I hope this Newsletter finds you well. Cooler temperatures and rain have been prominent recently, finally bringing Darke County out of the abnormally dry classification for now, but also continuing to limit the amount of field and garden work that can be done (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037. Another update on the weather will be shared in the attached Newsletter, providing more specific details.
Yesterday, April 10th, was National Farm Animals Day. Livestock production is extremely valuable to Darke County and to the world as a whole. Farm animals of all types, on all sizes of farms, help to feed the world, so let’s celebrate our local livestock producers.
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 at Worch Library on May 15th at 4:00 p.m. to conduct the program Spring Into Gardening. We’ll discuss the makings of a spring garden, what plants to grow, and how to help them be successful. I hope to see you there!
The next Darke County Garden Roundtable will be 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:
· Ag-Related Bills in the Ohio State Legislature
· Alfalfa Weevil Scouting
· Deciding When to Start Grazing
· Nutrient Content of Poultry Litter Compost
· US Dairy Export Destinations
· Weather Update
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.
by Caden Buschur, Darke County Extension Educator