If you asked what the top three challenges sheep and goat producers are facing, their response would be “parasites, parasites, and parasites”

Buckeye Lady Beetle Blitz and Sprayer Technology Workshop

I am glad I am not a meteorologist.  We finally had winter this year, spending the majority of January and February with snow on the ground.  It now seems that we are going to bypass spring and jump straight into summer.  The 80-degree weather we have had the last couple weeks has accelerated growth of our small grains, hay fields and pastures.  There are reports that some parts of southern Ohio could be cutting hay next week and they are seeing wheat begin to head.  Being further north, we are still a little behind them, but our turn will be coming up quickly.

I would imagine that as soon as soils dry up from the recent rains, field operations will kick into high gear for the start of the 2025 planting season.  No matter how much advanced planning you have done, this time of year always seems rushed.  The seeds will not grow in the bag, and you never know how much of the ideal planting window you will get.

We are entering a time where we need to be aware of early season heat stress in our high production livestock