by CrownRandall | Nov 16, 2024 | Agriculture
The impact of ruminant grazing on ecosystems is complex and fascinating. When managed properly, grazing can promote plant growth, enhance soil health, and contribute to increased carbon sequestration. Practices like rotational grazing help to maintain vegetation and soil quality, but improper management can lead to overgrazing, resulting in soil degradation, loss of vegetation, and reduced carbon storage.
In this article, Retired NRCS Agronomist and Grazing Specialist Victor Shelton discusses the connection between weather, forages, and carbon sequestration. Specific topics include normal weather compared to average weather, the health of the soil, and how different grazing practices can impact the amount of carbon sequestered. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/06/normal-vs-average-weather-and-the-impact-on-forages/
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by CrownRandall | Nov 16, 2024 | Agriculture
Is anyone keeping heifers? It’s a question I’ve been asked at every Cattlemen’s meeting I’ve been to this fall—and one I’ve been asking myself. The answer appears to be a definitive no from all the information I’ve gathered.
In this article, James Mitchell of the University of Arkansas discusses the current heifer market, and more specifically, whether most beef producers are keeping heifers at the moment. Mitchell shares several details and charts in this article to help explain the current market. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/13/is-anyone-keeping-heifers/
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by CrownRandall | Nov 16, 2024 | Agriculture
The most prevalent types of pasture plants that we use in Ohio are cool-season forages. It is normal for these cool-season forages to enter a dormancy period to survive through the warmest and driest part of summer to come out productive in the fall.
When the drought was at its worst, we could clearly see the negative impact it was having on grasses, weather in our lawns or our forage crops. As OSU Extension Educator Cristine Gelley discusses in this article, the commonly planted grasses in Ohio often go dormant during warm and dry times, but then are able to bounce back when moisture arrives. In this case, however, there is a higher likelihood that some of that grass has died completely due to the severity of the drought.
Read through this article to learn more about the reasons for grass death, and to help you make decisions on how to repair your forages. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/13/is-the-grass-dead-or-dormant/
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by CrownRandall | Nov 14, 2024 | Agriculture
ARCANUM – On November 12, 2024 the Joyful Jets 4-H Club met at Trinity Methodist Church in Arcanum for a regularly scheduled 4-H meeting. Vice President, Brooklyn Miller, called the meeting to order and led the pledges and motto. Secretary, Cheyenne Swisher, did roll call and read minutes from the previous meeting. Recreations Leader, Hudson Wehrley led the club in a game. The Treasurers Report was given by Isaac Wiant and Garett Miller gave a Safety Report.
In Old Business, please write thank you notes for any trophies won at the fair.
In New Business, the election of the club’s 2025 officers and 2025 program committee sign-ups were postponed to the next meeting due to low member attendance. Project sign-up for the 2025 year is available now through April 1, 2025. Members, please let Susan know if you are interested in helping with any activities for the club Christmas party at the next meeting. Trash Bash forms for 2025 are now available online from the Darke County Solid Waste District. The amount paid has increased to $100 per section, participation forms are due March 7, 2025 and the Trash Bash t-shirt design contest entries are due January 31, 2025.
Lexi Myers did public speaking. November birthdays were recognized, James Enicks gave a devotion, and the meeting was adjourned. Members enjoyed refreshments provided by the Myers family. The next meeting will be December 10th at 6:00 pm at Trinity Methodist Church.
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by CrownRandall | Nov 11, 2024 | Agriculture
The Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA chapter hosted Tractor Drive-In Day on September 13. The farm equipment was parked in The Nest parking lot on State Route 47 so everyone who drove by would see them. This reminds everyone that harvest season is starting and they need to slow down and share the roads with farm equipment.
The members who participated were Shane Germann, Ethan Loy, Gretchen Rodeheffer, Ethan Grow, Kyle Wehrkamp, Leland Kauffman, Tristan Muhlenkamp, Tenlee Woodbury, Quentin Hanes, Daniel Hartzell, Ty Houser, Hunter Cox, McKinley Stachler, Colten Hiestand, and Jaxin Beanblosson.
This was a great way to remind everyone to stay safe on the roads this harvest season.
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