I hope this Newsletter finds you well. We’ve had some typical back-and-forth weather at the beginning of spring, but hopefully, nice weather will be here to stay before long (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037). Some field work has begun already, and the fields will be buzzing with activity before we know it.
While there haven’t been any officially confirmed cases recently, it is important to remain aware of HPAI in Darke County and the surrounding region. Continue using proper biosecurity measures when working with backyard flocks. More information on biosecurity, as well as the latest numbers of Bird Flu, can be tracked at the ODA website: https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/animal-health/hpai/01-poultry
I’ll be discussing Pheasants at Worch Library on April 10th at 6:00 p.m. We’ll be discussing pheasants in nature, raising pheasants, and what we can do to support pheasants. I’ll be joined by a special guest, and I hope to see you there.
The next Darke County Garden Roundtables will be April 9th at 12:00 p.m., and April 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The agenda is attached.
The next Darke County Ag Breakfast will be April 25th at 7:30 a.m. at Jack’s Cabin in Greenville.
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
· Early Spring Lawncare
· FARMS Comprehensive Tool for Farm Transition Planning
· Forming a Nutrient Management Plan
· How and Why to Hire an Arborist
· How to Onboard New Hires Successfully
· Using Early Seeded Spring Forage to Fill Shortfalls
I hope you enjoy this week’s Newsletter, and as always, never hesitate to reach out to me and let me know how I can best serve you and all of Darke County
DARKE COUNTY – The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) announces the deadline of June 1 (No Exceptions) for the Darke County Quality Assurance (QA).
All junior fair exhibitors taking a market or lactating animal must complete a quality assurance.
Exhibitors are eligible to test out at ages 12-14 & 15-18 as of January 1, 2025. You MUST receive 70% to pass. By appointment ONLY – March 25, March 27, & April 2. Register at go.osu.edu/2025darkecoqatestout
In-person sessions will be held at Birchwood Training Center, 5844 Jaysville-St. John Rd, on April 9th, April 15th, April 24th, and May 22nd, beginning at 7 p.m. Register at go.osu.edu/2025darkecoqa
DARKE COUNTY – On March 25, 2025 Darke County Holstein 4-H club held their March meeting at Kellers Feed Mill at 8:00 P.M.
The meeting was called to order, and members were reminded to pay dues and pay for Record books. They were also reminded to get enrollment done by April 1st. On March 4th was the skating party. We had 18 members there. Any members getting turkeys need to pick them up on April 3rd. Lease agreements are due April 15th see Jr Fair website. Trash Bash is April 12th.
We will meet at Kellers at 9:00 am. You can also pick up trash bash items on Friday, April 11th, at the fairgrounds after 3:30. We also decided to sell fair tickets.
Darke County 4-H camp is June 24-28 at Indian Hills 4-H camp. All registrations must be in by June 7th. We will have three counselors there, Wyatt Homan, Will Aultman, and Sophia Aultman.
Dairy Skillathon is June 21st, 9-11 am along with feeder calf tagging. Makeup is July 19th, 9-1 am.
Beef Skillathon is July 29th, 6-8 pm. Rabbit Skillathon is June 7th, 9-11 am, and July 15th, 6-8 pm, in the swine barn. Rabbit tagging is 26th from 9 am to 1 pm. We got our Record Books. Then we played bingo over the animal parts of a steer and a cow.
CELINA – On Monday, the Versailles FFA members attended the Emerging Ag Conference at Wright State Lake University.
During the conference there were local business vendors, remarks from State Officer, Jayden Hicks, keynote speaker, Emily Mullen talking about the journey of how she started her business of bottling her own milk with over 35 flavors to offer called Mullen Dairy & Creamery in Butler county, door prizes, and a trade show.
They also rewarded Steve Buschur for being a Versailles FFA member who attended the Emerging Ag Conference, including Paige Gehret, Greta Broering, Rhylan Broerman, Maggie McGlinch, Lucy Schitmeyer, Emily Mullen, Brooklyn Livingston, Jayna Luthman, Patrick McGlinch and advisors Mrs Wuebker and Ms. Taylor Begman.
Steve Buschur of North Star was Named the Supporter of the Year by Wright State University Lake Campus. (Submitted photo)
At the event Wright State University recognized Steve Buschur of North Star as the Supporter of the Year and Derek and Craig Albers for Lecturer of the Year.
Thank you, Wright State Lake Campus Ag Department, for inviting the Versailles FFA!
