by CrownRandall | Dec 11, 2024 | Farming Report
DARKE COUNTY – Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is accepting applications from Darke County landowners interested in selling an agricultural easement on their farms through January 31, 2025. Darke SWCD has received an allocation from the Clean Ohio Fund to select, close and monitor easements under the Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP) to protect local farmland.
The program allows landowners to voluntarily sell easements on their farms to the state of Ohio. The easement requires the farm to remain permanently in agriculture production. Selected farms must be 40 acres or more, actively engaged in farming, participate in the Current Agricultural Use Valuation program, demonstrate good stewardship of the land, have the support of their local government and not lay directly in the path of development. Landowners may use the proceeds of the easement in any way they wish, but most reinvest it in their farm operations.
Funding for the state’s farmland preservation efforts is derived from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, approved by voters in 2008, and used to purchase agricultural easements from willing sellers through a competitive process. From 2002 to 2022, 589 family farms in 61 Ohio counties have collectively preserved 91,507 acres in agricultural production. Permanent easements preserved under related programs bring the total acres currently preserved in Ohio to over 106,000.
Interested applicants can request an application by contacting the Darke SWCD office at 937.548.1715 ext. 3 or stop by at 1117 Southtowne Court in Greenville.
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by CrownRandall | Dec 11, 2024 | Farming Report
VERSAILLES – Congratulations to the 8th grade Versailles FFA members who placed 3rd at the State FFA Novice Parliamentary Procedure contest on Saturday, Dec 7th at Delaware Career Center.
The 3rd place team consisted of President Abby Wilker, Vice President Blair Schellhase, Secretary Elizabeth Grieshop, Treasurer Blake Pitsenbarger, Reporter Isabel Grisez, Sentinel Kacey Borchers, Student Advisor Allison Bergman and Member Vera Pearson.
The team provided a 15-minute presentation and demonstration of how to conduct a business meeting.
A special thank you to Miss Bergman for coaching the team. Congrats to all!
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by CrownRandall | Dec 9, 2024 | Farming Report
VERSAILLES – On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Versailles FFA hosted a DIY Pine arrangement class in the Ag Shop with Mental Health Awareness and focused on FFA members sharing their own individual talents.
Throughout the night there were speakers which included: Paige Gehret talked about making bows and Poinsettias, Nicole Keller, a Licenced Professional Clinical Counselor, spoke about how pine impacts your mental health, Eden and Liam Barga explained their SAE of goat production and demonstrated how to make goat milk fudge, Danica York gave a presentation about her SAE and wood carvings, and Kim Stockslager from Brown’s Nursery talked about different types of pine and gave a demonstration on arranging a pine display. Overall there were 38 large pine arrangements and small pine arrangements designed by the individuals that attended the class.
Throughout the night there were facts provided about handling holiday stress and the impact of mental health. They included: That 69% of people report feeling increased stress and anxiety during the holiday season, and the leading causes are financial strain, time constraints, and family gatherings. Ways to manage holiday stress can include: Setting a budget, prioritizing self-care, simplifying expectations, planning ahead, saying “no” when necessary, and connecting with support. SAD or seasonal affective disorder can worsen when added to holiday pressure. 50% of people report that the holidays affect their mental health. Snacks and door prizes were provided.
A special thank you to Versailles FFA members for assisting especially the greenhouse committee that helped plan and carry out this event which included Margaret Schmitmeyer, Brooklyn Livingston, Adam Rauh, Liam Barga, Ava Jennings, Keira Rahm and Abby Henry.
Thank you to Brown’s Nursery for supplying the pine and thank you to Brooklyn Livingston for supplying pine cones and Maraget Schmitmeter for supplying red berries.
Thank you to Nicole Keller, Liam and Eden Barga, Paige Gehret, Danica York and Kim Stockslarger for sharing their talents for the program. The Versailles FFA would like to thank everyone who made this event possible!
