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Jan. 05, 2021
Unfortunately, in Ohio, dealing with soggy pastures, mud, and ruts is all too familiar for livestock producers with stock out on winter pastures. Saturated unfrozen soils, dormant pasture grasses, and high animal pressure/hoof action is a formula for mud. So, what is the big deal about mud? Well, for starters, muddy conditions, especially when it gets to hock level or deeper, increases the nutrient requirements of our livestock. Walking in it requires more energy and wet; cold mud can decrease the insulating ability of the animal’s winter coat. Beyond this, I will suggest that there...
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Jan. 05, 2021
2020 was quite the year of changes for everyone in nearly every aspect of life and 4-H was certainly no exception. We pivoted in March to virtual programming through much of the summer and were able to return to limited in-person 4-H club activities from July through early fall in preparation for this year’s “Junior Fair Only” edition of the Wayne County Fair.
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Jan. 05, 2021
January 2021 is here and though the holidays are over, I’m guessing there are some celebrations that have been delayed until a later date. I’m still enjoying the decorations and a few cookies, but for the most part, we are focused on what 2021 might hold in store for us. As we review the past year, there’s a lot to process or “percolate on” as grandmother used to say. We have lived through a time in history that will be talked about for years to come. The life changes that we have made, the effects on our daily lives, our work, and our schools are points to ponder. Journaling these...
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Dec. 29, 2020
The “off season” is officially here and we now look to the growing season in 2021. The transition from one growing season to the next is often formally rung in by the arrival of seed catalogs, and if you are like me, that means a fairly large pile of them! These are fun to flip through and often have great pictures of the varieties that each respective company is showcasing, but there is a lot more to pay attention too while perusing these catalogs.
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Dec. 29, 2020
The new year inevitably brings with it the idea of a fresh start and a chance to create new goals to work toward. While goals are helpful any time, it’s typically around this time of year that many decide to take on new tasks to accomplish something they would like to change or improve. As you may very well know, these goals and aspirations often fall away before they are achieved. The good news is there are many ways to successfully navigate the challenges that come with trying to reach a new goal.
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Dec. 22, 2020
As we close the year of 2020, I would like to offer the following quote from Edith Lovejoy Pierce who stated, “We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves.
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Dec. 22, 2020
2020 has certainly not been the poster child for “business as usual” but, more accurately, business at its most unusual. The meat processing and supply chain was hit hard this year with disruptions. Temple Grandin discussed alternative business models in a recent article that was published by Forbes. Even if you have no special interest in the beef industry, read on for more information about starting any type of small business in Ohio.
Meat Processors
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Dec. 17, 2020
Due to the increased spread of COVID-19 across the state, Ohio State University is closing all county Extension offices from December 21 to January 1. At this time, we are planning to reopen the office on Monday, January 4 at 8:00 AM. During this time, all staff will be teleworking and will continue to be available by email or by phone at 330-264-8722. Our office will be closed for the holidays on December 24-25 and January 1. Thank you for your patience at this time.
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Dec. 15, 2020
Dairy Scholarship
The Wayne-Ashland Dairy Service Unit is accepting applications for the 2021 DSU Scholarship now through February 15. The Dairy Service Unit is the entity best known for organizing the annual Dairy Twilight Tour. It also seeks to promote the industry in our local communities through other promotional and educational endeavors.
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Dec. 15, 2020
The countdown has arrived - ten days until many will be celebrating Christmas! Other holidays follow quickly, and however you and your loved ones choose to celebrate, time is slipping away, day by day. The shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating and preparations may look different this year, but may we all find a way to pause and recognize that we, to date, have survived a nationwide pandemic. Some things may never be the same again. Our perception of our world may not be the same.
