with a redox titration (Does anyone remember doing one of these in chemistry lab and thinking “what could this possibly be for?” — well, here is your answer). They collected samples to be analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus and dissolved reactive phosphorus. The data collected is part of a study of eight watersheds in the Upper Maumee for the purpose of reducing nutrients traveling to the river and Lake Erie.

It is very useful because it can help resource professionals focus on areas with higher nutrient concentrations directing funding towards programs to improve fertilizer placement, increase soil health or to replace failing home septic systems.

Harvest & Farm Tab

 23

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tious about purchasing seeds from the Internet or from a source that seems too good or cheap to be true because it probably is and you don’t want to create weed or other problems in your field.

For those of you who don’t have whole fields to seed, there are companies that provide cover crop mixes for gardens that can provide all the same benefits as cash crop growers and create a beautiful fall landscape for your garden.

These cover crops can reduce weed pressure which will reduce pressure on your back next spring.

There are too many compa-

nies to list so I would just encourage you to do a little research in order to create a user friendly, beautiful garden for next year.

Although it has been a tough year, farmers have to be the eternal optimist, and there is always next year.

So let’s get a head start on next year by planting some cover crops.

Then maybe next year’s April showers will just bring May flowers.

If you have further questions contact your local SWCD. Here in Defiance County, you can contact Defiance SWCD at 419-7821794. You can also contact the NRCS or OSU Extension offices to help you make an informed decision about cover crops on your farm.

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 24

2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

Ohio beekeepers to host conference PLAIN CITY — The Ohio State Beekeepers Association will have its fall conference on Oct. 31 in Plain City.

The conference will be

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Tolles Career and Technical Center, 7877 U.S. 42. Individuals may register for the conference at www.

OhioStateBeekeepers.org.

The Ohio State Beekeepers asked to pre-register for the event at Association will have its fall conference www.OhioStateBeekeepers.org. on Oct. 31 in Plain City. Individuals are

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Cost is $25 for association members if they pre-register or $35 for members at the door. Cost for nonmembers are $35. A boxed lunch is $9 and will only be available with pre-paid registration.

The fall conference will feature an open honey judging. Attendees will be able to watch the judging throughout the day. There is no cost to enter the contest, but entries must be pre-registered. Categories include: light extracted honey, wax, flavored granulated honey and gift baskets. Prizes will be awarded for first and second places as well as a best of show. There will also be a team conducting Nosema testing at the conference. Individuals need to pre-register for the test (specimens brought in for

testing should not be live bees).

There will be several educational sessions held during the conference as well as an awards ceremony, election of officers and business meeting.

During session 1 the following individuals will speak: Tom Seeley on “Following the Wild Bees: The Craft and Science of Bee Hunting,” Kent Williams on “Using Nucs for Increase,” Michele Colopy on “Creating Your Own Pesticide-Free Pollinator Habit,” and Reed Johnson on “Nosema — is the Cure Worse than the Illness?”

Session 2 topics include: “Capturing Swarms with Bait Hives” by Seeley; “Small Scale Queen Rearin,” by Williams, “OSBA Apiary Diagnostic

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Kit Easy Monitoring for Increased Sustainability” by Alex Zomchek, and “The Basics of Business Legal Structures” by Christie Welch.

Session three will feature Seely on “Forest Bees and Varroa Mites: Lessons for Sustainable Beekeeping,” Williams on “Breaking Your Chemical Dependency,” Welch on “Selling Honey in the Local Food Focused Economy” and Zomechek on an upcoming bee topic.

In addition to gathering information, attendees may also stock up on beekeeping supplies from various vendors that will be at the conference. In addition, Hannah Whitehead from Ohio State University will be having a survey regarding Ohio beekeepers and their approaches and attitudes regarding Varroa control available.

The Ohio State Beekeepers Association is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote beekeeping in Ohio. Its board is comprised of 23 voting members with 18 members representing nine regions in Ohio. Northwest Ohio is in the Maumee Valley region.

The regional director is • BEES, Page 25

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

Harvest & Farm Tab

î Ž 25

Students in Ohio can visit virtual pig farm

COLUMBUS — Ohio students can visit farms without ever having to leaving their classrooms through a series of virtual field trips to Ohio pig farms, offered throughout the 2015-16 school year by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC) and Farm Credit Mid-America.

The unique, interactive experience transforms ordinary classrooms into virtual pig farms as students and teachers video chat live with, and have their questions answered by real Ohio pig farmers using Google Hangouts.

Farmers, along with an OPC representative, show their farms and share what it takes to raise pigs, from pregnancy through birth and growth to market weight.

The program is being expanded after positive results and feedback from a pilot program last spring, where three Ohio pig farmers welcomed 934 students from 25 school to their farms. “This program gives student and teachers who would otherwise never visit a farm the opportunity to interact with modern agriculture in a way that can be

applied to a wide variety of educational subject matter,� said Jennifer Osterholt, OPC’s director of marketing and education.

The field trips are open to all grades, but are specialized to help grade 4-5 classrooms meet educational requirements and standards in social studies and science. Ohio FFA students may also participate in the program to gain insight while exploring modern swine production.

