by CrownRandall | Nov 29, 2024 | Agriculture
Although the Spotted Lanternfly does not pose a direct threat to human health, it feeds on a variety of plants, including grapes, hops, stone fruits, and hardwood trees. Its feeding weakens these plants and produces a sticky, sugary fluid that encourages the growth of sooty mold, further harming crops. While the SLF prefers the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), it can significantly impact many other species.
Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an insect pest that has had people on high alert for some time now. While Darke County is not currently in quarantine, it is important to keep an eye out for SLF and report it if you think you see it.
This article from the OSU Buckeye Yard and Garden Team provides an update on SLF throughout the state and country. https://bygl.osu.edu/node/244
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by CrownRandall | Nov 29, 2024 | Agriculture
In dairy cattle, resumption of postpartum cyclicity is a normal process that takes place during the first 30 days in milk where cows ovulate and develop their corpus luteum. This is needed to re-establish the estrous cycle — every 21-day interval with a range of 17 to 24 days — and pregnancy after parturition. Anestrous and anovulation are often used to define cyclicity and cystic cows. However, these ovarian conditions are often triggered by different causes. Let’s define the ovarian conditions.
One important aspect of managing a dairy operation is having successful reproduction from your cows, as this both causes lactation and replenishes your herd. Multiple reproductive conditions in cattle can make it more difficult for farmers to get them bred.
In this article, OSU Associate Professor Gustavo Schuenemann writes about multiple conditions producers may encounter, and what can be done to manage them. https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/my-cows-are-not-cycling-and-cystic-what-do-i-do/850125.html
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by CrownRandall | Nov 29, 2024 | Agriculture
By mid-November, most cow-calf operators are either feeding hay or will be starting to feed hay very soon. As a general rule, winter feed costs are the largest expense for a cow-calf operation. Hay supply was very tight coming out of 2022, but generally improved throughout the course of 2023 as production levels were higher.
As winter quickly approaches after a year of drought-induced low forage production, it is important to be aware of the current hay supply.
Dr. Kenny Burdine of the University of Kentucky shares details on the hay supply in this article. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/20/hay-supply-is-likely-up-but-winter-feed-costs-still-matter/
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by CrownRandall | Nov 29, 2024 | Agriculture
Cull cows represent nearly 20% of the revenue of a cow-calf beef operation. Since 2022 cull prices for lean, high-yielding cows have been at historical highs. This is in large part due to the severe drought in the western U.S. spanning from 2021-2022.
Although cows represent a large portion of the beef supply and are more valuable than ever, the 2022 National Beef Quality Audit revealed that cow condition and quality had been on a decline.
The value of cull cows is often overlooked, but very important to the U.S. beef market. OSU Extension Beef Specialist Garth Ruff shares his advice for profitably culling cattle in this article. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/11/27/cull-cows-right-way-right-time/
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by CrownRandall | Nov 27, 2024 | Agriculture
VERSAILLES – On November 12th the Ansonia FFA had an unforgettable night at Versailles School for Leadership night. 400 members came together from across District 5 for this exciting event. Upon arrival, the students separated into two groups, by schools, where their leaders for the night were Jayden Hicks, Daniel Hartzell, and Ryan Bowsher.
The theme was all about music; therefore, they played music-related games that had to do with leadership along with other team-building activities. Towards the end of the evening, they were able to mingle with other chapters that were there.
Thank you to the Ohio FFA Association for supporting this event, and Versailles School for hosting. We are grateful to the state officers for dedicating their time and talents to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
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