I hope this Newsletter finds you well. The cold temperatures, as well as snow and some ice, have been common throughout the week (https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_39037). The weather will be referred to several times throughout the Newsletter; specifically the positive and negative impacts of frost. The freezing and thawing cycle of winter can be beneficial, in the case of frost seeding, or negative, in the case of heaving. The roads can be slick, so be sure to stay safe while traveling.
HPAI in Darke County and the surrounding region continues to be an important topic. The number of cases has continued to grow since late last year when the first outbreak was confirmed. Nearby counties, particularly Mercer, but now including Van Wert and Auglaize, have confirmed cases as well. Proper biosecurity measures are essential. Avoiding unnecessary contact with poultry, using footbaths and disposable boots, and proper sanitation of people and equipment are important practices. Other biosecurity measures, 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
The next Darke County Garden Roundtable will be rescheduled to a future date in the near future.
I will be at Greenville Public Library on March 6th at 11:00 a.m. to discuss Seed Starting as part of their seed swap program. Here, we will the practice of starting your own seeds for your garden, best practices and equipment, transplanting, and more. I hope to see you there!
This week’s Newsletter topics include:
Considerations for Soybean Trait Programs
Corn Vomitoxin Resistance Screening Program
Frost Seeding Forages
Hobby Maple Syrup Production
Managing Frost Heave in Alfalfa
Teff Grass for Forage Production
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