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by CrownRandall | Dec 8, 2024 | Farming Report
Calf Price Update: “Calf and feeder cattle prices have jumped higher over the last few weeks. Several factors are working together to boost prices including rain, fewer calves for sale, and maybe even the impact of import restrictions on Mexican cattle due to screwworm regulations.” Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M University shares an update on recent calf prices, the factors that influence those prices, and how they compare to normal trends. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/04/climbing-calf-prices/
Christmas Tree Options: “As the battle rages on whether to purchase a ‘Real’ tree every year or an Artificial tree that can be stored and put up every year, what’s the ‘Right’ choice? For some, this can be very personal causing stress even among family members. One possible solution, ‘Why not just do both!’” As we begin decorating for the Christmas season, it’s worth taking a look at this article from OSU Extension Educator, Thomas DeHaas, to consider whether a real or artificial tree suits us best. Here, DeHaas discusses the history of artificial trees, the modern artificial tree industry, and the advantages and disadvantages of both types. He also discusses maintenance and reminds us that we could do what his family does, and just have both styles of Christmas tree. https://bygl.osu.edu/index.php/node/2444
Knowing Your Colostrum’s Bacteria Levels: “Pasteurization has been used for over 100 years as a tool to decrease bacteria levels in raw milk and keep consumers of milk safe. More recently, pasteurization has also been adopted as part of many calf-feeding programs to reduce bacteria levels in milk and the transmission of diseases like Johne’s disease and bovine leukosis virus.” Colostrum is an essential part of a newborn calf’s diet, and it is important to ensure the product is of good quality before feeding. In this article, OSU Extension Specialist Jason Hartschuh discusses the proper management of colostrum, including pasteurization, udder hygiene, and other important topics to make sure your calves are being provided with ideal nutrition. https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/do-you-know-your-colostrum-bacteria-levels/851825.html
Managing Cattle Through the Changing Seasons: “In All Creatures Great and Small, author James Herriot reflects on the routine of caring for animals through the changing seasons, ‘the winter days are closing in, the snow had begun to fall, and I felt the reassuring weight of the work ahead—the routine of feeding, checking, and caring for the animals that were always at my side, no matter the weather. This sentiment remains relevant today, as the abrupt shift from warm late fall weather to a sudden cold snap marks the beginning of winter. Such transitions highlight how quickly seasons can turn, influencing both pasture conditions and livestock care. As forage growth halts and plants enter dormancy, the remaining forage becomes more like standing hay than pasture. Managing this change, as Herriot alludes to, requires flexibility and vigilance to ensure both animal welfare and pasture quality are maintained.” As the weather quickly becomes colder, caring for livestock can bring new challenges. Retired NRCS Agronomist Victor Shelton shares his wisdom on managing these challenges in this article. Shelton covers a range of topics, including forage conditions, temporary fencing, and animal nutrition. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/04/managing-the-change-in-weather-requires-flexibility/
Winter Application of Manure in Ohio: “With the colder weather, some livestock producers will be applying manure on frozen ground. Here are some things to keep in mind. For the article below, frozen ground would be soil that you cannot inject the manure into or cannot conduct tillage within 24 hours to incorporate the manure. Permitted farms are not allowed to apply manure in the winter unless it is an extreme emergency, and then movement to other suitable storage is usually the selected alternative. Several commercial manure applicators have established manure storage ponds in recent years to help address this issue.” With winter quickly approaching and cold weather already upon us, it is important for livestock producers to fully understand regulations regarding the application of manure throughout the colder months. In this article, OSU Extension Manure Field Specialist, Glen Arnold, reminds us of regulations throughout Ohio, and also of the specific rules for those in the Grand Lake Saint Marys and Western Lake Erie Basin watersheds. Take a look at this article to make sure you understand the winter manure application rules that must be followed. https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-41/winter-application-manure-ohio
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by CrownRandall | Dec 8, 2024 | Farming Report
VERSAILLES – On Monday, December 2nd, Versailles FFA Members visited the Versailles Senior Citizen Community Center to celebrate the monthly birthdays. Every month Versailles FFA will celebrate birthdays with cake and ice cream and conduct a special activity. As part of the birthday celebration, Versailles FFA brought along winter crafts and assisted in making ornaments and icing cookies.
In addition Versailles FFA brought cards and a poster are brought to those who had birthdays in December. Versailles FFA members that helped include: Abby Henry, Ava Jennings, Greta Broering, Rhyland Broerman, Gabe McGlinch, Gracie Henry, Kayle Petitjean, Josh Henry, Josie Pothast, Kolt Petitjean, and Brooklyn Livingston.
A special thank you to Betsy Petitjean who helped supply materials and her assistance with the December craft.
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by CrownRandall | Dec 3, 2024 | Farming Report
DARKE COUNTY – On October 14, 2024 members of the Chapter brought meals to farmers in the fields this harvest season. The meal included two Winner’s cheeseburgers, a bag of chips, a candy bar, along with a note thanking the farmers for their work.
This year’s Meals on Wheels was sponsored by Axis Seeds; which is a fast-growing independent seed company. They sent a goodie bag to go along with the meals; the bag included, a small first aid kit, wet wipes, portable soap, safety glasses, a small flashlight, a keychain, plastic gloves, a multipurpose pocket knife, ear plugs, and a bottle of water.
The members who participated were Aldon Edger, Ethan Grow, Daniel Hartzell, Matalin Meyer, Casen Gower, Brooklyn Crain, Hailey Buddo, Leland Neukam, Peyton Wolfe, and Makalya Grow.
A huge thank you to Amanda Grow, Christi Hummel, Jessica Gower, Heather Manning, and Kristi Edger who drove the members to the fields. Thank you to all FFA members, community members, and Axis Seeds for your support!
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