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Aug. 07, 2015
August provides a window of opportunity to establish a perennial forage stand. The goal should be to get the stand seeded by the end of August. This recommendation is based on average frost dates and the time needed for forage plants to develop a root system and carbohydrate reserves that will allow it to overwinter. For example, alfalfa plants must reach the contractile growth stage, where the growing point is pulled below the soil surface, to overwinter successfully. This takes 8-10 weeks after emergence.
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Aug. 03, 2015
I have had some questions recently about cutting and baling up wheat fields that did not get harvested and for which there is no wheat grain market. I asked Pierce Paul, OSU Extension Agronomic Crop pathologist about possible vomitoxin levels on the wheat straw in this situation. His reply was “research out of the University of Illinois shows that vomitoxin levels are often higher in the straw than in the grain, several folds higher in some cases (double- and even triple-digit levels in some cases).” If vomitoxin is a possibility then the best use for this wheat hay is as bedding in a...
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Aug. 03, 2015
Now is the time for pasture-based livestock operations to begin stockpiling pasture grass if they want to extend the grazing season into late fall and/or winter. To stockpile forage, take a last cutting, clipping or grazing pass in a pasture paddock in early to mid-August and then let the pasture regrow and accumulate forage until the end of the growing season. Stockpiling research and on-farm trial results have shown this timing is the best compromise between quantity of forage stockpiled and quality of forage stockpiled. Beginning earlier can result in more tonnage but quality will...
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Aug. 03, 2015
With all of the wet weather this year – for many it seems like summer has only just begun. However, in a couple of weeks school will be back in session, which means many teens may be having their final summer fun before getting back into the routine of school. Since car crashes are the number one cause of teenage deaths, now is always a good time to remind teens about some simple but important safe-driving tips.
Simple but Crucial
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Jul. 27, 2015
Where did you first learn to manage your money? Maybe it was your first summer job that allowed many of the life lessons that you may use today. According to the findings from the Youth Development Study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2936460/pdf/nihms220511.pdf) teens were surveyed during all 4 years of high school and beyond about their work experiences.
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Jul. 27, 2015
Learn how on-farm solar energy development could help lower costs. Coshocton County Extension is offering a program that will provide participants with an overview of Ohio’s renewable energy and net metering policy as well as on-farm solar applications and assessments. There will be a panel of local farmers currently using solar energy as part of their operations and solar energy equipment and policy experts. Participants may receive a free, personalized solar assessment if they bring their electric bill with them to the program.
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Jul. 27, 2015
Due to the weather challenges faced this year, livestock producers may be looking for some options to add to their forage supplies and/or to produce some higher quality forage. Recently, Mark Sulc, OSU Extension forage specialist, outlined some supplemental forage options. Here is an excerpt from that article:
Early August Plantings
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Jul. 22, 2015
Dear 4-H members, parents, and volunteers,
There are several important 4-H reminders and updates listed below. Please click the headlines for more details.
Only Two Chances Left to Complete Quality Assurance and Skillathon - Tonight (Wednesday July 22nd) and next Tuesday July 28th.
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Jul. 20, 2015
One of my favorite things about summer is eating outside. Really, not just on a picnic table, but cooking food over an open fire or packing a snack or light meal to eat while riding the horses. Whatever your favorite outdoor activity might be, if you take food along, a few extra precautions will make it a safe experience for everyone.
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Jul. 20, 2015
To say that the 2015 wheat harvest was and is problematic is an understatement. The rainy weather that delayed harvest has caused some significant quality issues. Grain sprouting, head scab and potential mycotoxin presence have affected the marketability of the grain. There are now reports of mills and co-ops no longer accepting wheat. So, what are the alternatives to the conventional grain marketing channels? What can be done with low quality grain?
