No-till farming started in the 1960’s and gained steam in the 1970’s (fuel crisis) and the 1980’s (agricultural financial crisis). Glyphosate (Roundup ®) and genetically modified organisms (GMO) innovations also increased no-till farming. But true long-term no-till farming on every acre every year occurs on less than 4-5% of Ohio farms, with most farmers doing…
Category: Farming
Get Involved in On-Farm Research
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Is there a product or growing practice you want to test on your farm? If so, consider hosting an eFields on-farm research trial this year. eFields is Ohio State University’s on-farm research program. Each year, a publication is released with trial details and results. You may find the electronic version of the 2020 eFields Report…
Is Soil Health Real?
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ound in agriculture. After World War II, farmers became reliant on inorganic fertilizer to improve crop yields. Soil organic matter (SOM) levels were still high, so an investment in fertilizer gave big yields. Today, most soils have lost 50-80% SOM, so it takes more fertilizer and environmental problems are getting worse. With improved genetics, crop…
Tax Value of Farmland Expected to Drop
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There’s a bit of good news for Ohio farmers to counter the bad news caused by COVID-19, as well as by last year’s historic rain. In counties scheduled for property value updates in 2020—about half of Ohio’s 88 counties—the average value of farmland enrolled in the Current Agricultural Use Value (CAUV) program should be about…
Paulding FFA Feeds the Farmers!
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By: Paige Jones, Paulding FFA Reporter Throughout the month of October and the first half of November, the Paulding FFA chapter has been feeding the farmers around Paulding county. The chapter first started doing this last year and found that it was a good way to support local farmers and thank them for their countless…
Nutrient Application Rules Update Lunch & Learn November 19th
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By: Patrick Troyer, Paulding SWCD Are you unsure of the rules and regulations regarding nutrient application in Ohio? Do you want to know what cost share programs and resources are available to assist you? Join us at the Black Swamp Nature Center on November 19th at 11:00 a.m. for our next Lunch & Learn! Oh…
Paulding SWCD 5th Grade Field Day Returns September 27th!
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By: Patrick Troyer, Paulding SWCD The Paulding Soil & Water Conservation District is excited to announce that our annual 5th Grade Field Day is set for Friday, September 27th at the Black Swamp Nature Center and Paulding County Fairgrounds. If school should be canceled due to fog, there is a backup date set for a…
Finding Solutions on the Farm Even in Tough Times
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In talking to farmers across the Midwest, Jolene Brown, a professional speaker and family business consultant, offers some unexpected advice to those overwhelmed by the stress of cultivating the land. Call your family doctor, she’ll say. “When you make the appointment, tell them you have a sore throat.” A sore throat? The farmer will look…
Helping Farmers Face Extreme Weather, Climate Challenges
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Despite facing a surge in annual rainfall and increased risks of fields eroding and weeds and insects spreading, farmers can build resilience. That’s one of the central messages of “Climate Smart: Farming with Weather Extremes,” a July 18 conference where farmers and others in agriculture can learn ways to adapt to the growing challenges of…
Federal Change to Assist Farmers Who Plant Cover Crops
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Farmers prevented from planting a cash crop due to unrelenting rain can now sow a cover crop and still be eligible to receive some federal trade assistance. This aid is in addition to crop insurance payments on those acres. The change in policy on cover crops that the U.S. Department of Agriculture made on July…
Hay Inventory Severely Low Across Midwest
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Excessive rainfall has not only hindered soybean and corn farmers’ attempts to plant, but has contributed to a near record-low level of hay to feed livestock in Ohio and across the Midwest. The hay inventory in Ohio has dipped to the fourth lowest level in the 70 years of reporting inventory, leaving farmers struggling to…
Excess Rainfall Impacting Tomato Plants
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I’ve grown tomato plants in my central Ohio backyard for the past couple of years, as part of my efforts to make healthier food choices for my family. But this year, the leaves on the tomato plants are discolored and dying. What’s going on with the plants, and can my tomatoes be saved? It’s wonderful…
Paulding FFA has Successful Fair Week
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By: Reporter Paige Jones During last week’s fair, the Paulding FFA had many members participate in a variety of activities. This year’s fair was June 8th-15th, with many activities each day. On Monday, several members participated in the annual king and queen contest. Riley Noffsinger was this year’s king, Kalyn Strahley was queen, Shannon Hale…