Classrooms have three options to join the virtual field trips: an interactive, live session; watching a live feed of a field trip; or watching a pre-recorded field trip.

Teachers are encouraged to learn more and sign up at ohiopork.org/fieldtrip or by contacting Jennifer Osterholt at josterholt@ ohiopork.org or 614-8825887.

The Ohio Pork Council was established in 1968.

Currently, OPC has approximately 2,500 members. Its mission is to serve and benefit all Ohio pork producers. To learn more about the Ohio Pork Council, visit www.OhioPork.org or call 614-882-5887.

BEES

Directors report to the state board regularly. Regional representatives serve for one-year terms and vote as full members of the board.

From Page 24

Dwight Wilson and representative is Mike Soboleski.

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2015 Harvest & Farm Tab

The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015

NEIGH Day a success in 2015, to grow in 2016

By LAURA ROHLF Henry Co. OSU Extension NAPOLEON — From a concept and formal application for two grant funding opportunities, NEIGH (Notable Exploration of the Equine Industry Globally & at Home) Day became a reality in 2015.

From the grant proposals through the Ohio 4-H Foundation and Special Horse Program grant funds through the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, NEIGH Day became a reality.

On April 4, Henry County 4-H provided a first-time program that focused on

youth exploration of equine careers.

While having the opportunity to learn equine specific knowledge/skills from guest speaker professionals.

NEIGH Day provided 4-H youth enrolled in equine projects and/or have an interest in equine as well as youths not in 4-H, an opportunity to explore traditional and non-traditional equine careers that exist globally and within the United States.

As part of the day-long event a variety of professionals within the common and not-so-common avenues of the equine industry

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Those perspectives included education requirements, pros and cons, and day to day tasks involved in the various careers represented.

The professionals also provided, practical applicable information through hands-on activities that covered a variety of equine topics. Forty-six individuals attend this first year, with eight youth stating they were specifically looking for information about professions they could pursue.

Twelve equine related business professionals were present to describe and discuss their occupations/businesses with the youth and adults attending.

Those businesses include: equine health fields (equine vet assisting); nutrition and equine food production; harness horse racing industry; farrier/blacksmithing; training and breeding; agri-tourism and entertainment; therapeutic riding; tack and products in the industry; education and writing in the equine industry.

A scavenger hunt was developed for the youth so as to encourage the, to ask questions of the equine

Photo courtesy of Henry County OSU Extension

Amber Moffet of Buckeye Nutrition talks with individuals during the Notable Exploration of the Equine Industry Globally & at Home (NEIGH) Day held in Henry County this year.

professionals.

Henry County is grateful for being named recipient of the Ohio 4-H Foundation and the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association special horse program funding. Without the participation of the following equine businesses and individuals, the program would not

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The Crescent-News, Defiance, Ohio - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 2015

Harvest & Farm Tab

NEIGH

From Page 26

Stock Horse demonstration. In addition to these individuals being present, Rod’s Western Palace, Tina Bastian and Rachelle Wilhelm, technical writer for Clinton Anderson-Down Under Horse Training, all provided door prizes for the event.

Each person and volunteer who attended were also provided a drawstring goody-bag with equine related informa-

 27

tion and sample products. NEIGH Day 2016 is in the works and in hopes of doubling the participation by professionals offering their experiences and attendees alike.

If you are a professional who works in the equine industry and would like to share your story and information with young people searching for career information, contact Laura Rohlf, extension educator, 4-H Youth Development at rohlf.2@ osu.edu or 419-592-0806 ext. 206.

Photo courtesy of Paulding SWCD

Wild fowl swim near the Black Swamp hosting a photo contest at the cenNature Center in Paulding. The Paulding ter. Photos will be judged at the 2016 Soil and Water Conservation District is Paulding County Fair.

Photo contest turns focus on the Black Swamp Nature Center

By STACI MILLER Education specialist Paulding SWCD

PAULDING — The Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring a photo contest at the Black Swamp Nature Center.

This is an opportunity for county residents to explore the wonders of the Black Swamp Nature Center and capture the beautiful of nature and its elements.

Photos must be taken at the Black Swamp Nature Center between the dates of Sept. 1–May 1, 2016.

This contest is open to all residents in Paulding County.

Each resident may submit up to three photos for the contest.

Age divisions are under 18 years old and over 18 years old. Photos must be 8x10 in size and may not be framed or matted.

The photo should be placed in a clear sheet protector.

Photographs can be black and white or color.

The each photo should have a label or note card attached to the back of it with the resident’s name, address, phone number, email, age division and date the photo was taken.

Photos will not be returned upon completion of the contest. Paulding SWCD reserves the right to use all photographs in publications or for promotional purposes.

All entries are due by May 1 to the Paulding SWCD office at 503 Fairground

Drive, Paulding 45879.

Photos will be judged at the 2016 Paulding County Fair.

Prizes will include $25 for first place in each division and $10 for second place in each division.

Contact Staci Miller, education specialist at 419-3994771 or staci.miller@pauldingswcd.org for additional questions.

The Paulding SWCD wants to encourage county residents to take part in this photo contest and go out and enjoy the wonders of nature at the Black Swamp Nature Center.

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