I hope this Newsletter finds you well. The ground has dried out some after the heavy rains, allowing a slight uptick in field work (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037. This week’s Newsletter will feature an article discussing the very wet period and how it impacts nitrogen management for wheat fields.
This past Monday, April 14th, was National Gardening Day. There are many ways to garden, regardless of what resources you have available. Gardening comes with several benefits, including self-sufficiency, healthy and economical food production, as well as activity and personal enjoyment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, never hesitate to reach out with any garden-related questions.
On the topic of gardening, there will be an opportunity to obtain free seeds through the Darke County Garden Giveaway. The OSU Extension office will be offering free packets of seed, with each large packet containing smaller packets of spinach, cucumber, green bean, carrot, and lettuce seed. Planting information will be included in the seed packet. Let me know if you are interested in these seeds or if you have any questions.
There has been a recent case of HPAI in Darke County, so continue monitoring the situation and gathering information from 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 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:
Fertilizing Pastures After a Drought
Forage Quality Analysis Service
Importance of Water and Calf Starter for Future Performance
Paying for Long-Term Care Without Losing the Farm
Recent Rain Patterns and Their Impact on Nitrogen Management
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